Physiology Flashcards: Gametogenesis and Digestion

Gametogenesis

The process of producing gametes, which are reproductive cells.

Spermatogenesis

The process of producing sperm cells in males.

Oogenesis

The process of producing egg cells in females.

Diploid

Cells that contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

Cells that contain one set of chromosomes, typically found in gametes.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

Primary

The first stage of gamete cells in both spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

Crossing-over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

First division

The stage in meiosis when homologous chromosomes are separated.

Secondary

The stage that follows primary in meiosis, leading to the formation of gametes.

Split

What happens to chromatids during the second meiotic division.

Polar bodies

Small cells produced during oogenesis that do not develop into ova.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

A hormone released from the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of gonadotropins.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum.

Follicular

The phase of the ovarian cycle that includes follicle growth.

Estrogen

A hormone that promotes the growth of the follicle and the endometrial lining.

Luteal

The phase of the menstrual cycle characterized by corpus luteum activity.

Progesterone

A hormone that supports the uterine lining after ovulation.

Menses

The process of shedding the uterine lining.

Proliferative phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle where the endometrial lining is rebuilt.

Secretory phase

The nutrient-rich phase of the uterine cycle.

Salivary glands

Glands that secrete enzymes to begin digestion in the mouth.

Esophagus

The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Stomach

The organ that stores and mixes food with acid.

Pancreas

The organ that secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.

Small intestine

The organ where most nutrient absorption occurs.

Large intestine

The part of the GI tract that absorbs water and forms feces.

Rectum

The final segment of the digestive tract.

Liver

The organ that produces bile.

Gallbladder

The organ that stores bile.

Digestion

The breakdown of food into absorbable units.

Absorption

The transport of nutrients into the blood or lymph.

Motility

The movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Secretion

The release of enzymes and fluids into the GI tract.

Enteric nervous system

The intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract.

Peristalsis

Wave-like contractions that move food along the GI tract.

Lacteals

Lymphatic vessels that absorb dietary fats.

Endopeptidases

Protein-digesting enzymes that cut internal bonds.

Exopeptidases

Protein-digesting enzymes that cut terminal bonds.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates that are absorbed.

Amino acids

The products of protein breakdown for absorption.

Fatty acids

The products of lipid breakdown for absorption.

Gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP)

A hormone that slows gastric emptying and promotes insulin release.

Secretin

A hormone that stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate secretion.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A hormone that stimulates bile release and pancreatic enzymes.

Gastrin

A hormone that promotes gastric acid secretion.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)

A hormone that enhances insulin secretion after meals.

Motilin

A hormone that regulates the migrating motor complex.

Hypothalamus

The brain region that regulates hunger and satiety.

Feeding center

The hypothalamic center that stimulates eating.

Satiety center

The hypothalamic center that promotes fullness.

Glucostatic

The theory that links blood glucose levels to feeding behavior.

Lipostatic

The theory that links body fat levels to feeding behavior.

Leptin

A hormone that signals satiety from adipose tissue.

Neuropeptide Y

A hypothalamic neuropeptide that increases hunger.

Ghrelin

A hormone produced in the stomach that increases hunger.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

An index that measures weight relative to height.

Calorie

The basic energy unit in nutrition.

1000

The number of calories in a kilocalorie.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

The minimum energy needed at rest.

Resting metabolic rate (RMR)

The rate of energy expenditure at rest.

Oxygen

The gas used to estimate metabolic rate.

Carbon dioxide

The gas produced during metabolism.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body.

Anabolic

The type of metabolism that builds molecules.

Catabolic

The type of metabolism that breaks down molecules.

Glycogenesis

The formation of glycogen from glucose.

Lipogenesis

The formation of fat from excess nutrients.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose.

Gluconeogenesis

The formation of glucose from non-carbohydrates.

Deamination

The removal of an amino group from an amino acid.

Lipolysis

The breakdown of fats into glycerol and fatty acids.

Beta oxidation

The metabolic pathway for fatty acid oxidation.

Metabolic syndrome

A syndrome characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure.

Cortisol

A hormone that increases blood glucose and suppresses immune function.

Cushing's syndrome

A condition resulting from excess cortisol.

Addison's disease

A condition resulting from cortisol deficiency.

Thyroid gland

The gland that produces T3 and T4 hormones.

Goiter

The enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Acromegaly

A condition resulting from excess growth hormone in adults.

Dwarfism

A condition resulting from low growth hormone during childhood.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by high calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid hormone

A hormone that raises blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin

A hormone that lowers blood calcium levels.

Calcitriol

A hormone that increases calcium absorption in the intestines.