Anat and Phys Final Exam

Alkalosis

Condition where tissue pH is greater than 7.4, indicating a basic level.

Acidosis

Condition where tissue pH is less than 7.35, indicating an acidic level.

Buffers

Molecules that reduce or increase the pH in the body to maintain normal pH levels.

Hydrophobic molecules

Molecules that do not dissolve in water (water fearing).

Hydrophilic molecules

Molecules that dissolve in water (water loving).

Proteins

Long chains of polypeptide chains that have a specific function.

Amino acids

Individual units that compose polypeptide chains.

Peptide bond

Type of covalent bond that bonds amino acids together.

Nucleic acid

Type of biological molecule that includes DNA and RNA.

Transcription

The process where mRNA is made from DNA.

Translation

Process where mRNA is read to make amino acid chains.

Hormones

Chemical messengers of the body, directly released into the bloodstream.

Endocytosis

Bulk transportation of substances into the cell.

Exocytosis

Bulk transportation of substances out of the cell.

Isotonic solution

Solution with equal amounts of solute compared to the cell.

Hypertonic solution

Solution with a larger concentration of solute compared to the cell.

Hypotonic solution

Solution with a smaller concentration of solute compared to the cell.

Osmosis

The movement of water across the cell membrane.

Metabolism

Chemical reactions in a cell that includes storage or use of energy.

Neurons

The basic functional unit of the nervous system.

Glial Cells

Cells that provide support and protection for neurons.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that nourish and support neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers used to transmit signals in the nervous system.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that provides nutrients, removes waste, and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The tough fibrous outer layer of the meninges.

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges.

Central canal

The hollow center of an osteon containing nutrients, nerves, and blood vessels.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for building the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells responsible for breaking down bone and releasing calcium.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels and nerves.

Melanocytes

Skin cells responsible for producing melanin, which contributes to skin color.

Sebum

The secretion produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates the skin.

Arrector pili

Muscle responsible for causing goosebumps.

Afferent neurons

Neurons that send sensory information to the brain.

Efferent neurons

Neurons that send motor commands from the brain to the body.

Synovial fluid

Fluid that lubricates and nourishes joints.

Haversian canal

Another word for the central canal in an osteon.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells responsible for maintaining cartilage.

Fibroblasts

Cells responsible for creating collagen within connective tissues.

Homeostasis

The state of balance in biological systems.

Gigantism

A condition caused by the hypersecretion of growth hormone.

Dwarfism

A condition caused by the hyposecretion of growth hormone.

Acromegaly

Continued bone growth after the epiphyseal plates have ossified.

Intercellular junctions

Connections between cells allowing for communication and transport.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into different cell types.

Metabolic pathway

A series of steps that lead to a product using enzyme reactions.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears in layers.

Collagen

A protein that provides structure in connective tissues.

Keratocytes

Cells in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin.

Hypodermis

Layer of connective tissue below the dermis, primarily composed of fat.

Fovea centralis

The area on the retina where light rays converge.

Optic disk

Lacks rods and cones; specific place where the neurons meet and exit the eye.

Retina

Layer of the eye where photoreceptors are located.

Sclera

The hard covering outer layer of the eye.

Choroid

Layer of the eye where the blood supply is located.

Tympanic membrane

The structure which sound waves enter the ear.

Eustachian tube

Ear air pressure is equalized with this structure.

Cochlea

The specific structure of the ear that sends neuron impulses to the nerve that exits the ear.

Semicircular canals

The structure that is responsible for sending messages to the brain regarding equilibrium.

Malleus, incus, stapes

The three ossicles in the ear.

Autonomic

The part of the nervous system concerned with involuntary muscles.

Somatic

The part of the nervous system concerned with voluntary muscle.

Sympathetic

The part of the nervous system concerned with fight or flight responses.

Parasympathetic

The part of the nervous system concerned with rest and relax actions.

Afferent

Nerve fibers involved with sensory input.

Efferent

Nerve fibers involved with somatic reflex arcs.

Visceral

Nerve fibers involved with internal organ functioning.

Sarcomere

The contractile unit of a muscle fiber.

Ingestion

The taking in of food.

Defecation

The elimination of solid waste by way of the anus.

Digestion

The breaking down of food into smaller molecules.

Absorption

The process in which microvilli are important.

Mechanical digestion

The crushing of food by teeth or peristalsis in order to break down food into smaller pieces.

Gallbladder

The accessory organ that stores bile.

Pancreas

The accessory organ that has both endocrine and exocrine functions.

Liver

The accessory organ that plays a role in detoxification of substances.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine.

Microvilli

Microscopic projections through which absorption of nutrients takes place.

Rugae

Structures responsible for allowing the stomach to expand in size.

Trypsin

The chemical responsible for the breakdown of proteins.

Amylase

The chemical responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Lipase

The chemicals responsible for the breakdown of fats.

Cardiac muscle

The type of muscle that makes up the heart.

Connective

Blood is classified as this type of tissue.

Platelets

Cell fragments responsible for blood clotting.

Hematopoiesis

The creation of formed elements for the blood.

Antigens

Identity markers on cell membranes.

Antibodies

Proteins created to bind to antigens.

Erythropoietin

The hormone released when decreased levels of oxygen are sensed.

Oxyhemoglobin

The form of hemoglobin that can bind to oxygen.

Epiglottis

The structure that prevents food from entering the trachea.

Nasal cavities

Structures that filter the air you breathe and house the receptors for smell.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle responsible for breathing.

Expiration

The phase of mechanical respiration when air is pushed out of the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Vestibulocochlear nerve

The afferent cranial nerve responsible for sending neural information about sound to the brain.

Cornea

The clear membrane covering the opening of the eye.

Vitreous humor

The jelly-like substance in the posterior chamber of the eye.