Human Reproduction, Respiration, Circulation & Digestion – Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering human reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems, along with associated diseases and physiological concepts.

Zygote

The single cell formed immediately after fertilization.

Testes

Male organs where sperm are produced.

Ovaries

Female organs where eggs (ova) are produced.

Ovulation

Mid-cycle release of an egg from an ovary.

Fallopian (Uterine) Tubes

Ducts that convey the ovulated egg toward the uterus; typical site of fertilization.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus where implantation occurs.

Cervix

Narrow opening at the lower end of the uterus.

Endometriosis

Condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.

Tubal Ligation

Surgical tying or sealing of the fallopian tubes for female sterilization.

Vasectomy

Surgical cutting of the vas deferens for male sterilization.

Premenopause

Life phase beginning with the onset of menstruation and ending before perimenopause/menopause.

Prostate Gland

Male gland that often enlarges with age and is a major site of cancer.

Hemocyanin

Copper-containing oxygen carrier that gives some animals' blood a blue color.

Larynx

Voice box; the first structure entered when air passes into the windpipe.

Vocal Cords

Folds within the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.

Alveoli

Tiny lung sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Hemoglobin

Iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Iron (Fe)

Metal atom in hemoglobin that binds oxygen.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

Primary form in which CO₂ is transported in blood; helps regulate pH.

Diaphragm

Muscle absent in amphibians but essential for mammalian breathing.

Air Sacs (Birds)

Extensions of the respiratory system that provide unidirectional airflow through bird lungs.

Cellular Respiration

Process that uses oxygen to produce ATP (energy) in cells.

Stomach Acid (HCl)

Kills microbes and denatures proteins in the stomach.

Pulmonary Circuit

Branch of circulation that carries blood between heart and lungs.

Systemic Circuit

Branch that delivers blood to and from body tissues.

Mouth

Digestive organ where starch is chemically broken down.

Pharynx

Throat region that connects mouth to esophagus.

Esophagus

Muscular tube that moves food to the stomach.

Stomach

Digestive organ that begins protein digestion.

Small Intestine

Primary site for chemical digestion and absorption of all nutrients.

Large Intestine

Reabsorbs water and minerals; forms feces.

Liver

Produces bile and detoxifies blood; stores glucose.

Bile

Liver secretion that emulsifies fats for digestion.

Pancreas

Secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate; regulates blood sugar.

Insulin

Pancreatic hormone that lowers blood glucose.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose by releasing liver glycogen.

Capillaries

Microscopic vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes occurs.

Stroke

Death of brain tissue due to interrupted blood flow.

P Wave

ECG deflection representing atrial depolarization.

QRS Complex

ECG spike representing ventricular contraction.

T Wave

ECG deflection indicating ventricular reset (repolarization).

Hypertension-Induced Microtears

Small arterial injuries from high BP that trap fats, accelerating atherosclerosis.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

"Good" cholesterol that transports fats to the liver for disposal.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

"Bad" cholesterol that deposits fats in artery walls.

Cecum

Blind pouch where fermentation of plant material occurs (especially in herbivores).

Gizzard (Birds)

Muscular chamber that grinds food, compensating for lack of teeth.

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune disease where the pancreas fails to produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Condition in which body cells become resistant to insulin; linked to genetics and lifestyle.

Plasma

Liquid portion of blood containing water, proteins, nutrients, and electrolytes.

Plasma Donation

Procedure to collect plasma for pharmaceutical products.

Gastric Sleeve

Surgery removing part of the stomach to restrict food intake.

Gastric Bypass

Surgery that routes food past much of the stomach and small intestine to reduce absorption.

Systolic Pressure

Blood pressure during ventricular contraction.

Diastolic Pressure

Blood pressure during ventricular relaxation.

Peptic Ulcer

Sore in stomach or duodenal lining.

Helicobacter pylori

Bacterium commonly responsible for peptic ulcers.

Epiglottis

Flap that closes the trachea during swallowing to prevent food entry.

Arteries

Vessels carrying blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Veins

Vessels returning blood to the heart; contain valves to prevent backflow.

Fish Heart

Two-chambered circulatory pump.

Amphibian Heart

Three-chambered heart (two atria, one ventricle).

Bird & Mammal Heart

Four-chambered heart (two atria, two ventricles).

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema

COPD form where alveoli are destroyed, causing "wet" lungs and breathlessness.

Chronic Bronchitis

COPD form marked by inflamed bronchi and persistent mucus production.

Myoglobin

Oxygen-storing protein in muscle, abundant in diving mammals.

Cardiovascular Disease

Leading cause of death in the U.S.; includes heart attacks and strokes.

Open Circulatory System

Circulatory design of arthropods where hemolymph bathes organs directly.

Bone Marrow

Tissue inside bones that forms blood cells from stem cells.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells responsible for adaptive immunity.

Lymphatic System

Network that returns leaked fluid to blood and houses immune cells.

Edema

Swelling caused by disrupted lymphatic flow; alleviated by external pressure or movement.