AP BIO LAB PRACTICAL

Nose

Serves as the primary entry point for air into the respiratory system. Also has olfactory receptors (smell)

Vibrissae

Sensory hairs located near the nostrils; help detect environmental stimuli

Upper & Lower Incisors

Aka front teeth, used to bite and cut food as well as grasping and tearing

Mouth

Opening where food is ingested. Contains teeth for mechanical breakdown of food. Also plays a role in vocalization

Nictitating Membrane

Third eyelid; protects and moistens the eye while maintaining visibility.

Pinna

External ear; collects and funnels sound waves into the ear canal; aids in hearing and sound localization.

Thoracic Region

Upper torso; houses heart and lungs; protected by rib cage; crucial for respiration and circulation.

Abdominal Region

Lower torso, contains digestive, excretory, and reproductive organs.

Urinary Aperture

External opening for urine excretion

Scrotum

Pouch that holds testes. Regulates temperature and sperm production

Anus

Terminal opening of the digestive tract. Helps with defecation, controls bowel movements

Tail

Helps with balance, locomotion, communication, and defense

Pectoralis Major

Muscle that helps with adduction (bringing arms closer to body), bending the arm, and internal rotation of the humerus

External Oblique

Helps rotate the trunk

Rectus Abdominus

Front abdominal muscle; flexes vertebral column; compresses abdominal organs

Esophagus

Muscular tube; transports food from mouth to stomach via peristalsis

Stomach

Muscular, J-shaped organ; stores food; mixes with gastric juices; begins protein breakdown

Small Intestine

Long coiled tube; majority of nutrient digestion and absorption occurs here

Mesentery

Attaches intestines to the abdominal wall, holding them in place

Large Intestine

Absorbs water and electrolytes from consumed food

Liver

Performs metabolic functions such as creation of bile and detoxification

Spleen

Filters blood by removing old blood cells, stores blood

Pancreas

Produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin to regulate blood sugar

Heart

Pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients

Thymus

Develops white blood cells, essential for immune system

Aortic Arch

Distributes blood from heart to the neck, head, and upper limbs

Diaphragm

Primary muscle for respiration; contract = inhale, relax = exhale

Trachea

Pathway for air to enter and exit lungs

Lungs

Facilitate oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release

Kidney

Filters blood to remove waste products and excess water

Ureters

Tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder

Bladder

Stores urine

Urethra

Tube that expels urine; also serves as passage for semen in males

Penis

Male external reproductive organ, responsible for urination and intercourse

Testes

Produce sperm and male hormones (androgens)

Ovaries

Produce eggs and female hormones