Digestive, Respiratory, and Urinary Systems Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems, including their functions, anatomy, and processes.

Prehension

Bringing food into the mouth.

Mastication

Chewing and grinding food.

Digestion

Chemical and microbial breakdown of food.

Absorption

Nutrients enter the bloodstream.

Elimination

Removal of solid waste.

Peristalsis

Waves of muscle contractions that move food through the esophagus.

Ruminant Stomach

reticulum, rumen, omasum, and abomasum.

VFAs

Volatile fatty acids produced during fermentation, main energy source in ruminants.

Esophagus

Muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

Monogastric Stomach

A single-chambered stomach common in humans, dogs, and cats, where chemical digestion primarily occurs.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine, a major site for chemical digestion.

Jejunum

The middle part of the small intestine, primarily involved in nutrient absorption.

Ileum

The last part of the small intestine, absorbs remaining nutrients and vitamin B12.

Colon

The main part of the large intestine, primarily responsible for water and electrolyte absorption, and fecal formation.

Pancreas

Produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Liver

Produces bile, detoxifies substances, and metabolizes nutrients.

Diaphragm

Muscle that forms the base of the thorax and aids in ventilation.

Inspiration

Process of bringing air into the lungs.

Expiration

Process of expelling air from the lungs.

Type I Alveolar Cells

Thin cells that make up the main surface for gas exchange in the alveoli.

Type II Alveolar Cells

Cells that produce surfactant and repair Type I cells.

Trachea

The main airway (windpipe) extending from the larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchi

Large air passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller airways branching from the bronchi that lead to the alveoli.

Surfactant

A substance produced by Type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli.

Gas Exchange

The process of oxygen moving from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide moving from the blood into the alveoli for exhalation.

Glomerular Filtration

Process of filtering blood in the kidneys to form urine.

Nephron

Functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

RAAS

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

ADH

Antidiuretic Hormone, regulates water retention in the kidneys.

Polyuria

Excessive urine output.

Polydipsia

Excessive drinking.

Glucosuria

Presence of glucose in urine, commonly associated with diabetes.

Kidneys

A pair of organs that filter blood, produce urine, regulate blood pressure, and contribute to red blood cell production.

Ureter

A tube connecting a kidney to the urinary bladder.

Urinary Bladder

A muscular sac that stores urine before it is expelled.

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

Bowman's Capsule

Part of the nephron that encloses the glomerulus and collects the initial filtrate.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

The site in the nephron where most reabsorption of water, ions, and organic nutrients occurs.

Loop of Henle

A section of the nephron that creates a concentration gradient in the renal medulla, crucial for water reabsorption.

Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

Part of the nephron involved in fine-tuning reabsorption and secretion, influenced by hormones.

Collecting Duct

Receives urine from multiple nephrons and plays a role in final water reabsorption.

Reabsorption

The process by which water and solutes are reclaimed from the filtrate and returned to the bloodstream.

Tubular Secretion

The process by which substances are transported from the blood into the renal tubule for excretion.