Biology Concepts from OpenStax

Set of flashcards covering key biological concepts from an OpenStax lecture.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to regulate temperature in response to signals from the nervous system.

Human excretory system

Consists of kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra; filters blood and forms urine.

Digestive system

Comprises organs involved in the breakdown and absorption of food.

Acidic environment of the stomach

The condition in the stomach that facilitates the digestion of proteins.

Respiratory system

Air enters through the nasal cavity, then moves to the pharynx, trachea, and lungs.

Heart chambers

Includes two atria and two ventricles, separated by one-way valves.

Cardiac cycle

Consists of systoles and diastoles that pump blood through the heart and body.

Circulatory system

Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins return deoxygenated blood.

Pituitary gland

Sits at the base of the brain and regulates various hormonal functions.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses, containing dendrites and axons.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Kidney Functions (beyond filtration)

include regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte balance, acid-base homeostasis, and red blood cell production.

Urine composition

primarily composed of water, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and various dissolved ions and metabolites.

pH of Blood

7.4pH

pH of urine

~ 6.0 pH

amount of fluid lost/day

2400mL

stomach

contains HCL, pepsin, carbs, and fats

pancreas

produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin and glucagon, essential for metabolism.

pancreas 2

contains Trypsin, amylase, and lipase

sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

NaHCO3 - a chemical compound that neutralizes stomach acid and helps regulate pH in the digestive system.

systolic normal BP

120/80

blood glucose

100mg%

Adrenal Medulla

Epinephrine, adrenaline (fight or flight)

Adrenal Cortex

Cortisol (stress)

Breathing

5800mL

Tidal Volume

500mL

Exhale

1100mL

Residual

1200mL

Systemic System

“Whole Body”

Pepsin

An enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.

Trypsin

a digestive enzyme that hydrolyzes proteins in the small intestine.

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.

Lipase

A digestive enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

ADH

A hormone that helps regulate water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.