General Physiology APEC Exam Prep

Comprehensive vocabulary terms and physiological facts covering anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology based on General Physiology Lecture 1.

Ribosomes

Structures composed of ribonucleic acids (amino acids) where the metabolism of drugs occurs.

Mitochondria

The sub-cellular organ where cellular respiration occurs.

Microsomes

Ribosomes attached to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum where metabolism occurs.

Cytochrome p450

A group of enzymes that require $O_2$ to act during metabolism.

Drug Metabolism Co-factors

Both NADPH and Oxygen are required as co-factors for drug metabolizing enzymes.

Glucocorticoids

Intermediate in metabolism related to corticosteroids.

Mineralocorticoids

Corticosteroids responsible for sodium and water regulation.

Thirst

A physiological state controlled by the hypothalamus.

Medulla Oblongata

The brain center that controls respiration, vasomotor action, and contains the respiratory center.

Thyroid Hormone

Hormone responsible for stimulating GH secretion for protein synthesis and increasing $Na/K-ATPase$ activity, leading to increased $O_2$ consumption and BMR.

Cartilage

A tissue that covers and protects bone from friction and may ossify to form bone.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Trypsin, Lipase, and Amylase; Amylase is mainly measured in pancreatic disease.

Keratin

An albuminoid substance that forms the outer-proof layer of the skin.

Stratum corneum

The outer layer of the skin.

Urea

The waste product of protein and the main content of human urine.

Purines

Chemical compounds including xanthines, uric acid, and caffeine; patients with hyperuricemia should decrease food high in these.

Sarcolema

The cell membrane specifically found in striated muscle cells.

Inner Ear

Contains the Cochlea (organ of hearing) and Vestibula (responsible for balance).

Axon

The part of the neuron responsible for carrying impulses away from the nerve cell.

Vagus nerve

The nerve responsible for the regulation of heart rate.

Multiple sclerosis

An autoimmune disease leading to the destruction of the myelin sheath.

Arterioles

The main source of resistance to blood flow in the vascular system.

Blood Volume

Typically $6L$, representing $1/5$ of body weight.

Plasma Percentage

$55$, or $3.5L$, representing $5$% of total body weight or $55ml/kg$ body weight.

Metabolic acidosis

A state of low arterial pH and decreased plasma $HCO_3^-$; compensated by alveolar hyperventilation to decrease $pCO_2$.

Metabolic alkalosis

A state of high arterial pH and increased plasma $HCO_3^-$; compensated by alveolar hypoventilation to increase $pCO_2$.

Salicylate toxicity

A condition that leads to both respiratory and metabolic acidosis.

Photosensitivity Drugs

Drugs like Tetracyclines (except minocycline), Fluroquinolones, Amiodarone, and Phenothiazines that increase sensitivity to light.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa.

Hypertrophy

Enlargement or overgrowth of an organ, such as LVHT.

Hyperplasia

An increase in the number of cells in a tissue.

Stenosis

The narrowing of a duct or canal, such as the pyloric orifice of the stomach.

Sclerosis

Hardening of tissues with loss of elasticity, generally caused by fibrous tissue overgrowth.

Polycythemia

An increase in the number of erythrocytes (RBCs).

Lipodystrophy

The breakdown or accumulation of subcutaneous fat due to insulin injection, overcome by rotating injection sites.

Cooley's disease

A form of familial erythroblastic anemia.

Nosocomial infections

Infections acquired specifically in a hospital environment.

Tocolytic

Drugs that reduce uterine contractility, such as Ritodrine and Terbutaline.

Agranulocytosis

A decrease in polymorphonuclear leukocytes due to bone marrow depression.

Cirrhosis

Progressive fibrosis and scarring of the liver.

Xerostomia

A clinical term for dryness of the mouth.

Agonist

A substance with high affinity to a receptor and intrinsic activity.

Antagonist

A substance with high affinity to a receptor but no intrinsic activity.

Orthopnea

Dyspnea that occurs in a lying position and is relieved by standing.

Competitive Antagonism

Occurs when an agonist is administered with an antagonist, causing a shift to the right in the log dose response curve.