Exam 1 Practice Flashcards - Body Organization, Cell Biology, and Histology

Flashcards covering body organization, anatomical terms, cavities, organ systems, cell organelles, cell division, histology, and integumentary system based on lecture notes.

What is the standard anatomical position of the human body?

Body erect, head and feet pointing forward, upper limbs at sides with palms facing forward, legs shoulder-width apart.

What is the focus of regional anatomy?

It focuses on all structures within a specific region (e.g., abdominal pain in the right iliac region).

How is surface anatomy defined?

It uses landmarks visible or palpable through the skin (e.g., palpating lymph nodes in the neck).

What period of development does embryology focus on?

It focuses on structural changes during development prior to birth (first 8 weeks of gestation).

What are the six levels of structural organization in the body from simplest to most complex?

Chemical level, Cellular level, Tissue level, Organ level, Organ system level, and Organismal level.

Which body parts make up the axial region?

Head, neck, and trunk.

Which body parts make up the appendicular region?

Limbs/appendages (arms, legs, pelvis, hands, feet).

What anatomical regional terms correspond to the wrist, ankle, thumb, and foot?

Wrist: Carpal; Ankle: Tarsal; Thumb: Pollex; Foot: Pedal.

What anatomical regional terms correspond to the chest/breastbone, anterior knee, and posterior knee joint?

Chest/breastbone: Sternal; Anterior knee: Patellar; Posterior knee joint: Popliteal.

Which cavities are contained within the dorsal cavity?

Cranial Cavity (brain) and Vertebral Cavity (spinal cord).

Which cavities are contained within the ventral cavity?

Thoracic Cavity and Abdominopelvic Cavity.

What is a serous membrane (serosa)?

An epithelial membrane lining closed ventral cavities and organs (e.g., pericardial, pleural, peritoneal cavities).

In which abdominal quadrant is the majority of the liver located?

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ).

Where is the hypogastric region located and what key organ does it contain?

It is the pubic area containing the urinary bladder.

Why is ultrasound ideal for monitoring fetal development during pregnancy?

Because it is non-invasive and free of electromagnetic radiation.

What glands compose the endocrine system and what is its main function?

It includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas that regulate hormones.

What are the primary functions of the integumentary system?

Barrier protection, physical defense, and temperature regulation.

What is the primary function of the gastrointestinal/digestive system?

Breakdown and absorption of nutrients using organs like the stomach and small intestine.

What is the molecular composition of the plasma membrane?

A phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic (water-loving) polar heads facing outward/inward and hydrophobic (water-fearing) non-polar fatty acid tails oriented inward.

What is the glycocalyx and what is its function?

A sticky, carbohydrate-rich coating on cell surfaces used for cell recognition and adherence.

What is the function of tight junctions between adjacent cells?

They prevent molecules from passing through extracellular space between adjacent cells.

Which specific cell type is described as multinucleated?

Skeletal muscle cells.

What is the structure and function of the Rough ER?

It is studded with ribosomes and serves as the site of protein synthesis and membrane creation; the outer nuclear membrane is continuous with it.

What are the primary functions of the Smooth ER?

Site of lipid and steroid synthesis, as well as lipid metabolism.

What is the function of the Golgi Apparatus?

It packages proteins for membrane insertion or exocytosis.

What are lysosomes and what do they do?

They are 'disintegrator bodies' containing digestive enzymes for the breakdown of phagocytized material and worn-out organelles.

What is the main function of peroxisomes?

Detoxification of harmful substances such as alcohol.

What is the function of mitochondria and what are its inner membrane folds called?

They produce ATP; their inner membrane folds are called cristae.

What is a flagellum and what is its function?

A long single projection formed by centrioles that propels the cell itself (e.g., sperm motility).

Which sub-phases make up Interphase in cell division?

The $G_1$, $S$, and $G_2$ phases.

What are the stages of mitosis in order and what key event occurs during Metaphase?

Prophase, Metaphase (chromosomes align at equator), Anaphase, and Telophase (daughter nuclei reform).

What occurs during cytokinesis?

Physical division and separation of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane into two distinct cells.

What structural polarity do epithelial tissues exhibit?

They display an apical free surface and a basal surface.

How are squamous, cuboidal, and columnar epithelial cells described shape-wise?

Squamous are flat and scale-like; cuboidal are box-shaped; columnar are tall and column-shaped.

What are the characteristics of transitional epithelium?

It has a cuboidal or columnar appearance that stretches and resists tension.

What are the features and functions of simple columnar epithelium?

A single layer of tall cells with microvilli, specialized for nutrient absorption and mucus secretion.

What are the characteristics of hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage?

Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type in the body; fibrocartilage forms shock-absorbing intervertebral discs. Cartilage has poor regenerative capacity compared to epithelia.

What functions does adipose tissue serve?

Provides reserve fuel, protects organs, and insulates against heat loss.

What is holocrine secretion and which glands perform it?

Glandular secretion where the entire cell ruptures/is destroyed during release (e.g., sebaceous glands).

What are the layers of the skin listed from superficial to deep?

Epidermis, Papillary Layer of Dermis, Reticular Layer of Dermis, and Hypodermis (Subcutaneous).

Which tissue type composes the reticular dermis?

Dense irregular fibrous connective tissue.

Which tactile receptors detect light touch versus deep pressure in the skin?

Meissner's corpuscles detect light touch, while Pacinian corpuscles detect deep pressure.

What causes the pink appearance of the nail bed?

The vascular supply of the underlying dermis (not melanocytes).

What are the four types of sudoriferous (sweat) glands and where are they located or what do they produce?

Eccrine (palms, soles, forehead), Apocrine (axillary and anogenital regions), Ceruminous (lining of external ear canal, producing earwax), and Mammary (breasts, producing milk).