Key Concepts in Human Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts in human anatomy and physiology, focusing on structure, function, and regulation within various systems.

What distinguishes Anatomy from Physiology?

Anatomy is the study of the structure of body parts, while Physiology is the study of the functions and processes of those parts.

What are the six levels of organization of the body?

Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organism.

What are the four main types of tissue in the body?

Epithelial (a layer of tightly packed cells that covers the body, lines organs and forms glands) , Connective, Muscle, Nervous.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body even when things around you change.

What are the two types of feedback loops involved in homeostasis?

Negative feedback loop and Positive feedback loop

- body temperature is a response to sweat, is a negative response (not bad)

-Negative feedback is when the body detects a change and then does something to reverse it and bring things back to normal..

What are the basic components of the endocrine system?

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

How do hormones act on target tissues?

Hormones are carried through the bloodstream to target tissues, where they bind to specific receptors.

What is the primary function of insulin?

To regulate glucose levels in the blood.

What are the main functions of the nervous system?

To receive, process, and respond to sensory information.

What are the major divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What parts make up a neuron?

Cell body, dendrites, and axon.

What is resting membrane potential?

The difference in electric charge across the neuron's membrane when it is not firing.

What happens during an action potential?

Rapid depolarization and repolarization of the neuron's membrane due to the movement of sodium and potassium ions.

What are the major events that occur during an action potential?

Depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

What is synaptic transmission?

The process by which one neuron communicates with another through neurotransmitter release.

What structures make up the musculoskeletal system?

Bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

What role do mesenchymal stem cells play in the body?

They differentiate into various types of mature cells, such as cartilage and bone cells.

How are bones categorized?

Long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid based on their shape.

What are the three main classes of bone markings?

Projections, depressions, and openings.

What types of bone cells are found in bone?

Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts.

What factors influence bone and joint health?

Nutrition, physical activity, hormonal balance, and genetic factors.

What controls muscle tension?

The nervous system regulates muscle tension through motor neuron activation.

What are the three types of muscle tissue?

Skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, smooth muscle.

What is the basic structure of the cardiovascular system?

It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

How does the heart function as a pump?

By contracting and relaxing to move blood throughout the body.

What is the role of valves in the heart?

To ensure one-directional blood flow through the heart chambers.

What is the baroreceptor reflex?

A mechanism that helps regulate blood pressure through the action of baroreceptors.

What are the three major components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.

What is the difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood back to the heart.

What processes drive gas exchange in the lungs?

Diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide across alveolar membranes.

What are the digestive roles of the liver?

Producing bile, metabolizing nutrients, and detoxifying harmful substances.

What is catabolic metabolism?

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

What are anabolic processes?

The building of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

What are the six levels of organization in the human body?

Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism.

What is the chemical level?

The most basic level, including tiny particles and atoms that make up everything.includes subatomic particles (protons, electrons, neutrons), atoms (the smallest units of elements like hydrogen and oxygen), and molecules (combinations of atoms, such as water and proteins). It is the foundation for all other levels of organization in the human body.

What is an atom?

The smallest part of a substance, made of particles like protons and electrons.

What makes up molecules?

Two or more atoms joined together, like water or proteins.

What is a cell?

The smallest unit of life that can do all functions necessary for living.

What do cells do?

They perform all life functions and help the body work.

What is a tissue?

A group of similar cells working together to do a specific job.

What is an organ?

A part of the body made of different tissues working together, like the heart.

What is an organ system?

A group of organs that work together for a common function, like the digestive system.

What does organism level mean?

The highest level, referring to a complete living thing, like a human.