Anatomy study guide

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

The cell body contains the nucleus and much of the cytoplasm.

extend from the cell body and carry impulses from the environment toward the cell body.

What do dendrites do in a neuron?

the long fiber that carries impulses away from the cell body.

What is the role of the axon in a neuron?

sometimes surrounded by an insulating membrane called the myelin sheath.

the axon

the location at which a neuron can transfer an impulse to another cell.

What is a synapse?

chemicals used by a neuron to transmit an impulse across a synapse to another cell.

What are neurotransmitters?

the two main parts of the nervous system

The Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System

What is the function of the brain in the nervous system?

the control center of the nervous system and the place from which impulses flow and originate.

What is the function of the spinal cord?

is the main communications link between the brain and the rest of the body.

Ingestion (the process of taking food into the digestive system) and digestion (the breakdown of food to use nutrients).

What are the two parts of the digestive process?

Mechanical digestion (breaking down food by physical means) and chemical digestion (breaking down food through chemical reactions).

What are the two types of digestion?

a long winding tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus.

gastrointestinal tract

Digestion begins in the mouth with mechanical digestion by teeth and chemical digestion by saliva.

the mouth in digestion

the muscle contractions of the esophagus that move food along.

The peristalsis

The stomach churns food and chemically digests it using gastric fluid, which contains stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

What is the function of the stomach in digestion?

What is the main function of the small intestine?

The main function of the small intestine is absorption of nutrients into the blood.

are finger-like extensions of the inner surface of the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

What are villi and their purpose?

What is the role of the large intestine?

absorbs water and eliminates waste material from digestion.

What is bile and its function?

a substance produced by the liver that breaks down fats.

a stomach enzyme that breaks down proteins.

pepsin

What is the significance of the synaptic cleft?

separates the axon terminal from the dendrites of the adjacent cell, allowing neurotransmitters to transmit impulses.

two categories of nutrients

Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, water) and macronutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates).

What is the first part of the digestive system where digestion begins?

Mouth/oral cavity

What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

It prevents food from entering the trachea (windpipe).

What is peristalsis?

Muscle contractions of the esophagus that move food along.

the stomach in digestion

To churn and chemically digest food using gastric fluid, which contains stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

What is the main function of the small intestine?

Absorption of nutrients into the blood.

the three accessory organs

Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

bile

break down fats.

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

To neutralize stomach acid and produce enzymes that break down carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What are the two categories of nutrients?

Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, water) and macronutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates).

the large intestine

Absorption of water and elimination of waste (feces).

What are the three types of neurons?

Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

sensory neurons

To carry impulses from the sense organs to the spinal cord and brain.

What is the function of motor neurons?

To carry impulses from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

interneurons

To connect sensory and motor neurons and carry impulses between them.

What is a synapse?

The location at which a neuron can transfer an impulse to another cell.

What is the structure of a neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body?

Axon.

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

It contains the nucleus and much of the cytoplasm.

What is the role of dendrites in a neuron?

To carry impulses from the environment toward the cell body.

What is the main control center of the nervous system?

The brain.

What is the main communication link between the brain and the rest of the body?

The spinal cord.

What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?

To transport messages to and from the central nervous system.

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood, air, and tissues.

What are the main structures involved in the respiratory system?

Nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, diaphragm.

alveoli

tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs; oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out.

How does air enter the respiratory system?

Air enters through the nose or mouth, moves to the pharynx, then to the trachea.

What is the function of the diaphragm during breathing?

The diaphragm contracts to expand the chest cavity, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs.

How is breathing controlled in the body?

controlled by the medulla oblongata, which monitors CO2 levels in the blood.

What happens to the diaphragm when CO2 levels increase?

Nerve impulses cause the diaphragm to contract, bringing air into the lungs.

the three types of blood vessels in the circulatory system

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

arteries

carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body.

What is the function of veins?

Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

capillaries

facilitate the exchange of nutrients and oxygen with tissues and absorb carbon dioxide and waste products.

the four chambers of the heart

Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.

The septum

prevents the mixing of oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood.

What is pulmonary circulation?

circulates blood between the heart and the lungs, allowing for gas exchange.

What is systemic circulation?

circulates oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

the pericardium

a protective sac that encloses the heart.

How do large veins assist in blood flow?

contain valves that keep blood moving toward the heart.

What is homeostasis in relation to heart rate?

to maintaining a proper balance of gases and heart rate internally.

How can heart rate be affected?

can increase with activity (more oxygen needed) or decrease during rest (less oxygen needed).

What role do neurotransmitters play in heart rate?

can increase (like adrenaline) or decrease (like acetylcholine) heart rate.

cilia

sweep particles and mucus to the throat, helping to keep the airways clear.

What happens to carbon dioxide during gas exchange in the alveoli?

diffuses from the blood into the alveolus to be exhaled.

What is the importance of warming, moistening, and filtering air entering the respiratory system?

These processes prepare the air for optimal gas exchange and protect the lungs from irritants.

the larynx

contains vocal cords and serves as a passageway for air to the trachea.

What is the function of the circulatory system?

It uses blood to carry nutrients and wastes.

What does the respiratory system do?

It exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide with the atmosphere.

What is the role of the excretory system?

It filters metabolic waste from the blood.

How does the digestive system function?

It breaks down food into nutrients and releases waste.

What are examples of homeostasis?

Constant temperature, glucose level, and blood pressure.

What is the cellular level of homeostasis?

Cells exchange materials and communicate with other cells to support life using organelles and biological processes.

What is the body systems level of homeostasis?

Organ systems transport/exchange materials and communicate to support life using organs and biological processes.

What are the biological processes involved in cellular requirements?

Cell transport, cell respiration, photosynthesis (in plants), mitosis, and cell cycle.

What essential organelles are needed for cellular functions?

Cell membrane, mitochondria, chloroplasts, nucleus, centrioles, cytoplasm, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.

What is the purpose of feedback mechanisms in an organism?

To monitor and maintain physiological activities.

positive feedback

A feedback mechanism in which the system responds to strengthen the effect of the original action.

Give an example of positive feedback.

During labor, the hormone Oxytocin is released, which intensifies and speeds up contractions.

What is negative feedback?

The counteraction of an effect by its own influence on the process giving rise to it.

Give an example of negative feedback.

When your body is hot, you will sweat to cool your body down.

What is the role of enzymes in cellular processes?

They help in breaking down materials and facilitating biological reactions.

What is the function of lysosomes?

They recycle wastes, macromolecules, and cell parts.

the endoplasmic reticulum

It is involved in the production, packing, and transport of materials within the cell.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

How do large and small systems communicate in the body?

Through feedback mechanisms that control levels and maintain homeostasis.

What is the significance of cellular transport?

It is essential for the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells.