PLTW Biomedical Science EOC Study Guide

Crime Scene Processing

Interview, examine, photograph, sketch, collect evidence.

Evidence Types

Blood (spatter), Hair (medulla, cortex, cuticle), Fingerprints (minutiae), Shoeprints, Digital data.

Cause, Manner, Mechanism of Death

Cause = disease/trauma, Manner = type (natural, etc.), Mechanism = process (e.g. blood loss).

Medical Professions

911 Operator, EMT, CSI, Medical Examiner, Toxicologist.

Autopsy Procedures

Y-incision, internal/external exam.

HIPAA

Protects personal health information, exceptions apply in legal or emergency cases.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Autoimmune vs. insulin resistance.

Insulin and Glucose Regulation

Maintains homeostasis.

Feedback Loops

Negative (glucose regulation), Positive (e.g., childbirth).

Macromolecules

Carbs, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic Acids.

Food Testing Indicators

Benedict's (sugar), Biuret's (protein), Sudan IV (lipids), Iodine (starch).

Nutrition and Labels

Calories, macronutrient balance for diabetics.

Blood Components

RBCs, WBCs, plasma, platelets.

Sickle Cell Symptoms and Cause

Genetic mutation affects hemoglobin.

Genetics

Dominant/recessive, Punnett squares, pedigrees.

Protein Synthesis

Transcription and translation.

DNA Mutations

Impact protein function.

Gel Electrophoresis

Used in genetic diagnosis.

Heart Anatomy

Chambers, valves, and flow.

Vital Signs

Heart rate, BP, temperature, respiration.

EKG

PQRST waves and what they show.

Atherosclerosis

Artery plaque buildup.

Cholesterol

HDL (good), LDL (bad).

Cardiac Procedures

Angioplasty, stent, bypass, pacemaker.

Pathogens

Bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, helminths.

Immune System

Innate vs adaptive responses.

Gram Staining

Gram+ (purple), Gram- (pink).

Bacterial Shapes

Cocci, bacilli, spirilla.

Disease Transmission

Direct vs indirect, outbreak tracing.

DNA Structure

Double helix, base pairing.

DNA Replication

Enzymes involved.

Restriction Enzymes

Cutting DNA at specific sites.

DNA Profiling

Forensics and identification.

Research Process

Problem → Hypothesis → Testing → Results.

Medical Interventions

Gene therapy, prosthetics, diagnostics.

Public Health

Prevention, screening, vaccination.

Bioethics

Consent, privacy, emerging tech issues.

Cells

Basic unit of life, structure and function of organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.)

Tissues

Groups of similar cells working together (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous)

Organs

Structures composed of different tissues working together.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs working together to perform a specific function (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive).

Organism

The entire living being.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment.

Feedback mechanisms

Negative and positive feedback loops with examples (e.g., body temperature regulation, blood glucose regulation, childbirth).

Integumentary System

Skin, hair, nails; protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Skeletal System

Bones, cartilage, ligaments; support, movement, protection, blood cell production.

Muscular System

Skeletal, smooth, cardiac muscle; movement, posture, heat generation.

Nervous System

Brain, spinal cord, nerves; communication, control, coordination.

Endocrine System

Glands, hormones; regulation of growth, metabolism, reproduction.

Cardiovascular System

Heart, blood vessels, blood; transport of oxygen, nutrients, waste.

Lymphatic System

Lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymph; immunity, fluid balance.

Respiratory System

Lungs, airways; gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

Digestive System

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines; breakdown and absorption of food.

Urinary System

Kidneys, bladder; filtration of blood, waste removal.

Reproductive System

Male and female organs; production of offspring.

Disease

Definition and types of diseases (infectious, non-infectious, genetic, environmental).

Pathogens

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.

Transmission of infectious diseases

Direct contact, indirect contact, airborne, vector-borne.

Innate immunity

First line of defense: skin, mucous membranes; inflammatory response.

Adaptive immunity

Specific response: lymphocytes - B cells and T cells, antibodies, antigens, memory cells.

Vaccinations

How they work to provide immunity.

Immune system disorders

Allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency.

Patient history

Importance of patient history and symptoms in diagnosis.

Medical terminology

Using medical terminology to describe conditions.

Ethical considerations

In patient privacy and confidentiality (HIPAA).

Diagnostic Tools and Techniques

Physical examinations (observation, palpation, auscultation, percussion).

Laboratory tests

Blood tests, urine tests, cultures.

Medical imaging

X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds.

Medications

Prescription vs. over-the-counter, different routes of administration.

Surgery

Different types and purposes.

Therapy

Physical, occupational, speech.

Assistive devices

Prosthetics, orthotics.

Lifestyle changes

Diet, exercise.