Chapter 1-9 Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes, including ions, physiology basics, organ systems, hormones, and clinical concepts mentioned in Chapters 1–9.

The Big Five (ions)

The five principal ions emphasized in the notes: four cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and one anion (Cl−); foundational for physiology discussions.

Natrium

Latin name for sodium; a major extracellular cation important for nerve impulses and fluid balance.

Calium

Latin name for calcium; essential for bones, muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and blood clotting.

Cyt-/Cyte

Greek root meaning cell; used in terms like cytology and erythrocyte.

-ology

Suffix meaning the study of; forms disciplines such as physiology and endocrinology.

Extracorporeal

Outside the body; used to describe procedures performed outside the body.

Lithotripsy

A medical procedure that fragments kidney stones so they can be passed.

Kidney capsule

Thin protective layer surrounding the kidney.

Thrombosis

Pathological formation of a blood clot within a vessel; can impede blood flow.

Thrombus

A clot that forms within a vessel.

Ischemia

Lack of blood flow to a region or tissue, leading to reduced oxygen supply.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

Death or damage of heart muscle due to blocked coronary arteries and ischemia.

Stroke

Sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing brain injury.

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score

CT-derived score that measures calcification around the heart’s arteries to assess CAD risk.

Echocardiogram

Ultrasound imaging of the heart to assess structure and function.

Nuclear stress test

Cardiac test using radioactive tracers to evaluate blood flow to the heart under stress.

Angio-

Prefix meaning vessel; used in terms like angiography.

Hypo-

Prefix meaning under or below (as in hypothalamus).

Capillary bed

A network of capillaries one endothelial cell thick; site of gas and nutrient exchange; leak fluid even without injury.

Endothelium

The single-cell-thick lining of blood vessels forming capillary walls.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid leakage from capillaries into tissues.

Lymphatic system

Network that drains leaked fluid (lymph) from capillaries through lymph nodes and into the thoracic duct.

Lymph

Fluid collected by the lymphatic system; travels through lymphatic vessels.

Integumentary system

The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, glands); the largest organ system.

Secretion

Production and release of substances by glands or cells into body compartments or the exterior.

Excretion

Elimination of waste products from the body; distinct from secretion.

Red marrow

Hematopoietic bone marrow active in producing blood cells; more common in youth; gradually replaced by yellow marrow with fat in adults.

Yellow marrow

Fat-containing marrow; largely inactive in hematopoiesis in adults.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone produced by the kidney that stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow.

Vitamin K

Vitamin essential for blood clotting factor synthesis; stored in the liver; named from coagulation (K) in Danish.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver scarring; commonly linked to alcoholism; impairs liver function including clotting factor storage.

Glycolysis

Metabolic pathway that converts glucose to pyruvate; nets 2 ATP per glucose molecule (4 produced, but 2 are consumed in early steps).

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

Electrical potential difference across the cell membrane at rest; usually negative inside relative to outside.

Action Potential (AP)

Brief, rapid electrical impulse that propagates along neurons or muscle fibers; essential for communication and contraction.

Endocrinology

Study of hormones and their secretion into the blood; endo = within, crine = secrete, ology = study of.

Cortisol

Adrenal cortex hormone; increases blood glucose and modulates metabolism; stress hormone.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Hormone from the adrenal medulla; raises heart rate and blood glucose; Greek name means upon the kidney.

Glucagon

Pancreatic alpha-cell hormone; raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Anterior pituitary hormone; promotes growth and metabolism; raises blood glucose through various mechanisms.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Kidney-derived hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose; can impair brain and red blood cell function; triggers counter-regulatory hormones.

Autonomic Nervous System

Subdivision of the PNS controlling involuntary functions; includes sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) branches.