Dr. Cohn Anatomy and Physiology Lecture 1 Exam

Flashcards covering key concepts in anatomy and physiology, including definitions and explanations of important terms.

What is the definition of Anatomy?

Study of body structure including shape, mass, volume, and how parts connect.

What does the word “gross” mean in gross anatomy?

Large and visible to the naked eye.

What does Physiology focus on?

The study of how body parts work, interact, and maintain homeostasis.

What is Homeostasis?

Maintenance of a stable internal environment within narrow physiological limits.

What is Negative Feedback?

A process that counteracts deviations from a set-point to restore stability.

What is Positive Feedback?

Process that “intensifies or amplifies” a change until a major physiological event is completed.

What are Macromolecules?

Large, complex molecules necessary for life, specifically proteins, nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), carbohydrates, and lipids.

What is an electrolyte?

A charged ion that conducts electricity in body fluids (ionize).

What happens during Metastasis?

Spread of cancer cells to new locations.

Identify Simple Squamous Epithelium: Structure, Function, and Example.

Structure: A single layer of very thin, flat cells. Function: Facilitates rapid diffusion and filtration. Example: Found in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.

Identify Stratified Squamous Epithelium: Structure, Function, and Example.

Structure: Multiple layers of flat cells. Function: Provides protection against friction and abrasion. Example: Found in the skin (epidermis) and the lining of the esophagus.

Compare Simple vs. Stratified Epithelium structure and function.

Simple epithelium has “one layer” and is designed for transport/absorption, whereas stratified epithelium has “many layers” and is built for physical protection.

What occurs at the Chemical Level of organization?

This is the most basic level where atoms (like carbon and hydrogen) combine to form molecules (like water and proteins).

What occurs at the Cellular Level of organization?

At this level, various molecules come together to form the cell, which is the smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

What is the Organ System Level?

This level consists of a group of different organs that coordinate their actions to meet a major physiological need, such as the digestive or respiratory systems.

What is the Organismal Level?

This is the highest level of organization, representing the total living human being where all structural levels work in harmony to maintain life.

Identify Simple Cuboidal Epithelium: Structure, Function, and Example.

Structure: A single layer of cube-shaped cells. Function: Specialized for secretion and absorption. Example: Found lining the tubules of the kidneys.

Identify Simple Columnar Epithelium: Structure, Function, and Example.

Structure: A single layer of tall, column-like cells. Function: Absorption and secretion; often has microvilli.** Example:** Lines the majority of the digestive tract.

What is the unique ability of Transitional Epithelium?

Transitional epithelium can change its shape (stretch) based on fluid pressure, which allows organs like the urinary bladder to expansion and contract.

What is Areolar Connective Tissue known for?

It is a loose connective tissue known as the 'universal packing material' because it wraps and cushions organs and holds other tissues in place.

What are the roles of Adipose Tissue?

Composed of** fat **cells (adipocytes), it functions as energy storage, provides thermal insulation, and acts as a protective cushion for organs.

What is Hyaline Cartilage and where is it located?

It is the most common type of cartilage, providing firm but flexible support. It is found in the nose, at the ends of long bones in joints, and connecting ribs to the sternum.

What defines Bone (Osseous Tissue)?

Bone is a “hard” connective tissue with a calcified, mineral-rich matrix. It provides structural support, skeletal protection, and stores calcium for the body.

Why is Blood considered a Connective Tissue?

Blood is a “fluid tissue” because it consists of living cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets) suspended in a non-living fluid matrix called plasma.

What is the one-word definition of anatomy?

Structure.

Physiology (Vocabulary)

Function

Histology (Vocabulary)

Tissues

Cytology (Vocabulary)

Cells

Homeostasis (Vocabulary)

Stability

Biopsy (Vocabulary)

Sampling

Metastasis (Vocabulary)

Spreading

Ions (Vocabulary)

Electrolytes

Tissues (Vocabulary)

Groups

Avascular (Vocabulary)

Bloodless

Gross Anatomy (Vocabulary)

Macroscopic

Histopathology (Vocabulary)

Diagnosis

What are the four main tissue types found in the human body?

1. Epithelial Tissue: Covers and lines surfaces.\n2. Connective Tissue: Supports and binds structures.\n3. Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement through contraction.\n4. Nervous Tissue: Transmits electrical signals for communication.

Identify the three common shapes of epithelial cells.

1. Squamous: Thin and flat (like scales).\n2. Cuboidal: Box-like, roughly as tall as they are wide.\n3. Columnar: Tall and narrow, resembling columns.

Identify the two types of epithelial layering and their general functions.

1. Simple Epithelium: A single layer typically used for absorption, secretion, and filtration.\n2. Stratified Epithelium: Multiple layers typically used for protection against high-abrasion environments.

Identify the six levels of structural organization in the body from simplest to most complex.

1. Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules.\n2. Cellular Level: Smallest unit of life.\n3. Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells.\n4. Organ Level: Multiple tissues working together.\n5. Organ System Level: Groups of organs with a shared function.\n6. Organismal Level: The whole human being.

List the four components of negative feedback.

Stimulus/signal, receptor, control center, and effector.

Name the two major body cavities and their subdivisions.

