Humanbiologi - frågor och begrepp SVAR HT24

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external surroundings.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that occur within a body to convert energy and build up or break down molecules, divided into anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down).

Diffusion

A passive transport process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Semipermeable

A membrane that allows only certain molecules to pass through, such as water and small ions, while blocking others.

Immune system

A complex system in the body that defends against pathogens, comprised of various cells and mechanisms.

Inflammation

A response mechanism that occurs due to infection or tissue damage, characterized by swelling, redness, and warmth, aiming to recruit white blood cells and initiate tissue repair.

Antibody

Y-shaped proteins produced by B-cells that identify and neutralize foreign objects like viruses or bacteria.

Infection

The invasion of the body by pathogenic organisms such as bacteria or viruses, which may not always lead to illness due to the body's defense mechanisms.

Sepsis

A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation.

Vaccination

The introduction of a vaccine into the body to produce immunity against a disease by enabling the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens.

Alveoli

Small, sac-like structures in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

Spirometry

A common lung function test that measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale and to assess the efficiency of the lungs.

PEF measurement

Peak Expiratory Flow measurement, used primarily to assess the maximum speed of expiration and monitor asthma.

Diabetes type 1

An auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in fatigue and weakness.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects blood cells and bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Inflammatory response

The body's immediate reaction to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or injury, involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators.

Blood pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels, an important indicator of heart health.

Stroke

A medical condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell death and loss of functions.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

A protein produced by the liver that increases in response to inflammation, used as a marker for infection or inflammation.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body and is a key factor measured in blood tests.

Cytokines

Small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells in the immune response.

T-cells

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity, and includes helper, cytotoxic, and memory T-cells.

B-cells

White blood cells that produce antibodies and are involved in the humoral immune response.