Body Systems and Functions

What is the difference between a cell and a tissue?

A cell is the basic unit of life, while a tissue is a group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

What hormones regulate glucose levels in the body?

Insulin and glucagon are the primary hormones that regulate glucose levels.

What is the 'master gland' of the body?

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland because it regulates other glands in the endocrine system.

Describe the pathway of blood flow through the heart and to the body.

Blood flows from the body into the right atrium, then to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, moves to the left ventricle, and is then pumped out to the body.

What is the Central Nervous System?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.

What is the Peripheral Nervous System?

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves outside the CNS that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

What is the gap between neurons called?

The gap between neurons is called a synapse.

Which areas of the body are most sensitive to touch?

The fingertips, lips, and tongue are among the most sensitive areas of the body.

What are the different components of blood and what do each do?

Red blood cells (carry oxygen), white blood cells (fight infection), platelets (help with clotting), and plasma (liquid component that carries cells and nutrients).

What is the difference between arteries, veins, and capillaries?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins carry blood to the heart, and capillaries are small vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.

What is the role of CO2 in respiration?

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of metabolism and is expelled from the body during respiration; it also helps regulate breathing rate.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.

What is emphysema?

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.

What is cardiac bypass?

Cardiac bypass is a surgical procedure that restores normal blood flow to an obstructed coronary artery.

What causes contraction of the muscle?

Muscle contraction is caused by the sliding filament theory, where actin and myosin filaments slide past each other.

How do muscles work in antagonistic pairs?

Muscles work in antagonistic pairs by contracting and relaxing; when one muscle contracts, the opposing muscle relaxes.

Name the different kinds of joints found in the body and give an example of each.

Types of joints include: hinge joints (e.g., elbow), ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder), pivot joints (e.g., neck), and immovable joints (e.g., skull sutures).

List and describe the locations of the major muscle groups that we studied.

Major muscle groups include: biceps (front of upper arm), triceps (back of upper arm), quadriceps (front of thigh), hamstrings (back of thigh), and pectorals (chest).

What is a ligament?

A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones at a joint.

What is a tendon?

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones.

What is cartilage?

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joints, the rib cage, and the ear.

What is the cochlea? How does it work?

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses.

How is a person's 'strength' determined?

A person's strength is determined by muscle mass, muscle fiber type, and neuromuscular efficiency.

Label the bones that we studied on the skeleton.

The major bones include the skull, clavicle, sternum, ribs, humerus, radius, ulna, vertebrae, pelvis, femur, tibia, and fibula.

Draw and label a neuron.

A neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, an axon, and synaptic terminals.

Draw and label a brain. Describe what each part of the brain does.

The brain consists of the cerebrum (higher functions), cerebellum (coordination), and brainstem (basic life functions).

Describe the effects of stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens on the body.

Stimulants increase alertness and energy, depressants slow down brain function and reduce anxiety, and hallucinogens alter perception and mood.

What is the retina? How does it work?

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals.