CNA

Nervous System Function

To receive information from the environment, interpret it, and create a response.

Three Main Parts of the Nervous System

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Three Main Parts of the Brain

Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

Cerebrum Function

Controls thinking, emotions, sensations, memory, and movement.

Cerebellum Function

Coordinates movement and balance.

Brain Stem Location and Structure

An extension of the spinal cord located at the base of the brain.

Brain Stem Function

Relays information from the face/eyes/ears/nose/tongue and controls heart beating and breathing.

Spinal Cord Composition

Made up of millions of nerves that receive and relay information.

Neurons

Millions of cells that make up nerves.

Axon

The long trunk of a neuron.

Dendrites

The smaller branches of a neuron.

Synapses

Small spaces between axons and dendrites where chemicals pass messages.

Sensory Nerves

Carry information from sensory organs to the spinal cord.

Motor Nerves

Carry instructions from the brain down the spinal cord to the muscles.

Role of Muscles in Nervous Response

Do what the nerves have instructed them to do.

Digestive System Function

To break down the food you eat into small particles the body uses for nutrition.

Where Digestion Begins

In the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva.

Saliva Function

Breaks down food further; produced by salivary glands.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that carries partially digested food from the mouth to the stomach.

Stomach Function

Churns food and produces acid that helps in digestion.

Small Intestine Function

Where enzymes and bile further digest food into tiny particles that pass into the bloodstream.

Pancreas Role in Digestion

Produces enzymes added to the small intestine.

Liver Role in Digestion

Makes bile.

Gall Bladder Role

Stores bile made by the liver.

Villi Function

Tiny particles pass through small intestine walls into the bloodstream to provide nutrition.

Large Intestine Function

Absorbs most of the remaining water from undigested food.

Feces

Leftover material in the large intestine that leaves the body.

Anus

The opening through which feces leave the body.

Pyloric Sphincter

The valve between the stomach and the duodenum (small intestine).

Digestive Pathway

Mouth -> esophagus -> stomach -> small intestine -> large intestine -> anus.

Immune System Components

White blood cells, antibodies, lymph nodes, and the spleen.

Immune System Function

To destroy any germs that invade the body.

Macrophage

A type of white blood cell that is usually the first to spot and eat germs.

Macrophage Destination

Travels to a nearby lymph node or the spleen after eating a germ.

T-Cells Function

Find out what the germ looks like from the macrophage and go immediately to attack and kill it.

B-Cells Function

Make weapons called antibodies that fit perfectly onto invading germs.

Antibodies Function

Coat germs to prevent harm and make it easier for T-cells to attack and kill them.

Skin as a Defense

First line of defense providing a waterproof barrier against infection and injury.

Germ Types

Bacteria and viruses.

Lymph Vessels

Vessels that transport lymph throughout the immune system network.

Spleen Role in Immunity

Houses other white blood cells to help process invading germs.

Splenic Artery

Supplies blood to the spleen.

Splenic Vein

Drains blood from the spleen.

Lymph Duct

Transports lymph fluid into the circulatory system.

Tissue with Macrophages

Specialized tissue that houses macrophages to trap germs.

Respiratory System Function

To supply the body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Main Component of Respiratory System

The lungs.

Diaphragm

The large breathing muscle separating the heart/lungs from the abdominal cavity.

Inhalation Mechanism

Diaphragm contracts, creating a vacuum that draws air into the nose and mouth.

Trachea

The windpipe through which air travels to the bronchial tubes.

Bronchial Tubes

Two tubes that lead air from the trachea into the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller tubes branching from bronchial tubes inside the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs at the end of bronchioles where gas exchange occurs.

Capillaries in Lungs

Extremely thin blood vessels (one cell thick) surrounding the alveoli.

Gas Exchange in Lungs

Oxygen in the air is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood.

Exhalation Mechanism

Diaphragm relaxes, forcing carbon dioxide out through the trachea, mouth, or nose.

Pharynx Location

Nasal cavity and throat area connecting to the larynx and trachea.

Larynx

The voice box, located above the trachea.

Terminal Bronchiole

The final generation of conducting bronchioles before the alveoli.

Pulmonary Capillary

Blood vessel surrounding alveoli facilitating oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion.

Circulatory System Components

The heart and blood vessels.

Circulatory System Function

To circulate blood containing oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Septum

A thin muscular wall dividing the heart into a right and left side.

Heart Chambers

Upper chamber called atrium and lower chamber called ventricle on each side.

Left Atrium Function

Receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and passes it to the left ventricle.

Left Ventricle Function

Pumps oxygen-rich blood out of the heart and into the aorta.

Aorta

The largest artery of the body.

Arteries

Vessels that transport blood away from the heart.

Capillaries (Circulatory)

Tiny vessels (one cell thick) where oxygen/nutrients exchange for carbon dioxide/wastes.

Veins

Vessels that transport blood towards the heart.

Right Atrium Function

Receives oxygen-poor blood from veins and passes it to the right ventricle.

Right Ventricle Function

Pumps oxygen-poor blood through pulmonary arteries to the lungs.

Pulmonary Arteries

Transport oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Pulmonary Veins

Carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Superior Vena Cava

Major vein returning oxygen-poor upper body blood to the right atrium.

Muscular/Skeletal System Components

Bones and muscles.

Muscular/Skeletal System Function

Provide structural support, protection, and the power needed for movement.

Skull Function

Protects the brain.

Ribs Function

Protect the heart, lungs, and several abdominal organs.

Joints

Places where bones come together.

Joint Types

Ball-and-socket, hinge, and pivot joints.

Ligaments

Bands of strong tissue that connect bone to bone.

Cartilage in Skeletal System

Covers bone ends to help joints move smoothly and protect from wear and tear.

Tendons

Tough fibrous bands attaching muscles to bone.

Skeletal Muscles

Provide the power needed to move joints and bones, producing body movement.

Cardiac Muscle

Found in the heart; pumps blood to the rest of the body.

Smooth Muscle

Found in internal organ walls; performs involuntary actions like moving food through intestines.

Femur

The major thigh bone in the leg.

Patella

The kneecap.

Mandible

The lower jaw bone.