Basic Concepts of Human Physiology and Chemistry

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in human physiology and basic chemistry, including definitions, structures, and functions relevant to body systems.

What is Chemistry?

The study of the composition and characteristics of matter, and the changes it can undergo.

What is Human physiology?

The study of how the human body functions.

What is Matter?

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

What is an element?

A substance that cannot be broken down into substances with different properties; composed of one type of atom.

What are the main elements that make up 96% of the human body?

Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen.

What are arteries?

Vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

What are veins?

Vessels that return blood to the heart.

What is the main function of capillaries?

They are the smallest blood vessels involved in the exchange of gases and nutrients.

What is the function of the respiratory system?

Lungs exchanging gases.

What is the purpose of the muscular system?

Attachment of muscles to bone; ability to move.

What is the skeletal system responsible for?

Providing structure to the body.

What does the nervous system do?

Communicates signals and controls body reactions.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of an internal chemical and physical environment critical for good health and survival.

What is a chemical reaction?

A process that changes the arrangement of atoms in molecules.

What is Metabolism?

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in living cells.

What is Anabolism?

Reactions that involve synthesizing new compounds.

What are enzymes?

Molecules that catalyze particular chemical reactions but are not altered during the process.

What is a molecule?

Forms when two or more atoms interact and are held together by a chemical bond.

What is a solution?

An evenly distributed mixture of two or more compounds.

What does pH measure?

The amount of hydrogen ions in a solution, indicating its acidity or basicity.