Anatomy and Physiology Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key terms related to anatomy and physiology, including definitions and explanations.

What is acetylcholine?

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and other functions.

What is acute respiratory distress syndrome?

A severe lung condition that causes significant breathing difficulties.

What type of respiration requires oxygen?

Aerobic respiration.

What is after load in relation to the heart?

The pressure against which the heart must work to eject blood.

Define agonist in the context of physiology.

A substance that activates certain receptors in the body.

What is the function of aldosterone?

A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels, affecting blood pressure.

What is an allosteric effector?

A molecule that binds to an enzyme and alters its activity.

What are alveoli?

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

What is anaemia?

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

What is anaerobic respiration?

Respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen.

What is an aneurysm?

An abnormal bulge in a blood vessel caused by weakness in the vessel wall.

What is angina pectoris?

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

What is annulus fibrosis?

The outer fibrous layer of the intervertebral disc.

Define antagonist in physiological terms.

A substance that blocks or dampens the action of a receptor.

What is the role of antibodies?

Proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens.

What is antidiuretic hormone?

A hormone that helps regulate water balance in the body.

Define antigen.

A substance that induces an immune response.

What is the aorta?

The largest artery in the body, distributing oxygenated blood.

What is apnea?

A temporary cessation of breathing.

What are arteries?

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

What are arterioles?

Small blood vessels that lead to capillaries.

What is arteriosclerosis?

The thickening and hardening of arterial walls.

What is an articulation?

A joint where two bones meet.

What is asthma?

A chronic condition involving the airways, causing breathing difficulties.

What is atherosclerosis?

A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Define atom.

The basic unit of a chemical element.

What are the atria?

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

What is atrial natriuretic hormone?

A hormone that helps reduce blood pressure by promoting sodium excretion.

What is the atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His)?

A pathway in the heart that conducts impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

What is an atrioventricular valve?

A valve that separates the atria from the ventricles.

What is the AV Node?

A part of the electrical conduction system of the heart.

What are baroreceptors?

Sensors in blood vessels that detect changes in blood pressure.

What is a biaxial joint?

A joint that allows movement in two planes.

What is Biot breathing?

Irregular breathing pattern characterized by variable periods of apnea.

What is bradycardia?

A slower than normal heart rate.

What are bronchioles?

Small branches of airways in the lungs.

What are canaliculi?

Tiny channels in bone that allow nutrient and waste exchange.

What are capillaries?

Tiny blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.

What is a capitulum?

A small, round end of a bone that forms a joint.

What is carbaminohaemoglobin?

A complex formed by carbon dioxide binding to hemoglobin.

What is cardiac output?

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

What is cardiac tamponade?

A condition where fluid accumulation in the pericardium compresses the heart.

What are carotid arteries?

Major arteries supplying blood to the head and neck.

What is a cell in biology?

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

What does cellular respiration refer to?

The process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy in cells.

What is the central canal in bone?

The channel in the center of the osteon that contains blood vessels.

What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?

A pattern of breathing characterized by gradual increase and decrease in breathing.

What is chronic bronchitis?

A long-term respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways.

What is a cilium?

A hair-like structure that helps in movement and sensing environment.

What is a cofactor?

A non-protein chemical compound that assists enzyme activity.

What is a complete blood count?

A blood test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders.

What is conduction in physiology?

The process of transmitting electrical impulses.

What is congestive heart failure?

A condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficiently.

What is contractility?

The ability of the heart muscle to contract.

What is convection?

The transfer of heat through fluid movement.