Anatomy and Physiology Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers blood composition, skeletal and muscular systems, neurology, and the endocrine system based on the lecture transcript.

Glucose

A primary energy source for cells, particularly in the brain and muscles.

Albumin

The most abundant plasma protein, which helps maintain osmotic pressure and transport substances.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein essential for blood clotting that is converted to fibrin during the clotting process.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that lack a nucleus and are primarily responsible for oxygen transport.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes with granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils

First responders to bacterial infections that perform phagocytosis.

Basophils

Leukocytes that release histamine and heparin during inflammatory responses.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A protein in erythrocytes responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, acid-base homeostasis, and vasodilation.

Erythropoiesis

The process of red blood cell production, stimulated by erythropoietin in response to hypoxia.

Septicaemia

A serious condition known as blood poisoning characterized by harmful levels of bacteria or toxins in the blood.

Haematoma

Accumulated clotted blood in tissues, often visible as bruises.

Osteons

The primary microstructural units of compact bone.

Canaliculi

Passageways that allow the movement of materials between bone cells.

Osteoid

The organic part of bone tissue, composed of collagen and ground substance.

Periosteum

A membrane that protects bone and serves as an attachment site for tendons and ligaments.

Endosteum

The membrane that lines the internal canals and covers the trabeculae of spongy bone.

Epiphyseal disc

A structure made of hyaline cartilage that serves as the site of linear bone growth.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity when calcium is low.

Ostealgia

Pain in a bone.

Osteoporosis

A condition where bone density decreases and fracture risk increases due to degraded bone matrix.

Rickets

A condition in children involving poorly mineralised bones, often caused by Vitamin D or calcium deficiency.

Articular cartilage

Cartilage made of chondrocytes and collagen that reduces friction and distributes pressure in synovial joints.

Synarthroses

Immovable joints.

Chiropractic

A system of treatment involving manipulation of the vertebral column based on the theory that disease results from nerve pressure.

Sarcolemma

The plasma membrane of a muscle fibre.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)

A storage depot in muscle cells containing the highest concentration of $Ca^{2+}$.

Cholinesterase

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synapse to prevent continuous impulse transmission.

Muscle fatigue

A condition caused by an ATP deficit and lactic acid accumulation creating ionic imbalances.

PRICE

A standard treatment for pulled muscles standing for Prevention, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Tetanus

An acute infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, characterized by lockjaw and painful muscle spasms.

Astrocytes

The most abundant CNS neuroglia that support neurons and regulate capillary exchange.

Oligodendrocytes

CNS neuroglia that form myelin sheaths.

Schwann cells

PNS neuroglia that form myelin sheaths.

Pons

A brainstem structure that controls respiratory rate and depth.

Medulla oblongata

A brainstem part controlling heart rate, respiration, vomiting, and swallowing.

Paraesthesia

An abnormal sensation such as burning or tingling.

Reflex Arc

A pathway consisting of a receptor, sensory neuron, integration centre, motor neuron, and effector.

Sensory adaptation

Synaptic fatigue resulting from continuous stimulation.

Infundibulum

The structure that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.

Antagonist

A substance that reverses or opposes certain effects, such as insulin and glucagon.

Target organ

An organ that responds to a specific hormone because it possesses the correct receptors.