A&P Final Review

Flashcards generated from lecture notes to help review key concepts for an upcoming exam.

What is the glottis?

The opening between the vocal folds.

What allows the lungs to move freely in the thorax?

The pleura is a double-walled membrane that surrounds the lungs and produces a serous fluid that helps decrease friction during breathing.

What is a diagnostic test that detects electrical activity in the brain?

An electroencephalogram detects electrical activity in the brain.

What contains the female erectile tissue and is rich in sensory nerves?

The clitoris contains the female erectile tissue and is rich in sensory nerves.

What is the medical term for cramps that are severe enough to limit normal activities?

Dysmenorrhea is the condition of experiencing severe menstrual cramps that limit normal daily activities.

What releases thymosin, which promotes the production of T cells?

The thymus releases thymosin, which promotes the production of T lymphocytes.

What provides a passageway for delivery of offspring as well as for uterine secretions?

The vagina is a tubular, muscular organ that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body and provides a passageway for delivery of offspring and for uterine secretions.

What surrounds the proximal urethra in the male?

The proximal urethra in the male is surrounded by the prostate.

Which statement describes the ileum of the small intestine?

The ileum is directly attached to the large intestine.

Which of the following carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra?

The ductus deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

What is the medical term for benign tumors that grow in the uterine wall?

Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors that grow in the uterine wall.

Which urinary system structure takes urine away from the bladder?

The urethra is a tube that moves urine from the bladder to the outside world.

Which of the following connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord?

The brainstem connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord.

In which condition are stomach acids pushed into the esophagus?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition in which stomach acids are pushed into the esophagus.

What is a degenerative disease of the brain?

Alzheimer disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that occurs in the brain.

Which of the following diagnostic procedures enables the examination of cerebrospinal fluid?

Lumbar puncture allows the examination of CSF.

Which of the following prevents food from entering the airway during swallowing?

The epiglottis is a flap-like structure that closes off the larynx during swallowing so food and liquids do not enter the respiratory system.

What are the 10- to 12-inch muscular tubes that carry urine to the bladder called?

The ureters are muscular tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

What gland secretes the hormone calcitonin?

The thyroid secretes T3, T4, and calcitonin.

Which of the following hormones decreases protein synthesis and triggers a decrease in inflammation?

Cortisol decreases protein synthesis and inflammation.

Which condition is generally caused when brain cells die because of an inadequate blood flow?

Stroke occurs when brain cells die because of an inadequate blood flow.

Which gland or organ has cells that release glucagon?

Alpha cells in the pancreas secrete glucagon.

What is an automatic response to a stimulus called?

A reflex is a predictable, automatic response to a stimulus.

Which of the following releases melatonin, which regulates a person’s biological clock?

The pineal gland releases melatonin, which regulates the biological clock and is linked to puberty.

Which of the following disorders may cause a discharge from the nipples?

One of the signs of breast cancer is a discharge from the nipples.

The nasal cavity is divided by what?

The nasal cavity is divided into a left and right portion by the nasal septum.

Which gland or organ secretes epinephrine and aldosterone?

The adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone, and the adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine.

The condition in which distended veins in the rectum or anus become irritated is what?

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum or anus.

What part of the respiratory tree are the alveoli attached to?

The alveoli are located at the ends of the bronchioles.

What is the gallbladder’s only function?

The gallbladder's only function is to store bile. The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) causes the gallbladder to release bile.

What is the middle layer of the meninges, named for its spider web-like appearance?

The arachnoid mater is the middle layer of the meninges, named for its spider web-like appearance.

Inflammation of the liver is what?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.

What is the protective sac around the embryo?

The amnion is a protective, fluid-filled sac that surrounds the embryo.

In which of these conditions does the stomach lining become inflamed?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining.

Which of the following is the inability to maintain an erection long enough to complete sexual intercourse?

Impotence is the inability to maintain an erection long enough to complete sexual intercourse.

Which of the following are considered the primary organs of the male reproductive system because they produce sperm and testosterone?

The testes produce sperm and testosterone, and are therefore considered the primary organs of the male reproductive system.

What nerves carry information about odors to the brain?

The olfactory nerves carry smell information to the brain for interpretation.

What period includes week 9 until delivery?

The fetal period is the part of the prenatal period that lasts from week 9 until delivery of the offspring.

What proximal portion absorbs water and electrolytes?

The proximal portion of the large intestine absorbs water and a few electrolytes.

Which of the following are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord?

The meninges are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.

Which of these structures of the female reproductive system produces progesterone and estrogen?

The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones.

What gland releases PTH?

The parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone (PTH).

The renal artery enters the kidney through which slit-like structure or depression?

The hilum is the slit-like structure or depression in which the renal artery enters the kidney.

What is the middle portion of the kidneys?

The renal medulla is the middle portion of the kidneys.

What is an inflammation of the cervix of the uterus?

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix of the uterus, which is usually caused by an infection.

Which of the following coordinates complex skeletal muscle contractions as well as fine movements?

The cerebellum coordinates complex skeletal muscle contractions needed for body movements such as walking, as well as the fine movements needed to write or play an instrument.

The detrusor muscle is part of what?

The detrusor muscle is the smooth muscle in the wall of the bladder.

What secretes a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates blood cell production?

The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, which stimulates blood cell production.

What is the palate’s main function?

The palate separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

Which organ of the digestive system connects the mouth and the esophagus?

The pharynx connects the mouth and the esophagus.

Which of these hormones decreases blood sugar?

Insulin decreases blood sugar and increases protein synthesis.

Which form of contraception requires the male to withdraw before ejaculation?

Coitus interruptus, or withdrawal, requires the male to withdraw the penis before ejaculation.

An abnormal amount of vaginal discharge is associated with what?

Vaginitis may cause an abnormal increase or decrease in the amount of vaginal discharge.

What is the main site of nutrient absorption?

The small intestine carries out most of the digestion in the body and is responsible for absorbing most of the nutrients into the bloodstream.

It is best to position a baby on its back for sleep to decrease the chance of what?

Placing the baby on his or her back is the best position to help prevent SIDS.

Which of the following makes a fluid that lubricates the penis for sexual intercourse?

The bulbourethral glands produce a mucus-like fluid that is secreted into the urethra before ejaculation to lubricate the end of the penis in preparation for sexual intercourse.

Which statement describes the jejunum?

The jejunum is coiled and forms the majority of the small intestine.