Biology---Anatomy and Physiology (Year 2)

peristalsis

involuntary movement of food through intestines

enteric nervous system

branch of autonomic (unconscious) nervous system that controls the movement of food

quorum sensing

all cells in the population secrete signalling molecules at a low rate

ligand

the thing that binds to a receptor

paracrine

signaling from one cell that affects surrounding nearby cells

autocrine

signalling from one cell that affects itself or the same cell type.

endocrine

signalling that releases molecules and hormones into the bloodstream

central nervous system

consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for sending and receiving signals

hypothalamus

part of the brain involved in endocrine system, signals pituitary gland to release hormones

anterior pituitary gland

secretes hormones to activate other glands

posterior pituitary gland

secretes hormones from the hypothalamus

brain stem

connects spinal cord to brain

insulin

released by beta pancreas cells, responds to high blood sugar

glucagon

hormone that signals liver to break down glycogen into glucose. Responds to low blood sugar

type 1 diabetes

body attacks beta pancreatic cells (no insulin produced)

type 2 diabetes

body cells are insuliln resistant, and more insulin is produced. Pancreatic beta cells become exhausted

pain reflex system

receptor picks up pain/change in environment

carries to sensory neuron, causing action potential

action potential carries to interneuron, which is in the spinal cord

passes to the motor neuron, which activates a skeletal muscle, reuslting in a response.

effector

the thing that produces a response to a signal (muscle, etc)