Body Systems Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts related to the body's systems, including the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, urinary, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

What does the integumentary system consist of?

The integumentary system consists of the skin and its accessory structures.

What is the largest organ in the body?

The skin is the largest organ.

Name three protections provided by the skin.

The skin protects from bacterial invasion, dehydration, and solar damage.

What are the main roles of the structures within the skin?

To regulate body temperature and manufacture vitamin D.

What are the two layers of skin?

Epidermis and dermis.

What is found in the dermis?

Blood and lymph vessels, nerves, sebaceous and sudoriferous glands, and hair follicles.

What is the outermost layer of skin called?

Epidermis.

What characterizes the epidermis?

It is the outermost and thinnest layer and is avascular.

Where does cell division occur in the epidermis?

In the stratum germinativum.

What pigment is produced in the skin?

Melanin.

What connects the skin to the surface muscles?

The subcutaneous layer.

What are the three types of muscle in the muscular system?

Cardiac, smooth, and skeletal.

What type of muscle is self-excitatory?

Cardiac muscle.

What type of muscle has slow contractions?

Smooth muscle.

What are skeletal muscles characterized by?

They are long, cylindrical, have striations, and multiple nuclei.

What is the primary function of the skeletal system?

To protect organs, provide leverage for movement, and store calcium.

What is hematopoiesis?

The production of blood cells which occurs in the bone marrow.

How many bones are in the human body?

206 bones.

What are osteocytes?

Bone cells.

What are the four groups of bones?

Flat, irregular, long, and short.

What is a joint?

A junction or union between two or more bones.

What is synovial fluid?

Fluid found in movable joints.

What is the main function of the nervous system?

To control and coordinate body systems using electrical impulses and chemical substances.

What are the two functional divisions of the nervous system?

Somatic and autonomic.

What type of muscle does the somatic nervous system control?

Skeletal muscle.

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

Cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

What is a neuron?

The fundamental unit of the nervous system.

What are dendrites?

Thread-like fibers that carry messages to the neuron cell.

What do axons do?

Carry messages away from the nerve cell body.

What are the two structural divisions of the nervous system?

Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

What does the central nervous system consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the cavity in the CNS filled with?

Cerebrospinal fluid.

What are the meninges?

Three layers of connective tissue protecting the brain and spinal cord.

What is the function of the endocrine system?

To secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

What do hormones affect?

Metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, personality, and stress response.

What gland stimulates other glands?

The pituitary gland.

What hormone does the pituitary gland secrete to stimulate the adrenal glands?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

What does antidiuretic hormone (ADH) do?

Decreases urine production.

What is the function of insulin?

Needed for the movement of glucose into cells; decreases blood glucose levels.

What does glucagon do?

Increases blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver.

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

To take in food, break it down for absorption, and eliminate waste.

What is the gastrointestinal tract?

A continuous passageway from the mouth to the anus.

What is the role of bacteria in digestion?

Bacteria does most of the digestion.

What is the main function of the urinary system?

To filter waste from blood and eliminate them from the body.

What are the main structures of the urinary system?

Two kidneys, two ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

Gas exchange and transport.

What occurs during acidosis?

CO2 levels increase, blood pH decreases.

What occurs during alkalosis?

CO2 levels decrease, blood pH increases.

What is contained in the pleural space?

The tiny space between two layers covering the lungs.

What structures are involved in the respiratory tract pathway?

Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

What is the function of alveoli?

Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

What is the circulatory system responsible for?

Oxygen and carbon/waste exchange with cells.