Biology 30 Diploma Exam Review Package

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary and concepts from the Biology 30 curriculum, aimed at preparing students for their diploma exam.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits signals throughout the nervous system.

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer that surrounds nerve fibers and speeds up electrical transmission.

Action potential

An electrical impulse that travels along a neuron, created by electrochemical gradients.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Somatic nervous system

The part of the nervous system responsible for voluntary movements.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions.

Cerebrum lobes

The four main sections of the brain responsible for different functions, including processing sensory information.

Pons

A part of the brain that regulates sleep and relays messages between different parts of the brain.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture.

Medulla oblongata

The brainstem region that controls vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that regulates homeostasis and connects the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Spinal cord

A bundle of nerves that runs down the spine and transmits signals between the brain and the body.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes relaxation and conserves energy.

Sympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Eye structure

Includes components like the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve, important for vision.

Auditory system

Includes parts of the ear responsible for hearing, such as the cochlea and auditory nerve.

Eustachian tube

A tube that connects the middle ear to the throat, helping to equalize air pressure.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical substances produced by glands that regulate physiological processes.

Hypothalamus

Region of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Thyroxine

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism.

Calcitonin

A hormone that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal gland.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone that regulates metabolism and stress response.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake.

Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

A hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that regulates water balance in the body.

Epinephrine/Adrenaline

A hormone that prepares the body for quick action in stressful situations.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels, influencing blood pressure.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone involved in the regulation of reproductive processes.

Leutinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production.

Prolactin

A hormone that promotes milk production in mammals.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection.

Negative feedback

A process that helps maintain homeostasis by reducing output or activity.

Thyroxine

A hormone involved in regulating metabolism.

Glucagon and cortisol

Hormones involved in blood sugar regulation.

Hormone imbalances

Disruptions in normal hormone levels leading to physiological consequences.

Diabetes mellitus

A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin problems.

Diabetes insipidus

A condition caused by insufficient levels of ADH, leading to excessive urination.

Gigantism

Abnormal growth due to excessive levels of hGH during childhood.

Dwarfism

Disproportionate body size usually caused by growth hormone deficiencies.

Goitre

Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency or other causes.

Cretinism

Severe hypothyroidism leading to stunted growth and developmental delays.

Graves’ Disease

An autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism.

Female reproductive system

Includes structures like ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, essential for reproduction.

Ovaries

Glands that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

Semeniferous tubules

Structures in the testes where sperm are produced.

Interstitial cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone.

Sertoli cells

Cells that support and nourish developing sperm.

Ejaculatory duct

The duct through which semen is expelled from the male reproductive system.

Sperm vs eggs

Sperm are male gametes, while eggs are female gametes, differing in structure and function.

Y chromosome

The male sex chromosome that determines male sex organ development.

Testosterone's role

A hormone that influences the development of male characteristics and organs.

STIs

Sexually transmitted infections that can affect fertility and reproduction.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone that regulates reproductive hormone release.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system.

Conception

The process of fertilization leading to the formation of a zygote.

Placenta

An organ that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus.

Fetal development

The process of growth and development occurring in the womb.

Lactation

The secretion of milk by mammary glands after childbirth.

Neural tube

The embryonic structure that develops into the spinal cord and brain.

Embryonic development

The process by which an embryo forms and develops.