BIOL 117 Applied Physiology Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions required for mastering topics in Applied Physiology, aiding in review for the exam.

homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body.

physiology

The study of the body's functions and processes.

anabolism

The metabolic process that builds larger molecules from smaller ones.

catabolism

The metabolic process that breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones.

enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up biochemical reactions.

substrate-level phosphorylation

The direct production of ATP by transferring a phosphate group to ADP from a phosphorylated intermediate.

aerobic respiration

A process that requires oxygen to produce ATP.

anaerobic respiration

A process that does not require oxygen to produce ATP.

nerve impulse

An electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.

action potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along the membrane of a neuron.

refractory period

The time following an action potential during which a neuron cannot initiate another action potential.

ligand

A molecule that binds to a specific site on a protein, such as a receptor.

receptor

A protein that detects specific signals in the body's environment.

negative feedback

A process that reverses a change in a controlled condition.

positive feedback

A process that amplifies changes in a controlled condition.

transepithelial transport

The movement of substances across epithelial cells.

osmolarity

A measure of the concentration of solute particles in a solution.

tonicity

The effect of a solution on the shape of cells.

isotonic solution

A solution that has the same osmolarity as body fluids.

hypotonic solution

A solution that has a lower osmolarity than body fluids.

hypertonic solution

A solution that has a higher osmolarity than body fluids.

concentration gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance across a space.

diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

facilitated diffusion

The process of passive transport of molecules across a membrane via protein channels.

active transport

The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

coenzyme

A non-protein organic molecule that aids in enzyme function.

cell membrane

The semi-permeable barrier surrounding the cell.

phospholipid bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up cell membranes.

chromatin

The material of which the chromosomes of organisms are composed.

thromboxanes

A group of eicosanoids that promote platelet aggregation.

prostaglandins

Lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection.

second messenger

A molecule that relays signals received at receptors on the cell surface.

cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger used in signaling pathways.

adenylate cyclase

An enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP.

G-protein

A molecular switch that transmits signals from receptors to target proteins.

diacylglycerol (DAG)

A second messenger that activates protein kinase C.

Ca2+

Calcium ion, critical for various cellular functions including muscle contraction.

exocytosis

The process of vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane to release substances outside the cell.

endocytosis

The process by which cells internalize substances from their external environment.

synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse.

signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals from outside.

epithelium

Layers of cells that cover the surfaces of the body and line cavities.

sarcoplasmic reticulum

An organelle that stores calcium ions in muscle cells.

muscle twitch

A single contraction of muscle fibers in response to a stimulus.

tetanic contraction

A sustained muscle contraction resulting from frequent stimulation.

fatigue

Inability of a muscle to maintain its strength of contraction.

hypertrophy

Increase in muscle size due to exercise.

atrophy

Decrease in muscle size due to unused or inactivity.

hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells.

hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood.

histamine

A chemical released during inflammatory responses.

depolarization

A decrease in the difference between the inside and outside of the cell membrane.

hyperpolarization

An increase in the difference between the inside and outside of the cell membrane.

potassium channel

A type of ion channel that allows K+ ions to flow in and out of cells.

sodium channel

A type of ion channel that allows Na+ ions to flow in and out of cells.

acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system.

muscle fiber

A single muscle cell.

myofilaments

Contractile proteins within muscle cells.

troponin

A protein that binds calcium ions and facilitates muscle contraction.

tropomyosin

A protein that blocks actin binding sites in muscle fibers.

muscle spindle

Sensory receptors within the belly of muscles that detect changes in muscle length.

Golgi tendon organ

Sensory receptors that sense changes in muscle tension.

endomysium

The connective tissue surrounding each muscle fiber.

perimysium

The connective tissue surrounding a group of muscle fibers (fascicle).

epimysium

The connective tissue surrounding the entire muscle.

threshold potential

The membrane potential that must be reached for an action potential to occur.

graded potential

A change in membrane potential that varies in size.

autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions.

somatic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary actions.

dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

axon

The long, thin part of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

transduction

The process of converting one form of energy into another.

glutamate

An important excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate.

Krebs cycle

A sequence of reactions in cellular respiration that produces NADH and FADH2.

catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction.

feedback loop

A system structure that controls the output of a system.

permeability

The ability of substances to pass through a membrane.