Diet, Growth, and the Human Body

Flashcards about diet, growth, and the human body based on lecture notes.

Why are carbohydrates important for the body?

Starch, sugar, and other carbohydrates provide the body with fuel for respiration, releasing energy.

What are nutrients?

They are substances found in food that the body needs to stay healthy.

How does the body store energy?

The body stores a little carbohydrate and quite a lot of fat to provide energy when needed.

Besides energy, what else do fat stores provide?

Fat stores provide heat insulation, especially for animals in cold climates.

What are vitamins and why are they important?

Vitamins are needed in small amounts to prevent illness.

What is the role of Vitamin A?

Needed for good vision, especially in low light, and helps white blood cells fight pathogens.

What is the role of Vitamin C?

Helps skin stay strong, heal quickly and keeps blood vessels and bones healthy; deficiency can cause scurvy.

What is the role of Vitamin D?

Needed for strong bones and teeth; helps the body absorb calcium.

How is Vitamin D made in the body?

When sunlight falls on the skin.

What is rickets?

Lack of vitamin D in children, leading to abnormal bone growth.

Why is iron important?

Needed to make haemoglobin; deficiency causes anaemia.

What is anaemia?

Anaemia, a condition caused by iron deficiency, leads to fatigue.

What is the basic principle of energy balance?

Energy intake should approximately equal energy expenditure.

Why do energy needs vary among individuals?

Different people need different amounts of energy based on activity level, genes, and growth rate.

What is a balanced diet?

A diet that provides the right amount of energy and all necessary nutrients.

Why do young people need more protein and carbohydrates?

Young people need more protein for growth and more carbohydrates for energy.

Why is fibre important in the diet?

It helps prevent constipation and keeps the digestive system healthy.

Besides fiber, what else do fiber-rich foods provide?

These foods usually contain lots of different minerals and vitamins.

What are the negative effects of too much sugar?

Too much sugar can cause tooth decay and increase the risk of diabetes.

What are the effects of consuming too many fats, oils, or carbohydrates?

Too much fat, oil, or carbohydrate can lead to weight gain, straining joints and organs.

How does a single cell develop into a baby?

Single cells divide to form an embryo, which grows and develops into a baby.

What does development refer to?

From a single cell to an adult human; involves the formation of tissues and organs, and the development of physical and cognitive abilities.

Why is cigarette smoke harmful?

It damages the smoker's health, and also harms those who breathe in the smoke.

What are some effects of nicotine?

It is addictive and damages blood vessels.

How does tar affect the body?

Causes cancer when cells start dividing out of control.

How does carbon monoxide affect the body?

It reduces the amount of oxygen transported in the blood.

How do particulates affect the lungs?

Tiny particles trapped in the lungs make it difficult to get enough oxygen.

Where is the skeleton located in humans?

Inside the body, made of bones.

What does the skeleton do?

It supports the body and contains calcium.

What is the role of joints?

They allow movement to take place.

What is the difference between hinge joints and ball-and-socket joints?

Hinge joints allow movement in one direction, while ball-and-socket joints allow movement in a complete circle.

How do muscles move bones?

Muscles contract using energy to move bones at joints.

What are muscles made of?

Specialized cells that can shorten to produce movement.

What is the role of tendonds?

Muscles use energy to contract and pull on tendons.

How do the biceps and triceps muscles work together to move the arm?

The biceps muscle bends the elbow, while the triceps muscle straightens it.

What is an important limitation of what muscles do?

Muscles can only pull, not push; they contract or relax.

How do antagonistic muscles work to bend the arm?

Biceps contracts and triceps relaxes

What are antagonistic muscles?

Two muscles that work together.