Anatomy & Physiology Exam 4 Flashcards

Vocabulary-style practice flashcards covering Endocrine, Blood, Heart, and Vascular systems based on the Exam 4 study guide.

Endocrine System

A system that uses hormones and the bloodstream for communication, characterized by slower responses and long-lasting effects.

Nervous System

A system that uses neurotransmitters and neurons for communication, characterized by rapid responses and short-lived effects.

Steroid Hormones

Lipid-soluble hormones such as Cortisol, Aldosterone, Estrogen, and Testosterone that pass directly through the cell membrane and bind to receptors inside the nucleus.

Protein (Peptide) Hormones

Water-soluble hormones like Insulin, Glucagon, and Growth hormone that bind to receptors on the cell membrane and work through second messenger systems.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the Master Gland; it influences more body processes than any other endocrine gland and controls the Thyroid, Adrenal cortex, Gonads, Growth, and Water balance.

Negative Feedback

The most common mechanism for maintaining homeostasis, where a corrective response stops once the desired hormone level is reached.

Positive Feedback

A less common feedback mechanism used in processes like Childbirth (Oxytocin) and blood clotting.

Pineal Gland

An endocrine gland that produces Melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle and circadian rhythm.

Thymus

An endocrine gland and immune organ that produces hormones to mature T cells.

Thyroid Gland

Produces $T3$, $T4$, and Calcitonin to increase metabolism, heat production, and oxygen use while promoting growth.

Calcitonin

A hormone released when blood calcium is HIGH, functioning to lower blood calcium.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone released when blood calcium is LOW; it raises blood calcium through bone resorption, increased intestinal absorption, and kidney retention.

Graves' Disease

A condition caused by Hyperthyroidism; symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, rapid heart rate, Exophthalmos, and an enlarged thyroid.

Alpha Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce Glucagon to raise blood glucose levels.

Beta Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce Insulin to lower blood glucose levels.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood comprising $55\%$ of its volume, containing water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and hormones.

Albumin

A plasma protein responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure.

Globulins

Plasma proteins associated with immunity.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein essential for blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

A protein in Red Blood Cells that requires iron to carry oxygen.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys when oxygen levels decrease to stimulate the bone marrow to make RBCs.

Red Blood Cell Lifespan

Approximately $120\,days$; these cells are destroyed by the Spleen and Liver.

Type O Blood

The universal donor type; it has no antigens and contains both Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies.

Type AB Blood

The universal recipient type; it has both A & B antigens and no antibodies.

SA node

The natural pacemaker of the heart that generates electrical impulses.

AV Node

Part of the conduction system that delays the electrical impulse to allow atria to finish contracting and ventricles to fill.

Automaticity

The heart's ability to generate its own electrical impulse.

Anterior Descending Artery (LAD)

The artery that supplies blood to the front of the left ventricle.

Medulla oblongata

The location of the Cardiac Center.

Myocardial Infarction

Death of heart muscle caused by a blocked coronary artery, usually from atherosclerosis or a blood clot.

Capillaries

Vessels with walls made of a single layer of endothelium; they facilitate the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes.

Aortic Arch Branches

The three branches of the aortic arch: 1. Brachiocephalic trunk, 2. Left common carotid artery, 3. Left subclavian artery.

Mesenteric Arteries

The arteries that supply blood to the intestines.

Inferior Vena Cava

The large vein that returns blood to the heart from everything below the diaphragm.