Anatomy and Physiology Review: Fluids, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering human anatomy and physiology systems including fluid balance, respiratory mechanics, digestive processes, urinary functions, and reproductive cycles.

Sodium ($Na^+$)

The most abundant electrolyte in the Extracellular Fluid (ECF) that is primarily involved in fluid balances.

Potassium ($K^+$)

An electrolyte involved in nerve function and muscular contraction.

Normal arterial blood pH

A highly regulated window spanning from $7.35 - 7.45$.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition involving the retention of too much $CO_2$, often caused by COPD, severe asthma, or sleep apnea.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition involving the excessive loss of $CO_2$, often caused by hyperventilation or severe panic attacks.

Metabolic Acidosis

An acid-base imbalance that can result from severe diarrhea or kidney failure.

Ketoacidosis

A specific type of metabolic acidosis known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).

Medulla oblongata

The part of the brain stem responsible for controlling pulmonary ventilation.

Larynx

A respiratory structure containing cartilage, thyroid cartilage, and vocal cords.

Pharynx

A structure divided into three regions: the Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx.

Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) Transport

The three mechanisms used to move this gas through the blood: binding to hemoglobin, conversion to bicarbonate ions, or dissolving in plasma.

Respiratory Membrane

The structure composed of the fused basement membrane of capillary walls and type I alveolar cells.

Primary Muscles of Quiet Inspiration

The Diaphragm and External Intercostals.

Eupnea

Normal, quiet breathing.

Apnea

A temporary cessation or stop in breathing.

Dyspnea

Labored, difficult, or painful breathing.

Vital Capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs after a maximum inspiration.

Alimentary Canal

The continuous tube where food breakdown begins (mouth) and ends (anus), including the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

Layers of the Alimentary Canal

The four primary layers from deepest to outermost: Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis externa, and Serosa.

Rugae

Ridges or folds found specifically within the walls of the stomach.

Pylorus

The narrow area controlled by a sphincter that connects the stomach directly to the small intestine.

Parietal cells

Gastric cells that secrete Hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) and intrinsic factor.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Major digestive juices including Amylase and Nuclease.

Emulsification

The process where bile breaks down large lipids into smaller droplets.

Salivary Amylase

The enzyme that initiates carbohydrate breakdown in the mouth.

Peristalsis

The mechanical wave-like contraction that moves contents through the digestive tract.

Lamina Propria

A layer in the GI tract containing capillaries and lymphatics used for transporting nutrients.

Salivary Glands

The three major pairs include the Parotid gland, Sublingual gland, and Submandibular gland.

Haustra

Segmented pouches located along the wall of the large intestine.

Taenia coli

A long muscular band running down the center of the large intestine.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney.

Flow of Urine

The anatomical pathway: Nephron $\rightarrow$ Collecting duct $\rightarrow$ Calyces $\rightarrow$ Renal pelvis $\rightarrow$ Ureter $\rightarrow$ Urinary bladder $\rightarrow$ Urethra.

Renin

A hormone produced by the kidneys to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance via the RAAS system.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that increases water reabsorption by targeting the Collecting Ducts and Distal Convoluted Tubules (DCT).

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

The portion of the nephron primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water and solutes.

Tubular Secretion

The process of moving drugs and toxins from peritubular capillaries into the renal tubules for excretion.

Efferent arteriole

The vessel through which blood exits the glomerulus.

Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle Phases

The three distinct phases known as Menses, Proliferative phase, and Secretory phase.

Estrogen

A hormone that promotes bone growth and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Scrotum

An anatomical structure that regulates the temperature of the testes to keep sperm viable.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

The hormone responsible for ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Progesterone

The primary hormone responsible for maintaining the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy.

Oogenesis

The production of a mature ovum that begins during fetal development and is completed upon fertilization.

Myometrium

The muscular layer of the uterus that undergoes heavy contraction and expansion during labor.

Prostate gland

A male reproductive gland that secretes a milky white fluid into semen.

Corpus Albicans

The scar tissue that forms when the Corpus Luteum degenerates if fertilization does not occur.