1. Dorsal Cavity: Includes the Cranial and Spinal cavities.\n2. Ventral Cavity: Includes the Thoracic (chest) and Abdominopelvic cavities.

Describe the structure and function of Simple Squamous Epithelium with an example.

• Structure: A single layer of very thin, flat cells.\n- Function: Designed for rapid diffusion and filtration due to its thinness.\n- Example: Found in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.

What is the unique feature of Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium and where is it found?

• Feature: It appears layered because the nuclei are at different heights, but it is actually a single layer of cells extending to the base.\n- Function: Often ciliated to move mucus.\n- Location: Primarily found in the trachea (windpipe).

Describe Transitional Epithelium: Feature, Function, and Location.

• Feature: Cells that change shape (from round to flat).\n- Function: Highly elastic to allow for stretching under fluid pressure.\n- Location: Found in the urinary bladder.

Identify the features and function of Areolar Connective Tissue.

• Feature: A loose arrangement of fibers and ground substance; the most widely distributed connective tissue.\n- Function: Acts as a 'universal packing material' that cushions and supports organs.

Identify the features and functions of Adipose Tissue.

• Feature: Dominated by fat cells (adipocytes).\n- Functions: Long-term energy storage, thermal insulation (heat retention), and mechanical cushioning for organs.

How do Negative Feedback and Positive Feedback mechanisms differ?

Negative feedback reverses a change while positive feedback amplifies the change.

What is systemic anatomy?

Studying the body by organ systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, etc.).

What is regional anatomy?

Studying the body by specific regions (thorax, abdomen, head).

Name cell structures visible with electron microscopy.

Desmosomes, tight junctions, gap junctions.

How are anatomy and physiology related?

They are two sides of the same coin; structure determines function.

How does bladder structure relate to its function?

It is hollow and expandable, allowing urine storage and release.

How does stomach structure relate to its function?

It is hollow and expandable, allowing food mixing and digestion.

What variables are regulated by homeostasis?

Temperature, pH, blood sugar, blood gases, and blood pressure.

What are the primary elements of the body?

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen (also sulfur and phosphorus).

What is the most abundant molecule in the body?

Water (H₂O).

What are macromolecules?

Large biological molecules such as proteins and DNA.

What is a tissue?

A group of identical cells working together to perform a function.

What tissue types make up the urinary bladder?

Epithelial (lining), smooth muscle (contraction), connective (elasticity).

What organs make up the urinary system?

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

What are the functions of the urinary system?

Filters blood, regulates ions and water balance, stores and eliminates urine.

How does the urinary system interact with other systems?

Cardiovascular supplies blood; nervous and endocrine systems regulate urine volume.

What is an ion?

A charged atom or molecule.

What is an anion?

A negatively charged ion (more electrons).

What is a cation?

A positively charged ion (fewer electrons).

Important cations in physiology?

Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, H⁺.

Important anions in physiology?

Cl⁻, PO₄³⁻, HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻.

Why are ions important?

They are essential for nerve signaling, muscle contraction, heart contraction, and fluid balance.

What defines an organ?

A structure made of at least two tissue types working together.

Why don’t organs contain all tissue types?

They only contain tissues necessary for their function.

What tools are required for histology?

Light microscope, microtome, stains/dyes.

What is pathology?

The study of disease.

What is histopathology?

Diagnosing disease from tissue samples.

What is a biopsy?

A tissue sample collected for evaluation.

What does a histopathologist do?

Examines tissue to distinguish benign from malignant disease.

Steps in processing a biopsy?

Examine tissue, chemically treat, cut thin sections, stain.

Steps in evaluating a biopsy?

Analyze cells under microscope and report findings.

What is a tumor?

Abnormal tissue growth.

What is a benign tumor?

Non-cancerous and does not spread.

What is a malignant tumor?

Cancerous and capable of spreading.

What is metastasis?

Spread of cancer cells to new locations.

How can cancer spread?

Blood, lymph, or direct invasion.

Basal cell carcinoma characteristics?

Very common, slow growing, rarely metastasizes.

Melanoma characteristics?

Highly malignant, aggressive, spreads early.

Key features of epithelial tissue?

Tightly packed, avascular, highly regenerative.

Apical vs basal surface?

Apical faces surface/cavity; basal attaches to connective tissue.

Junction types in epithelium?

Tight junctions, gap junctions, desmosomes, hemidesmosomes.

Key features of connective tissue?

Sparse cells, abundant extracellular matrix.

Fiber types in connective tissue?

Collagen (strength), elastin (stretch), reticular (support).

Difference between bone tissue and a bone?

Bone tissue is connective tissue; a bone is an organ.

Function of muscle tissue?

Contraction and movement.

Skeletal muscle features?

Long, striated, multinucleated, voluntary.

Smooth muscle features?

Non-striated, involuntary, lines hollow organs.

Cardiac muscle features?

Branched, striated, involuntary, connected by intercalated discs.

Origin of the heartbeat?

Pacemaker cells generate electrical signals automatically.

How does cardiac muscle contract together?

Electrical excitation via ionic current spreads through gap junctions.

Main cell of nervous tissue?

Neuron.

Function of axons and dendrites?

Dendrites receive signals; axons send signals.

What is simple squamous epithelium?

Single layer of thin, flat cells for diffusion.