Practical Nursing Review: Structure & Function, Cells, Electrolytes, & Major Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure and function of the human body, including levels of organization, basic cell structures and their functions, normal electrolyte values, and major body systems.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchy of biological structure: Chemical → Molecules → Macromolecules → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → System → Organism.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Cell Membrane

Structure that controls entry and exit of substances in a cell.

Mitochondria

Cell organelles that produce energy (ATP) for the cell.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, critical for various bodily functions.

Sodium (Na)

An electrolyte with a normal serum value of 135–145 mEq/L, important for fluid balance and nerve/muscle function.

Potassium (K)

An electrolyte with a normal serum value of 3.5–5.0 mEq/L, crucial for heart rhythm and muscle contraction.

Calcium (Ca²)

An electrolyte with a normal serum value of 8.5–10.5 mg/dL, essential for bone strength and muscle contraction.

Musculoskeletal System (MSK)

System that supports and protects the body, enables movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.

Gas Exchange

Process in the respiratory system where oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in the heart during one complete heartbeat, including systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).

Inhalation

The process of taking air into the lungs by contraction of the diaphragm.

Exhalation

The process of expelling air from the lungs by relaxation of the diaphragm.

What is the basic structural and functional unit of life that forms the cellular level of organization?

Cell

What do similar cells working together to perform a specific function form?

Tissue

What term describes the contraction phase of the heart during the cardiac cycle?

Systole

What term describes the relaxation phase of the heart during the cardiac cycle?

Diastole

What is the general term for specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions?

Organelles

What are minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are crucial for various bodily functions?

Electrolytes

Which electrolyte is important for fluid balance and nerve/muscle function, with a normal serum value of 135-145 \text{ mEq/L}?

Sodium (Na)

Which electrolyte is crucial for heart rhythm and muscle contraction, with a normal serum value of 3.5-5.0 \text{ mEq/L}?

Potassium (K)

Sodium is important for ____ balance and nerve/muscle function.

fluid

What primary function does Potassium (K) serve in the body, especially concerning the heart?

Crucial for heart rhythm

Besides its role in bone strength, what other bodily function is Calcium (Ca²) essential for?

Muscle contraction

The Musculoskeletal System (MSK) supports and protects the _, enables movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.

body

What is one key function of the Musculoskeletal System related to movement?

Enables movement

Besides enabling movement, what can the Musculoskeletal System store?

Minerals

What type of cells are produced by the Musculoskeletal System?

Blood cells