NUR118 Topic 1: Introduction, Organ Systems, Chemistry, and Biochemistry

Flashcards covering introductory concepts in anatomy, physiology, organ systems, homeostasis pathways, body cavities, and foundational biochemistry from NUR118 Topic 1.

How is anatomy defined in the lecture?

Anatomy is defined as the study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another.

How is physiology defined in the lecture?

Physiology is defined as the study of the function of body parts, specifically how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

In microscopic anatomy, what is the distinction between cytology and histology?

Cytology is the study of cells, whereas histology is the study of tissues.

What two body cavities are contained within the dorsal body cavity?

The cranial cavity (which contains the brain) and the vertebral cavity (which contains the spinal cord).

What are the two primary subdivisions of the ventral body cavity?

The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

What 11 organ systems of the human body are listed in the lecture?

Nervous, Endocrine, Immune, Integumentary, Haematological, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive.

What eight requirements for life are listed for human organisms?

Maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

How is homeostasis defined in the lecture notes?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous changes in the environment.

In a homeostatic mechanism, which pathway carries input information from the receptor to the control center?

The afferent pathway.

In a homeostatic mechanism, which pathway carries output information from the control center to the effector?

The efferent pathway.

What is the difference between negative feedback and positive feedback mechanisms?

Negative feedback reduces or shuts off the original stimulus, while positive feedback enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus.

What five survival needs for an organism are specified in the lecture?

Nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure.

How is an element defined in the chemistry section of the lecture?

Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances, made up of atoms that give it its particular physical and chemical properties.

How is a compound defined in contrast to a general molecule?

A compound is a specific molecule that has 2 or more different kinds of atoms bonded together, whereas a molecule is a general term for 2 or more atoms bonded together.

What are the four most abundant elements in the human body and their percentages?

Oxygen (61\text{\textpercent}), Carbon (23\text{\textpercent}), Hydrogen (10\text{\textpercent}), and Nitrogen (2.6\text{\textpercent}).

What percentages of the human body's atomic structure are composed of Calcium and Phosphorus?

Calcium ($Ca$) makes up 1.4\text{\textpercent} and Phosphorus ($P$) makes up 1.1\text{\textpercent}.

What are the chemical symbols for the common cations listed in the lecture?

Sodium ($Na^+$), Potassium ($K^+$), Hydrogen ($H^+$), Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$), and Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$).

What are the chemical symbols for the common anions listed in the lecture?

Chloride ($Cl^-$), Hydroxide ($OH^-$), Bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$), Sulfate ($SO_4^{2-}$), and Phosphate ($PO_4^{3-}$).

What is the chemical formula and description of Glucose provided in the lecture?

The chemical formula is $C_6H_{12}O_6$, consisting of 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen.

What two definitions for a receptor are given in the lecture?

1) A peripheral nerve ending specialised for response to a particular stimulus that turns the stimulus into an action potential; 2) A molecule that binds specifically with other molecules (such as hormones or neurotransmitters) to pass on information.