Anatomy and Physiology Exam Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Anatomy and Physiology.

Levels of Organisation

The hierarchical arrangement of complexity in biological systems, including molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Skeletal System Functions

Major functions include support, movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than the inside of a cell, causing cells to swell as water enters.

Primary Active Transport

The process of moving ions against their concentration gradient using energy from ATP.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons and other cells.

Cell Membrane Structure

Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy carrier in cells, providing energy for cellular processes.

Aerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that requires oxygen and produces a high yield of ATP (36-38 molecules per glucose).

Anaerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that occurs without oxygen, resulting in a low yield of ATP (2 molecules per glucose) and producing lactic acid.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism that counteracts deviations from a set point, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Ionotropic Receptors

Fast-acting receptors that open ion channels immediately upon neurotransmitter binding.

Metabotropic Receptors

Slow-acting receptors that activate signaling cascades and second messengers upon neurotransmitter binding.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A protective barrier that controls the passage of substances between the bloodstream and the brain.

Synaptic Transmission

The process by which signals are transmitted across a synapse from one neuron to another using neurotransmitters.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Striated, voluntary muscle tissue attached to bones that enables movement.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Striated, involuntary muscle tissue found only in the heart.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Non-striated, involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of hollow organs.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for building and forming new bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells that break down and resorb bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue and communicate with other bone cells.