BIO 32 Human Physiology - Chapter 1 Lecture Notes

These flashcards are designed to help students review key concepts from the BIO 32 Human Physiology chapter one lecture on the functionality of the human body, including homeostasis, organ systems, feedback mechanisms, and the organization of life.

What is the primary focus of BIO 32 Human Physiology?

The study of how the human body functions and maintains homeostasis.

What are the three pillars of the class?

Structural foundation, structure-function relationship, and homeostasis.

What does homeostasis refer to?

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body despite external changes.

What is the primary organ system introduced in this lecture that wasn't covered in anatomy?

The immune system.

What are the two main types of feedback mechanisms in the body?

Negative feedback mechanisms and positive feedback mechanisms.

How does negative feedback work?

It stops the process when a desired objective is attained.

Give an example of a negative feedback mechanism in the body.

Regulation of body temperature.

What occurs when negative feedback mechanisms break down?

Positive feedback mechanisms take over, leading to homeostatic imbalance.

What is homeostatic imbalance?

A disruption in homeostasis often resulting in disease.

What are the four main types of macromolecules in the body?

Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

What is the significance of proteins in biological processes?

Proteins function as enzymes and are essential for catalyzing chemical reactions.

What makes a structure an organ?

An organ is made of at least two different types of primary tissues.

What is the largest organ in the human body?

The skin.

What distinguishes the immune system from other organ systems?

It does not have a specific immune organ; it consists of cells that are part of other systems.

What process do somatic cells use to divide?

Mitosis.

What is meiosis used for?

It is used by sex cells to reproduce.

What is the primary function of the mitochondria?

To produce ATP through cellular respiration.

How much of the human body is composed of water?

Around 70-75%.

What is the difference between intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid?

Intracellular fluid is found inside cells, while extracellular fluid is found outside of cells.

What are the components of extracellular fluid?

Blood plasma and interstitial fluid.

What is the role of enzymes in metabolism?

To catalyze and speed up chemical reactions in the body.

What is absorption in a physiological context?

The process of taking in nutrients through cell membranes.

What is excretion?

The removal of waste products from the body.

Define metabolism.

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

What is anabolism?

The process of building complex molecules from simpler ones.

What is catabolism?

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones.

What is the primary job of the human body in relation to homeostasis?

To maintain a stable internal environment.

What is the physiological significance of body temperature regulation?

It helps maintain enzymatic activity and overall metabolic functions.

Why is blood pH regulation crucial?

Vital for proper cellular function, with a narrow normal range necessary for survival.

What is acidosis?

A condition where blood pH drops below 7.35, indicating excessive acidity.

What is alkalosis?

A condition where blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating excess alkalinity.

What structures make up the human body from simplest to most complex?

Atoms, molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism.

What does the cell membrane control?

The movement of substances in and out of the cell.

What is the function of the ribosome?

To synthesize proteins.

What are the primary tissue types?

Epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and neural tissue.

What happens if the structure of a protein is compromised?

Its function is lost.

What is the key relationship emphasized in human physiology?

The correlation between structure and function.

What does a tissue consist of?

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

What is the significance of a feedback loop in physiology?

It helps regulate physiological processes to maintain homeostasis.

What is the basic unit of life?

The cell.

How many types of cells are found in the human body?

More than 200 different types.

What are the two main categories of organelles?

Membranous organelles and nonmembranous organelles.

Which organ system is crucial for transporting nutrients and gases?

The cardiovascular system.

How do skeletal muscles function in the body?

By contracting to facilitate movement.

State one reason why nursing students should understand physiology.

To apply concepts in clinical settings effectively.

Through which system do immune cells circulate?

The lymphatic system.

What is the function of the large intestine in digestion?

To absorb water and form feces.

What role do hormones play in feedback mechanisms?

They act as chemical messengers to regulate physiological functions.

What importance does studying cellular respiration have in human physiology?

It explains how cells obtain energy from nutrients.

What does the term 'differentiation' refer to?

The process by which cells become specialized in function.

What is the main evolutionary importance of reproduction?

It enables the survival of the species by producing offspring.

What type of feedback mechanism does childbirth rely upon?

Positive feedback mechanism.

What is the function of blood plasma?

To transport nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

What is a unique feature of the immune system?

It lacks a single, designated organ.

What supports the structural organization of the body in physiology?

The correlation of anatomy and physiology concepts.

What factors can impact homeostasis?

Injury, external temperature changes, and stress.

Identify one consequence of disrupted homeostasis.

Disease or pathological conditions.

Why is understanding structure vital in physiology?

Because function is dictated by structure, impacting health and disease.

What is the difference between somatic cells and sex cells in terms of division?

Somatic cells divide by mitosis; sex cells divide by meiosis.

What system provides external response to stimuli?

The nervous system.