Human-anatomy-and-physiology-notes

What is the definition of human anatomy?

The scientific study of the body’s structures.

What technique is still used today for observing body structures?

Dissection.

What are the two general approaches to studying anatomy?

Regional anatomy and systemic anatomy.

What does physiology study?

The function of the body and its parts.

What is homeostasis?

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

What is the simplest level of structural organization in the human body?

Chemical level.

What is tissue in the context of human anatomy?

Groups of similar cells that have a common function.

What are the four basic tissue types in humans?

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

What is an organ?

A structure composed of at least two different tissue types that perform a specific function.

What is an organ system?

One or more organs working together to accomplish a common purpose.

What are the main levels of structural organization in the body?

Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organismal levels.

Define homeostasis in relation to body systems.

The stable internal environment maintained by the coordination of body systems.

What causes the interrelationship of body systems?

They work together to maintain homeostasis.

What is the structure of the Integumentary system?

The skin and its accessory structures.

What are the functions of the skeletal system?

Support, movement, protection, and blood cell production.

What is the main function of the nervous system?

To coordinate voluntary and involuntary actions by sending and receiving information.

What is the function of the endocrine system?

To secrete hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

What are the two primary divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What are the three types of muscle tissue?

Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle tissue.

What is the unique feature of cardiac muscle tissue?

It has intercalated discs.

What is an action potential?

A rapid rise and fall in electrical charge across a neuron's membrane.

What is the primary role of the myelin sheath?

To insulate axons and speed up nerve impulse conduction.

Differentiate between sensory and motor neurons.

Sensory neurons carry impulses to the CNS; motor neurons carry impulses away from the CNS.

What is a synapse?

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs via neurotransmitters.

What do olfactory cells do?

They are responsible for the sense of smell.

What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?

To produce hormones involved in stress response.

What is the role of the pancreas?

To produce enzymes for digestion and hormones like insulin for blood sugar regulation.

Define the term 'sphincter' as it relates to muscle tissue.

A muscle that constricts an opening in the body.

What is the function of the cerebellum?

To coordinate voluntary movements and maintain balance.

What is hypoparathyroidism?

A condition where insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH) leads to low calcium levels in the blood.

What does the structure of the retina consist of?

The layer responsible for photoreception in the eye.

What type of cells in the pancreas produce insulin?

Beta cells.

What is the primary role of glial cells in the nervous system?

To support and protect neurons.

What does the term 'neuromuscular junction' refer to?

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.

Define 'reflex action'.

An involuntary and rapid response to a stimulus.

What is a neurotransmitter?

A chemical messenger that transmits signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

What is the primary function of the thalamus in the brain?

To relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

What role does the hypothalamus play in the body?

Regulates body temperature, hunger, and hormonal activities.

What are the three types of hormones released by the thyroid gland?

T3, T4 (thyroxine), and calcitonin.

Explain the term 'tropic hormones'.

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release their hormones.

What is unique about the spinal cord's structure compared to the brain?

The spinal cord is segmented and connects through pairs of spinal nerves.

Define 'cerebrospinal fluid'.

A clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and chemical stability.

What are the two major functions of the meninges?

To provide a supportive framework for blood vessels and to protect the CNS.

What are the symptoms and consequences of hyperthyroidism?

Increased metabolic rate, weight loss, heat intolerance, and rapid heartbeat.

What is the location and function of the parathyroid glands?

Located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate calcium levels.

What is an autonomic nervous system responsible for?

Regulating involuntary body functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Identify the major hormones produced by the adrenal medulla.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine.

What is the cleansing function of the liver related to hormones?

Metabolism and detoxification of hormones in the bloodstream.

What hormone helps regulate circadian rhythms and seasonal functions in the body?

Melatonin.

How is glucose utilized by the body according to insulin function?

Insulin promotes glucose uptake in cells, converting it into glycogen for storage.

What characterizes the structure of the cerebellum?

It has an outer cortex of grey matter and inner white matter.

What role does the optic nerve play in the body?

Transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.