PHS Final Exam Review

Explain the linguistic and functional distinction between the terms 'integument/o' and 'dermat/o'.

integument/o = whole skin system; dermat/o = skin layer

Describe the physiological purpose of shedding approximately 600,000 skin particles every hour.

Removes dead cells, keeps skin healthy

Analyze the relationship between digestive health and skin conditions like acne or eczema.

Poor digestion → toxins/inflammation → skin issues

How does the skin act as a primary defense against pathogens and dehydration?

Barrier blocks pathogens & prevents water lost

Describe the sensory perception role of the skin in detecting environmental changes.

Nerves detect touch, pain, temp, pressure

Explain the mechanism of vasodilation in the skin and how it regulates body temperature during exercise.

Blood vessels widen → heat leaves body

What is the physiological purpose of blood vessel constriction in the skin when the body is cold?

Vessels constrict → conserve heat

Identify the substances that the integumentary system is capable of storing for the body.

Fat, water, vitamins

Explain how transdermal medication delivery utilizes the skin's absorption function.

Medicine absorbed through skin into blood

Describe the process of excretion through perspiration and what it eliminates.

Sweat removes water, salts, small wastes

How does the skin contribute to the skeletal system's health through vitamin production?

Produces vitamin D → helps bones

Discuss the protective roles of hair and nails for the human body.

Protect, insulate, aid function

What occurs biologically during alopecia, and how does it differ from normal hair growth?

Hair loss due to disrupted growth cycle

Explain why the muscular system accounts for approximately 40% of total body weight.

Muscles needed for movement → large mass

Compare the muscular effort required to smile versus the effort required to frown.

Smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning

Describe the unique role and location of the stapedius muscle.

Tiny ear muscle; controls sound vibrations

Why is the tongue considered one of the strongest muscles in the human body?

Constant use + flexibility → very strong

Explain the coordination required among the 200 muscles used to take a single step.

Many muscles coordinate for balance/motion

Describe the biological process that occurs when a nerve stimulates a muscle fiber to contract.

Nerve impulse → muscle contracts

Analyze how the muscular system provides protection for internal organs.

Muscles cushion & protect organs

Explain the role of muscle movement in generating nearly 85% of the body's heat.

Contractions produce heat

Contrast the functions and control mechanisms of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues.

Skeletal (voluntary), cardiac (heart), smooth (organs)

Differentiate between the roles of tendons and ligaments in the musculoskeletal system.

Tendons: muscle→bone; ligaments: bone→bone

Describe the structural purpose of fascia in surrounding and organizing muscle fibers.

Supports & organizes muscle tissue

Explain the concept of muscle "origin" versus "insertion" during movement.

Origin = fixed; insertion = moves

Describe the physiological process of muscle hypertrophy (growth) following resistance training.

Muscle fibers enlarge after stress

What is the relationship between lactic acid accumulation and muscle soreness?

Lactic acid buildup → soreness

Discuss the high activity level of eye muscles compared to other muscles in the body.

Eye muscles move constantly → high activity

Compare the roles of a Physical Therapist and an Exercise Physiologist in managing muscular health.

PT = rehab; Exercise Physiologist = fitness/performance

Explain the physiological difference between muscle atrophy and a muscle spasm.

Atrophy = shrink; spasm = sudden contraction

Describe the pathology of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Nerve compression in wrist → pain/numbness

Contrast myalgia with myorrhexis in terms of severity and cause.

Myalgia = pain; myorrhexis = muscle tear

Explain why a newborn human has significantly more bones than a fully grown adult.

Bones fuse as you grow

Analyze why the clavicle is the most frequently broken bone in the human body.

Clavicle absorbs impact → breaks easily

Discuss the structural importance of the femur in relation to a person's total height.

Femur supports weight; affects height

Identify the three smallest bones in the body and describe their collective function.

Malleus, incus, stapes → hearing

Explain the process by which cartilage is replaced by bone during development.

Cartilage replaced by bone (ossification)

Describe how the skeletal system provides "support" beyond just holding the body upright.

Protects organs, stores minerals, makes blood

Explain the role of bones in maintaining mineral homeostasis (calcium and phosphorus).

Stores/releases calcium & phosphorus

Describe the relationship between the skeletal system and the cardiovascular system regarding blood cell production.

Bone marrow makes blood cells

Compare the structural characteristics of long bones versus irregular bones.

Long = length; irregular = complex shapes

Differentiate between the diaphysis and the epiphysis of a long bone.

Diaphysis = shaft; epiphysis = ends

Explain the functional difference between the periosteum and the medullary cavity.

Peritoneum = outer layer; medullary cavity = marrow

Contrast the composition and function of compact (cortical) bone versus spongy (cancellous) bone.

Compact = dense; spongy = porous

Why does the porous nature of spongy bone benefit the overall skeleton?

