Human Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 24 - Metabolism & Nutrition

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key nutrients and metabolic processes from Chapter 24 of Human Anatomy & Physiology.

Nutrients

Molecules obtained from food that the body requires for metabolic processes.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts that make up the bulk of our diet, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals required in small amounts for various metabolic processes.

Essential nutrients

Nutrients that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

Complete proteins

Proteins that supply all essential amino acids, typically found in animal proteins.

Saturated fats

Lipids where all carbon atoms are joined by single bonds, typically solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated fats

Lipids that contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, typically found in plant oils.

Essential fatty acids

Fatty acids the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from the diet, such as linoleic and linolenic acid.

Soluble fiber

Dietary fiber that dissolves in water and is fermented by intestinal microbes.

Insoluble fiber

Dietary fiber that does not dissolve in water and helps maintain regular bowel movements.

Major minerals

Essential minerals required in significant amounts, including calcium, sodium, and potassium.

Trace minerals

Minerals required in very small amounts, including iron, zinc, and manganese.

Vitamins

Organic compounds required for metabolic processes; divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble categories.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins like A, D, E, and K that can be stored in adipose tissues.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins like C and B vitamins that are not stored in the body.

Anabolism

The process of building large molecules from smaller ones, usually requiring energy.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down large molecules into smaller ones, usually releasing energy.

Exergonic reactions

Reactions that release energy.

Endergonic reactions

Reactions that require energy to proceed.

Insulin

A hormone that influences the absorptive metabolic state, promoting the storage of excess nutrients.

Glucagon

A hormone that stimulates the postabsorptive metabolic state, promoting the release of glucose into the blood.

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and other nutrients into ATP, involving glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Glycolysis

The initial stage of cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvic acid.

Krebs cycle

A series of reactions in the mitochondria that further breaks down acetyl CoA to produce ATP and electron carriers.

Electron transport chain

The final stage of cellular respiration where electrons are transferred to oxygen, resulting in ATP production.