anatomy and physiology midterm part 1 (MCQ/FRQ)

What are the characteristics of microglia?

Microglia are the immune cells of the CNS that provide structural support, act as macrophages, and are involved in inflammation.

What are the characteristics of oligodendrocytes?

Oligodendrocytes are glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin, insulating axons to facilitate faster nerve impulse transmission.

What are the characteristics of astrocytes?

Astrocytes support neuron function, maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, and regulate ion and neurotransmitter concentrations.

What are the characteristics of apocrine glands?

Apocrine glands secrete a thicker, milky fluid primarily in areas with hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin, and are associated with scent.

What are the characteristics of eccrine glands?

Eccrine glands are sweat glands that produce a watery secretion directly onto the skin surface to help regulate body temperature.

What are the characteristics of sebaceous glands?

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum (oil) into hair follicles to lubricate and waterproof the skin.

How can you tell apocrine, eccrine, and sebaceous glands apart?

Apocrine glands are associated with hair follicles and produce thicker secretions, eccrine glands are widespread and produce watery sweat, while sebaceous glands secrete oil directly into the hair follicles.

What is the function of keratin?

Keratin is a protein that provides structural strength and waterproofing, found in skin, hair, and nails.

Where is keratin found in the body?

Keratin is found in the epidermis of the skin, hair follicles, and nails.

Describe the structure and function of a muscle fiber.

A muscle fiber is a multinucleated cell with striated appearance, composed of myofibrils that contract to produce force.

What are osteoblasts?

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells that synthesize the bone matrix and aid in mineralization.

What are osteoclasts?

Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells that break down bone tissue, essential for bone remodeling.

How do osteoblasts and osteoclasts contribute to bone remodeling?

Osteoblasts build new bone tissue, while osteoclasts remove old or damaged bone, maintaining bone health and homeostasis.

What are the major muscles of the shoulder?

The major muscles include the deltoid, rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis), and trapezius.

What are the striations in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells due to?

Striations are due to the regular arrangement of myofilaments (actin and myosin) in sarcomeres.

What is the difference between sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes?

The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts, the frontal (coronal) plane divides it into anterior and posterior parts, and the transverse plane divides it into superior and inferior parts.

Where is smooth muscle found in the body?

Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines, blood vessels, and the bladder.

What are the characteristics of epithelial tissue?

Epithelial tissue is characterized by closely packed cells, lack of blood vessels, polarity, and a basement membrane.

Which bone in the leg aids in stabilizing the ankle but does not bear weight?

The fibula aids in stabilizing the ankle but does not carry the body's weight.

Which type of joint allows the human thumb to be opposable?

The saddle joint allows the thumb to be opposable.

How do neurons increase the strength of a nerve signal?

Neurons increase the strength of a signal through the frequency of action potentials rather than by increasing the size of the signal.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture risk, commonly associated with decreased estrogen levels.

Which hormone is most notably associated with osteoporosis?

Estrogen is the hormone most notably associated with osteoporosis, as it helps maintain bone density.

What are the regions of the vertebral column, starting at the neck?

The regions are cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

How do the somatic nervous system and neurotransmitters stimulate muscle contractions?

The somatic nervous system stimulates muscle contractions through motor neurons releasing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

What are the accessory structures in the integumentary system?

Accessory structures include hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and nails.

What is cartilage and how do you distinguish it from other tissues?

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue characterized by a firm but pliable matrix, distinguished from other tissues by its lack of blood vessels and nerves.

What are the characteristics of a fibrous joint?

Fibrous joints are connected by dense connective tissue, are generally immovable, and include sutures and syndesmoses.

What are the characteristics of a synovial joint?

Synovial joints have a fluid-filled joint cavity, allowing for a high range of motion, and are characterized by articular cartilage and a capsule.

What are the characteristics of a cartilaginous joint?

Cartilaginous joints are connected by cartilage, allowing limited movement, and include symphyses and synchondroses.

What muscle acts as the prime mover in inspiration?

The diaphragm acts as the prime mover during inspiration.

What is the feedback loop for blood sugar regulation?

The feedback loop involves insulin lowering blood sugar levels, secreted by the pancreas, and glucagon raising blood sugar levels when needed.

Which structure on the posterior side of the brain is responsible for posture, balance, and coordinating smooth movements?

The cerebellum is responsible for posture, balance, and coordination of smooth movements.

What happens during each stage of an action potential?

