Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers fundamental concepts of human anatomy, physiology, homeostatic mechanisms, genetics, and medical research terminology based on the lecture notes.

Homeostasis

The dynamic process of maintaining a stable internal environment, such as temperature and water content, within narrow limits necessary for life.

Cell

The fundamental microscopic unit of living material that performs chemical reactions and processes essential for life.

Organelles

Tiny specialized structures within a cell, such as mitochondria or ribosomes, that carry out specific chemical or physical functions.

Mitochondria

Rod-shaped or spherical organelles responsible for releasing energy from glucose through the process of oxidation.

$ATP$ (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A chemical molecule that stores and transports energy within cells to power biological work like muscle contraction.

Metabolism

The collective sum of all chemical reactions in the body that involve the use or release of energy from chemical substances.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound central part of most cells containing genetic material and controlling cellular activities.

Epithelial Tissues

Tissues that form the linings of internal and external body surfaces, cavities, and glands, often supporting diffusion and protection.

Connective Tissues

The most widely distributed tissue type in the body, which includes blood, bone, and cartilage, used for support and connection.

$DNA$ (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid found in chromosomes that contains sequences of genes responsible for inherited characteristics.

Negative Feedback

A regulatory mechanism that detects deviations from a normal physiological range and triggers effectors to reverse those changes.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that serves as a control center for regulating heart rate, body temperature, and breathing via the autonomic nervous system.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its transport into cells and its conversion to glycogen.

Endocrine System

A collection of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to coordinate organ functions.

Peristalsis

Antagonistic muscular contractions in the gut wall that move food mixed with digestive juices along the alimentary canal.

Synapse

The microscopic gap between neurons where nerve impulses are transmitted via chemical neurotransmitters.

Genotype

The internal genetic identification of the alleles an individual inherits for a specific gene.

Phenotype

The observable physical display or expression of an individual's inherited characteristics.

Clinical Trial

Formalized research programs, such as double-blind studies, used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medical treatments.

Placebo

A chemically inactive substance used in clinical trials to control for psychological bias and ensure experimental validity.

Standard Blood Pressure

For a healthy young adult, this value is typically noted as $120/80\,mmHg$.

Human Chromosome Number

A typical human body cell contains $23$ pairs, or a total of $46$, chromosomes.

Normal Body Temperature Range

The standard range for human core temperature is between $36.5\,^{\circ}C$ and $37.2\,^{\circ}C$.

Assessment Structure

The unit assessment consists of a paper-based exam lasting $1\,hour\,30\,minutes$ and is worth a total of $90\,marks$.