BIO 105 General Biology Flashcards

Flashcards covering organ systems, digestive and urinary systems, and cardiovascular/respiratory systems.

List the levels of organization in the human body from smallest to largest.

Atom, Molecule, Organelle, Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biosphere

What is the definition of an organ system?

A group of organs that work together to perform a major body function.

Name 3 of the 11 major organ systems in humans.

Digestive, Cardiovascular, Excretory, Endocrine, Respiratory, Nervous, Skeletal, Muscular, Integumentary, Lymphatic/Immune, Reproductive

What is homeostasis?

The ability to maintain a consistent internal environment under changing conditions.

What is negative feedback and give an example?

Negates change; e.g., regulation of blood glucose levels.

What is positive feedback and give an example?

Promotes change; e.g., lactation.

List the functions of the digestive system?

Digestion, Absorption, Excretion, Ingestion

Name three accessory organs of the digestive system.

Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Salivary Glands

What is peristalsis?

Rhythmic waves of muscle contractions that transport food to the stomach.

What is chyme?

A mixture of food and digestive juices that leaves the stomach.

Where does most digestion and nutrient absorption occur?

Small intestine (specifically the jejunum)

What are the major functions of the large intestine?

Water reabsorption, vitamin absorption, compaction of undigested material into feces.

What are the main functions of the liver related to digestion?

Produces bile to help dissolve fats, helps metabolize toxins, and controls nutrient storage/circulation.

What is the function of the gallbladder?

Stores and concentrates bile, which aids in fat digestion.

What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?

Produces digestive enzymes and buffers to neutralize stomach acid.

What is the primary function of the urinary system?

Filters bodily fluids, removes waste while conserving water and other materials.

Name the major organs of the urinary system.

Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary Bladder, Urethra

What is the function of the kidney?

Filters waste materials from the blood, regulates blood volume, and conserves useful materials.

What is the nephron?

The microscopic functional unit of the kidney.

What is the role of the urethra?

Transports urine from the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body.

What substances are transported by the cardiovascular system?

Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, waste products, immune system cells and proteins.

What are the two primary components of blood?

Formed elements (blood cells and cell fragments) and blood plasma.

Name the three types of formed elements in blood.

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What is the main function of red blood cells?

Carry oxygen to, and carbon dioxide from, every part of the body.

What is the function of white blood cells?

Central to the immune system.

What is the role of platelets?

Important in the blood-clotting process.

What are the three primary classes of plasma proteins and their roles?

Albumins (transport, maintain osmotic pressure), Fibrinogen (blood clotting), Globulins (immune system, transport proteins)

What is the function of arteries?

Blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart.

What is the function of veins?

Blood vessels returning blood to the heart.

What are capillaries?

The smallest blood vessels, connecting arteries with veins.

Describe the pulmonary circulation.

Blood circulates between the heart and lungs for oxygenation.

Describe the systemic circulation.

Blood circulates between the heart and the rest of the body for transport of materials.

What happens during a heart attack?

Blockage of coronary artery, cutting off blood supply to heart cells, killing them.

What is the central function of the respiratory system?

Capture oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide.

What are the functions of the respiratory system?

Capture oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide. Aids in controlling pH balance in the bloodstream and in producing sounds for speaking

What are the air exchange chambers of the body?

Alveoli

Name the two steps in respiration

Ventilation (breathing) & Gas Exchange