During depolarization, sodium channels open, causing the membrane potential to rise; during repolarization, potassium channels open, restoring resting potential; during hyperpolarization, the membrane potential briefly becomes more negative.

How is a muscle that maintains posture contracting?

A muscle maintaining posture contracts isometrically, maintaining tension without changing length.

What are the levels of organization in the body?

The levels are chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism.

What are the characteristics of connective tissue?

Connective tissue supports, binds, and protects other tissues, characterized by a matrix of fibers and ground substance.

What are the different types of synovial joints?

Types of synovial joints include hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot, saddle, condyloid, and plane joints.

What are the structures of the integument from superficial to deep?

The structures include the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

What are the characteristics of light and dark matter in the brain?

Light matter refers to regions mainly composed of myelinated axons (white matter), while dark matter refers to cell bodies and unmyelinated axons (grey matter).

What are the characteristics of the different types of skeletal muscle contractions?

Characteristics include isotonic contractions (muscle changes length), isometric contractions (muscle length remains constant), and eccentric contractions (muscle lengthens under tension).

What can affect the response of a target cell to a hormone?

Factors include the hormone concentration, target cell receptor availability, and the presence of other hormones.

What are the bones that make up the ankle called?

The bones of the ankle are called the tarsals, which include the talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms.

Which cell organelles are abundant in the cells lining the trachea?

Cilia are abundant in tracheal cells, aiding in the movement of mucus and trapped particles.

Which muscle is antagonistic to the gastrocnemius?

The tibialis anterior is antagonistic to the gastrocnemius.

What are the bones of the appendicular skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton includes the limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvic) and is more flexible than the axial skeleton.

How do the appendicular and axial skeletons compare in terms of flexibility and stability?

The appendicular skeleton is more flexible for movement, while the axial skeleton provides stability and support for the body's structure.

What is the importance of myelin?

Myelin insulates nerve fibers, increasing the speed of electrical impulses along the axons.

Where is myelin located?

Myelin is located around the axons of many neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

How do the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis compare in terms of structure and function?

The epidermis is the outer protective layer, the dermis contains blood vessels and nerves for sensation, and the hypodermis anchors the skin to underlying structures.

What happens if the body cannot produce sufficient levels of keratin?

Inadequate keratin production may lead to weakened skin, increased vulnerability to infections, and hair and nail abnormality.

Describe the sliding filament model of muscle contraction.

Muscle contraction occurs when actin filaments slide over myosin filaments, shortening the sarcomere through cross-bridge cycling.

What is an example of chemical protection provided by the skin?

Sebum is a chemical barrier that helps to prevent microbial infections on the skin.

How does body temperature regulation work?

Body temperature regulation involves sweating, blood vessel dilation/constriction, and hormonal control through the hypothalamus.

What are the roles of specific hormones in temperature regulation?

Hormones like adrenaline can increase metabolism and heat production, while thyroid hormones regulate overall metabolic rate.

How does the structure of a long bone differ from that of short, flat, or irregular bones?

Long bones have a diaphysis, epiphyses, and marrow cavity, while short, flat, and irregular bones have more varied shapes without a clear diaphysis.

What are the major body cavities and the organs they hold?

Major cavities include the thoracic cavity (heart, lungs), abdominal cavity (digestive organs), and pelvic cavity (bladder, reproductive organs).

What are the dendritic cells in the epidermis responsible for?

Dendritic cells in the epidermis are responsible for immune response and detecting pathogens.

Where are dendritic cells most abundant?

Dendritic cells are most abundant in the outer layer of the skin and mucosal tissues.

What is the purpose of the collagen fibers in tendons and ligaments?

Collagen fibers provide tensile strength, allowing tendons to connect muscles to bones and ligaments to connect bones at joints.

What happens at the ends of a skeletal muscle where the connective tissue components merge?

At the ends, the connective tissue merges to form tendons that attach muscles to bones.

What region of the brain is involved in language processing?

Broca's area and Wernicke's area are regions involved in language processing.

What is the difference between positive and negative feedback mechanisms?

Positive feedback amplifies a response, while negative feedback reduces a response to maintain homeostasis.

What are examples of positive feedback mechanisms?

Examples include childbirth contractions and blood clotting.

What are examples of negative feedback mechanisms?

Examples include temperature regulation and blood sugar levels.

What neurotransmitters are responsible for addiction?

Dopamine and endorphins are neurotransmitters involved in addiction, influencing pleasure and reward pathways.