Reduces weight, absorbs shock

Compare the contents and functions of red bone marrow versus yellow bone marrow.

Red = blood cells; yellow = fat storage

Explain the role of cartilage as a shock absorber within joints.

Cushions joints

Identify the major bones that comprise the axial skeleton's skull and face.

Skill bone protects brain/face

Describe the segments of the spinal column and their locations.

Cervical, Thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccyx

Describe the physical capacity and stretching ability of the human bladder.

Expands to store urine

Explain the neurological process that triggers the urge to urinate.

Nerve signals trigger urge

Discuss the long-term filtration capacity of the kidneys over a lifetime.

Constantly filter blood for life

Explain how to body adapt to functioning with only a kidney stone.

Kidney enlarges and compensates

Define the term ‘micturition’ and its role in the urinary system.

Urination; removes waste

Describe the pathway of urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body.

Kidney —> ureter —> bladder —> urethra

Explain the difference between the roles of the ureters and the urethra.

—> Ureters carry urine; urethra exits

Analyze the causes and symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus.

Hormone issues —> excessive urination/thirst

Contrast the symptoms and definitions of dysuria, oliguria, and polyuria.

Painful, low, and excessive urination

Explain the physiological impact of edema on body tissues

Fluid buildup causes swelling

What does the presence of glycosuria indicate about a patient’s health?

Possible diabetes

Describe the composition and potential locations of kidney stones

Mineral crystals in urinary tract

Explain the condition of uremia and why it is life-threatening

Waste in blood —> toxic

Describe how dialysis serves as a substitute for natural kidney function.

Filters blood artificially

Compare the average heart rates of men and women and explain the physiological reason for the difference.

Women higher —> smaller heart

Discuss the immense scale of the human circulatory system if laid end-to-end.

Thousands of miles long

Explain the unique nutritional source for the corneas in the eyes

Oxygen from air/tears

Describe the heart's ability to beat independently of the brain.

Has its own peacemaker

Analyze the critical role red bone marrow plays in cardiovascular health.

Produces red blood cells

Explain the relationship between blood loss percentages and the onset of hypovolemic shock.

High loss —> shock

Describe the primary functions of blood circulation in the body

Transport O2, nutrients, waste

How does the cardiovascular system contribute to the body’s defense against infection?

White blood cells fight pathogens

Differentiate between the functions of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Away, return, exchange

Describe the components of blood (plasma, RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and their specific duties.

Plasma, RBC, WBC, platelets

Explain the pathology of atherosclerosis and how it leads to heart disease.

Plaque buildup in arteries

Compare Angina Pectoris with a Myocardial Infarction (MI).

Chest pain vs heat attack

Define hypertension and identify the threshold for "normal" blood pressure.

High BP; ~120/80 normal

Contrast bradycardia and tachycardia in terms of heart rate and potential causes.

Slow vs fast heart rate

Explain why ventricular fibrillation is considered a medical emergency.

Heart stops pumping effectively

Explain how food reaches the stomach regardless of gravity.

Peristalsis

Describe the role of peristalsis in the esophagus.

Moves food via contractions

Compare the lengths and primary functions of the small intestine and the large intestine

Absorption vs water removal

Explain the "gut-brain axis" and how emotions affect digestion.

Brain affects digestion

What is the physiological cause of "borborygmi" (stomach growling)?

Gas and movement

Describe the stretching capacity of the stomach and the volume of food it can hold.

Expands to ~1–4 liters

Explain the protective role of increased saliva production during vomiting.

Protects mouth/throat

Discuss the acquisition of healthy gut bacteria after birth.

From birth, diet, environment

Summarize the three main responsibilities of the digestive system.

Digestion, absorption, elimination

Compare the roles of a Gastroenterologist and a Hepatologist.

GI tract vs liver specialist

Explain the pathology and symptoms of Diverticulitis.

Inflamed intestinal pouches Infection; fluids/rest

Describe the common causes and treatments for Gastroenteritis.

Infection; fluids/rest

Define reaction time and explain why it is not instantaneous.

Time to respond; processing delay

Identify the major structures of a neuron and describe the function of each.

Dendrites, axon, cell body

Explain the process of signal transmission between neurons.

Electrical → chemical signals

Discuss the limitations of human working memory in terms of capacity and duration.

Short duration, limited capacity

Describe the three stages of memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Process of memory

Differentiate between sensory receptors and effectors.

Detect vs respond

Contrast the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Brain/spinal cord vs nerves

Explain the different roles of the Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems.

Involuntary vs voluntary

Contrast the "fight or flight" (sympathetic) response with the "rest and digest" (parasympathetic) response.

Stress vs calm

Describe the functions of the cerebellum, cerebrum, and brainstem.

Thinking, balance, vital functions