Human Anatomy and Physiology – Master Review Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering key facts, structures, and physiology across major human organ systems.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

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

Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response?

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell"?

Mitochondrion – site of aerobic respiration and ATP synthesis

What structural unit makes up compact bone?

The osteon (Haversian system)

Which heart valve prevents back-flow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium?

Bicuspid (mitral) valve

Name the three layers of a blood vessel wall from innermost to outermost.

Tunica intima, tunica media, tunica adventitia (externa)

Where does fertilization of the oocyte usually occur?

Ampulla of the uterine (fallopian) tube

Which antibody class can cross the placenta to provide passive immunity to the fetus?

IgG

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

Nephron

Which white blood cell type is most numerous and is the primary phagocyte?

Neutrophil

In the ECG, what does the QRS complex represent?

Ventricular depolarization

Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for absorption?

Vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin)

What is the primary muscle of inspiration?

Diaphragm

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for mitosis and replacement of skin cells?

Stratum basale

What enzyme in saliva begins carbohydrate digestion?

Salivary amylase

Which cranial nerve is the major parasympathetic supply to thoracic and abdominal organs?

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Which structure stores and concentrates bile?

Gallbladder

What hormone triggers ovulation?

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Which part of the brain regulates temperature, hunger, and endocrine activity?

Hypothalamus

What is the universal donor blood type?

Type O negative (O-)

What epithelium lines the alveoli for gas exchange?

Simple squamous epithelium

Name the three ossicles of the middle ear.

Malleus, Incus, Stapes

What is the main buffer system of the blood?

Bicarbonate buffer system (HCO₃⁻/H₂CO₃)

Which lymphatic organ filters blood and removes old erythrocytes?

Spleen

What is the effect of aldosterone on the kidney?

Increases Na⁺ reabsorption and water retention, decreasing urine volume

During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium repair and thicken?

Proliferative phase

Which bone cell type breaks down bone matrix?

Osteoclast

What structure in cardiac muscle allows rapid spread of action potentials between cells?

Intercalated discs (gap junctions)

Which gland secretes melatonin?

Pineal gland

Define tidal volume.

Volume of air inspired or expired in a normal breath (~500 mL)

Which anterior pituitary hormone stimulates milk production?

Prolactin

What type of immunity results from vaccination?

Artificial active immunity

Which segment of the nephron is the main site of water reabsorption influenced by ADH?

Distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct

What condition is caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults?

Acromegaly

Name the serous membrane covering the lungs.

Visceral pleura

Which vitamin is synthesized in the skin upon UV exposure?

Vitamin D (specifically cholecalciferol)

What is the primary pacemaker of the heart?

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Which pancreatic enzyme digests fats?

Pancreatic lipase

What is the normal pH range of blood?

7.35 – 7.45

Which cranial nerve carries smell information?

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

Name one hormone that raises blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)