Emma-ified Knowt Set: Anatomy Exam Review (Ch 1–3)

Set of practice flashcards covering chapters 1–3 anatomy and physiology basics.

What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy = structure (what things look like). Physiology = function (what things do). Rule: structure determines function.

List the levels of organization of the body in order.

Atoms → Molecules → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism.

Name the 11 organ systems and their quick functions.

Integument (skin shield), Skeletal (support), Muscular (movement), Nervous (fast signals), Endocrine (slow hormones), Cardiovascular (blood transport), Lymphatic/Immune (defense), Respiratory (O2/CO2), Digestive (break food), Urinary (filter blood), Reproductive (make babies).

What are the 8 necessary life functions?

Maintain boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, growth.

What is homeostasis?

The body’s way of maintaining balance. Negative feedback restores normal (thermostat, sweating). Positive feedback amplifies (labor contractions, clotting).

Describe the anatomical position.

Standing tall, feet slightly apart, palms forward, thumbs out.

What are the directional terms?

Superior/inferior, anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, proximal/distal, superficial/deep.

What are the 3 body planes?

Frontal (front/back), Transverse (top/bottom), Sagittal (left/right).

What are the body cavities?

Dorsal (cranial, vertebral) and Ventral (thoracic, abdominopelvic).

Name the two layers of serous membranes and their functions.

Parietal = lines wall. Visceral = covers the organ. Both secrete fluid to reduce friction.

Difference between inorganic and organic compounds?

Inorganic = water, salts, acids, bases. Organic = carbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

List the 5 properties of water important for homeostasis.

High heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, universal solvent, reactive, cushioning.

Why are salts important in the body?

They dissociate into electrolytes, vital for nerve impulses and muscle contraction (Na+, K+, Ca2+).

What’s the difference between acids and bases?

Acid = proton donor (H+). Base = proton acceptor (OH-). pH measures acidity/alkalinity.

Describe carbohydrates.

Sugars/starches. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides. Quick energy + structural roles.

Describe lipids.

Fats (triglycerides), phospholipids (membranes), steroids (cholesterol, hormones). Energy storage, insulation, hormones.

Describe proteins.

Made of amino acids. Roles: structure, enzymes, hemoglobin, muscle contraction. 4 levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.

What is the role of molecular chaperones?

Help proteins fold correctly, prevent incorrect folding, assist in transport and repair.

How do enzymes work?

Act as catalysts, speed reactions by lowering activation energy, not used up.

Compare DNA and RNA.

DNA: nucleus, deoxyribose sugar, bases A-T-G-C, double helix. RNA: cytoplasm, ribose sugar, A-U-G-C, single strand.

What is ATP’s role?

Main energy currency of the cell. Energy released by breaking phosphate bonds.

What are the 3 main parts of a human cell?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus.

Difference between integral and peripheral proteins?

Integral: span the membrane, transport/receptors. Peripheral: loosely attached, enzymes/support.

What are the 3 types of membrane junctions?

Tight (seal), Desmosomes (anchors), Gap (communication tunnels).

Compare passive vs active transport.

Passive (no ATP): diffusion, osmosis, filtration. Active (ATP): pumps, vesicles (endo/exocytosis).

What happens to RBCs in isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions?

Isotonic = no change. Hypertonic = shrink (crenate). Hypotonic = swell/burst (lyse).

How is resting membrane potential maintained?

Na+/K+ pump keeps inside negative and regulates ion gradients.

List major organelles and their functions.

Mitochondria = ATP, Ribosomes = proteins, RER = protein factory, SER = lipids/detox, Golgi = package/ship, Lysosomes = digestion, Peroxisomes = detox, Cytoskeleton = support/movement, Centrioles = cell division.

What’s inside the nucleus?

Nuclear envelope (double membrane), nucleolus (ribosome parts), chromatin (DNA+proteins).

What are the stages of the cell cycle?

Interphase (G1, S, G2), Mitosis (PMAT), cytokinesis.

Summarize protein synthesis.

Transcription: DNA → mRNA in nucleus. Translation: mRNA → protein at ribosome. Helpers: mRNA (message), tRNA (brings amino acids), rRNA (part of ribosome).