Anatomy & Physiology

What is the function of the mammalian circulatory system?

Transport things around your body (nutrients and waste), clotting, defense through leukocytes, and heat regulation.

What are the four chambers of the mammalian heart?

Two atriums and two ventricles.

Which chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body?

The right atrium.

What is the main function of capillaries?

To allow for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and waste between blood and tissues.

What are the major vessels carrying deoxygenated blood to the right atrium?

Superior vena cava and inferior vena cava.

What prevents backflow of blood into the ventricle during contraction?

Valves, specifically the tricuspid valve and aortic valve.

What is the pathway of a red blood cell from the body to the lungs?

It enters the right atrium from the body, moves to the right ventricle, then to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.

What is the structure of the alveoli?

Tiny air sacs in the lungs that are one cell thick, allowing efficient gas exchange.

What type of blood do pulmonary veins carry?

Oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

What are the two numbers in a blood pressure reading?

Systolic pressure (top number) is the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the pressure when the heart is resting.

What is the function of erythrocytes?

Transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Which component of blood is responsible for immunity?

Leukocytes (white blood cells).

What is the function of platelets?

Essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.

Define peristalsis.

A series of contractions in smooth muscles that moves food throughout the digestive system.

What role does the pancreas play in digestion?

Secretes enzymes into the small intestine and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

What is the function of the kidneys?

Filter blood to remove waste and produce urine for excretion.

How do kidneys help regulate blood pressure?

By filtering blood and balancing water, glucose, ions, and electrolytes.

What process allows for gas exchange between alveoli and blood?

Diffusion, where substances move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Explain the role of the hypothalamus in regulating female hormones.

It releases GnRH, stimulating the anterior pituitary to produce FSH and LH.

What does FSH do in the female menstrual cycle?

Promotes growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, stimulating estrogen production.

What triggers ovulation in the menstrual cycle?

A surge of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) mid-cycle.

What is menopause?

The end of a woman's reproductive years marked by the cessation of menstrual cycles.