Anatomy & Physiology - The Human Body, Chemistry, Cells, and Tissues

Flashcards for Anatomy & Physiology Review

Levels of Organization

Arrangement from smallest to largest: Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism

Superior / Inferior

Above / Below

Anterior / Posterior

Front / Back

Medial / Lateral

Toward midline / Away from midline

Proximal / Distal

Closer to / Farther from point of attachment

Superficial / Deep

Closer to surface / Further inside the body

Cranial Cavity

Brain

Thoracic Cavity

Lungs, heart

Abdominal Cavity

Stomach, intestines, liver

Pelvic Cavity

Bladder, reproductive organs

Form Determines Function

Structure of body parts matches their jobs.

Protons

In nucleus, positive charge

Neutrons

In nucleus, no charge

Electrons

Orbit nucleus, negative charge

Ionic Bonds

Electrons transferred

Covalent Bonds

Electrons shared

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between polar molecules (e.g., water)

Water

Solvent, regulates temperature, involved in reactions

Oxygen

Needed for cellular respiration (ATP production)

CO₂

Waste product, regulates blood pH

Salts (electrolytes)

Conduct electrical impulses

Carbohydrates

Main energy source (glucose)

Lipids

Energy storage, cell membrane (phospholipids)

Proteins

Structure, enzymes, hormones, immune function

Nucleic Acids

DNA/RNA – store and transmit genetic information

Synthesis (Anabolism)

Builds molecules (e.g., protein synthesis)

Decomposition (Catabolism)

Breaks down molecules (e.g., digestion)

Exchange

Molecules trade parts (e.g., buffers in blood)

Nucleus

Stores DNA, controls cell

Mitochondria

Produces ATP (energy)

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis

Rough ER

Has ribosomes; processes proteins

Smooth ER

Lipid synthesis, detoxification

Golgi Apparatus

Packages and ships proteins

Lysosomes

Contain enzymes to digest cell waste

Cytoplasm

Gel-like fluid holding organelles

Prophase

Chromosomes condense, spindle fibers form

Metaphase

Chromosomes line up in the middle

Anaphase

Sister chromatids pulled apart

Telophase

Two new nuclei form

Cytokinesis

Cytoplasm splits into two cells

Phospholipid bilayer

Hydrophilic heads, hydrophobic tails

Proteins (in Membrane)

Transport, communication, support

Cholesterol

Stabilizes membrane

Carbohydrates (in Membrane)

Cell recognition

Simple diffusion

Small, nonpolar molecules

Facilitated diffusion

Uses protein channels

Osmosis

Diffusion of water

Endocytosis

Into the cell

Exocytosis

Out of the cell

Mediated Transport

Uses carrier proteins

Non-mediated Transport

Direct movement across membrane

Hypotonic solution

Cell swells

Hypertonic solution

Cell shrinks

Isotonic solution

Cell remains the same

Transcription

DNA → mRNA using RNA polymerase

Translation

mRNA → Protein using tRNA and ribosome

A–T, C–G

DNA base pairing

A–U, C–G

RNA base pairing

Epithelial Tissue

Covers body, lines organs (e.g., skin, intestines)

Connective Tissue

Supports/binds (e.g., bone, fat, blood)

Muscle Tissue

Movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth)

Nervous Tissue

Sends electrical signals (brain, spinal cord)

Squamous (Epithelial Shape)

Flat

Cuboidal (Epithelial Shape)

Cube-shaped

Columnar (Epithelial Shape)

Tall

Simple (Epithelial Layers)

One layer

Stratified (Epithelial Layers)

Multiple layers

Simple squamous (Location & Function)

Lungs (gas exchange)

Stratified squamous (Location & Function)

Skin (protection)

Cartilage

Flexible, no blood supply, slower repair

Bone

Rigid, vascularized, strong

Mucous Membranes

Line cavities open to exterior (mouth, nose)

Serous Membranes

Line internal cavities (lungs, heart)

Cutaneous Membrane

Skin

Synovial Membranes

Line joint cavities, secrete fluid

Epidermis

Outer layer, no blood vessels, keratinized

Dermis

Connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, glands

Subcutaneous (hypodermis)

Fat storage, insulation, energy

Sebaceous Glands

Oil production

Sweat Glands

Temperature regulation

Melanin

UV protection, pigment

Carotene

Yellow-orange pigment from diet

Hemoglobin

Red tint from blood

Long bones

Femur, humerus

Short bones

Carpals

Flat bones

Skull, ribs

Irregular bones

Vertebrae

Compact Bone

Dense, outer layer

Spongy Bone

Lighter, contains red marrow

Bone growth in length

At epiphyseal plate (growth plate)

Appositional growth

Adding layers

Resorption

Breakdown of bone by osteoclasts

Fibrous Joints

Immovable (e.g., skull sutures)

Cartilaginous Joints

Slightly movable (e.g., pubic symphysis)

Synovial Joints

Freely movable (e.g., knee, shoulder)

Synarthrosis

Immovable

Amphiarthrosis

Slight movement

Diarthrosis

Free movement

Flexion/Extension

Bending/straightening