MIDTERM NHA REVIEWER

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to the musculoskeletal and peripheral vascular systems, along with anatomy and physiology pertinent to various human structures.

What are the main components of the musculoskeletal system?

Bones, muscles, and connective tissues.

Why is the musculoskeletal system important to assess during physical exams?

To detect underlying health issues early and ensure proper body function and mobility.

What are the primary functions of the musculoskeletal system?

Movement, support, protection of organs, blood cell production, and mineral storage.

What are bones made of?

Specialized cells and protein fibers.

What is the function of hyaline cartilage?

Provides tough, smooth surfaces in joints to reduce friction and absorb shock.

Where is fibrocartilage found and what is its function?

Found in joints and intervertebral discs; it acts as a tough, supportive tissue.

What are the three types of muscles?

Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.

What is the role of the synovial capsule and synovial fluid?

Allows for smooth, lubricated movement of joints.

What do ligaments do?

Connect bones to other bones and provide joint stability.

What is the function of bursae?

Reduce friction between moving tissues like tendons and bones.

What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic trauma?

Extrinsic trauma comes from external sources (e.g., accidents); intrinsic trauma is due to internal causes like overuse.

What is an avulsion fracture?

When a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone.

Name a metabolic disease that affects the musculoskeletal system.

Osteoporosis.

What are malignant neoplasms in this system?

Cancerous tumors that can develop in bones or muscles.

Give an example of a congenital musculoskeletal anomaly.

Cleft lip or bladder exstrophy.

What is the difference between flexion and extension?

Flexion decreases the angle between body parts; extension increases it.

What is the difference between abduction and adduction?

Abduction moves a limb away from the midline; adduction moves it toward the midline.

What does circumduction involve?

A circular motion combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

How does rotation differ from other movements?

It involves moving a part around its own axis.

Define supination and pronation.

Supination is turning the palm upward; pronation is turning it downward.

What is the difference between inversion and eversion?

Inversion turns the sole inward; eversion turns it outward.

Describe dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.

Dorsiflexion lifts the foot upward; plantar flexion points the toes downward.

What is the Peripheral Vascular System (PVS)?

The Peripheral Vascular System consists of blood vessels that transport blood to and from the limbs and other body parts outside of the heart and brain.

What are the three main types of blood vessels in the PVS?

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

What is the function of arteries in the PVS?

Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

What do veins do in the PVS?

Veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

What is the role of capillaries?

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels and are responsible for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products at the tissue level.

Why is the PVS important for blood circulation?

It delivers oxygen-rich blood to the limbs and returns deoxygenated blood to the heart, maintaining healthy circulation.

How does the PVS help with temperature regulation?

It adjusts blood flow based on the body's thermal needs to help regulate temperature.

What role does the PVS play in immune defense?

It circulates white blood cells that help the body fight infections.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

A condition where arteries become narrowed, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to pain or limb damage.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

The formation of blood clots in deep veins, which can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.

What happens in Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

The leg veins become weak, causing swelling, pain, and varicose veins.

What is Raynaud's Disease?

A condition where blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict, causing numbness and color changes in response to cold.

How does regular exercise benefit the PVS?

It enhances circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Why is a balanced diet important for vascular health?

It helps prevent fat buildup in arteries and supports overall cardiovascular function.

What conditions should be managed to protect the PVS?

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

How does smoking affect the PVS?

Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces circulation, increasing the risk of vascular diseases.

What are the benefits of maintaining a healthy peripheral vascular system?

Better blood flow, reduced risk of diseases, faster recovery, and improved mobility and energy.

What are the primary functions of the ears?

Detecting and analyzing sound, and maintaining balance.

Where are the ears located?

On each side of the head.

What are the three main divisions of the ear?

External ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

What structures make up the external ear?

Pinna (auricle), external auditory canal, and tympanic membrane (eardrum).

What bones are found in the middle ear?

Malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).

What is the function of the Eustachian tube?

It connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and equalizes pressure.

What is the cochlea responsible for?

Hearing.

Which parts of the inner ear are involved in balance?

Vestibule and semicircular canals.

What are common ear problems?

Ear infections, injuries, ruptured eardrum, and tumors.

What is a common test used to evaluate hearing?

Pure-tone testing.

What is the main function of the eyes?

To capture light and transmit visual information to the brain.

What protects the eye externally?

Cornea, sclera, and conjunctiva.

What is the transparent layer at the front of the eye?

Cornea.

What structure controls the size of the pupil?

Iris.

What is the function of the lens in the eye?

To focus light onto the retina.

What part of the eye is responsible for detecting light and converting it to signals?

Retina.

What is the macula's role?

It is critical for central vision and color perception.

What nerve sends visual information to the brain?

Optic nerve.

Name three common refractive errors.

Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

What are some age-related eye conditions?

Presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

How can refractive errors be corrected?

With eyeglasses or contact lenses.

What types of treatments exist for eye conditions?

Vision correction, medications, and surgery.

What is the vulva?

The external female reproductive organs.

What is the mons pubis?

A fatty area over the pubic bone.

What are the labia majora and minora?

Outer and inner skin folds of the vulva.

What is the clitoris?

A small, sensitive organ for sexual pleasure.

What is the vaginal orifice?

The vaginal opening for menstruation, birth, and intercourse.

What is the urethral orifice?

The opening where urine exits.

What are Skene's glands?

Glands that help lubricate and protect the vagina.

What are Bartholin glands?

Glands that produce vaginal lubrication.

What is the hymen?

A thin tissue partly covering the vaginal opening.

What is the rectum?

Stores waste before it's expelled.

What do neuroanatomy and neurophysiology study?

They study the structure and function of the nervous system.

What makes up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord.

What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) do?

It links the CNS to the body, enabling sensory and motor functions.

What are higher cortical functions?

Memory, language, reasoning, and decision-making.

Which structure controls vital functions like breathing?

The brainstem.

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

Hormones, temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep.

What disorder involves recurrent seizures?

Epilepsy.

Why is this knowledge important?

It helps diagnose and treat neurological disorders.

What are the male primary sex organs?

The testes, which make sperm and testosterone.

What are the 3 parts of the penis?

Root, shaft (body), and glans (head).

What is the foreskin?

Skin covering the glans; can be removed by circumcision.

What is the scrotum?

A sac that holds the testes, nerves, and blood vessels.

What are testicles?

Oval organs that make sperm and hormones.

What is the epididymis?

A coiled tube that stores and matures sperm.

What does the vas deferens do?

Carries sperm from epididymis to urethra.

What are ejaculatory ducts?

Tubes that move sperm and fluid to the urethra.

What does the urethra do?

Carries urine and semen out of the body.

What are seminal vesicles?

Sacs that add fluid to semen.

Where is the prostate gland?

Below the bladder, around the urethra.

What do Cowper's glands do?

Release clear fluid into the urethra.

Where is the male rectum?

In front of the prostate and seminal vesicles.

What is the male perineum?

Area between the anus and scrotum.

Who has a longer anal canal?

Males.