Biol1123: Principles of Biology II - Nervous and Male Reproductive Systems

Comprehensive flashcards covering human tissue types, homeostasis, the nervous system structure and disorders, and the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system.

What is the primary role of the nervous tissue?

To enable communication and coordination in the body.

How is the nervous system organized in terms of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes nerves throughout the body.

What is the difference between Anatomy and Physiology?

Anatomy is the study of the structure of a body part, while Physiology involves understanding the function of a body part.

What is the function of epithelial tissue?

It covers the body and lines cavities and glands, providing protection, regulation, and sensing stimuli.

What are the four main types of human tissues?

Nervous, Muscular, Epithelial, and Connective.

Define Homeostasis.

The tendency of the body to maintain relative constant internal conditions (e.g., body temperature) when external conditions change.

What is the normal glucose level range for the human body?

$70$ to $100\,mg/dl$.

Which hormones are responsible for regulating glucose levels in the body?

Insulin and glucagon.

What is the standard set-point for human body temperature and which system maintains it?

$37^\circ C$, regulated by the integumentary system (skin, hair, nails).

What are the primary components and specific functions of the brain stem and cerebellum?

The cerebellum is responsible for balance, and the brain stem is responsible for body regulation.

What is the difference between Grey matter and White matter in the spinal cord?

Grey matter consists of neuron cell bodies for processing information, while White matter consists of myelinated axons for transmitting signals.

How do the ratio and general types of glial cells compare to neurons?

There are $3-10$ times more glial cells than neurons.

What are the specific functions of Astrocytes and Microglials?

Astrocytes are responsible for filtration, and Microglials are responsible for immunity.

Which glial cells are responsible for producing myelin?

Oligodendrocytes and Schwan cells.

What is the role of Ependymal cells?

They are involved with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).

Identify the main parts of a neuron's structure.

Cell body, dendrites, axon, axon hillock (trigger zone), and axon terminal.

Contrast sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Sensory neurons sense stimuli, interneurons relay information, and motor neurons trigger action.

What triggers an Arc Reflex in the integumentary system?

Mechanoreceptors (like Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles), thermoreceptors, and pain receptors.

What is the resting potential of a neuron during an action potential?

$-70\,mv$.

How does Alzheimer’s disease affect brain proteins and neurotransmitters?

It involves the accumulation of Beta-amyloid plaques between neurons and Tau protein tangles inside neurons, leading to decreased levels of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.

What is the primary cause and effect of Parkinson’s disease?

The loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and poor balance.

What are the primary functions of the male reproductive system?

To produce sperm, secrete testosterone, and deliver sperm to the female reproductive system.

What role does Nitric Oxide play in the male reproductive system?

It is released by parasympathetic neurons during sexual stimulation to dilate arteries, leading to an erection via blood accumulation in spongious tissues.

What are the functions of the Epididymis and how long does sperm stay there?

It is responsible for the maturation, motility, and storage of sperm cells; sperm can stay there for $4-6$ weeks.

What components does the Seminal Vesicle contribute to semen?

It produces $60-70\%$ of semen, containing alkaline fluid for pH regulation, fructose for energy, and prostaglandin for muscular contraction.

What are the functions of the Prostate gland?

It secretes milky fluid and citrate, enzymes to fluidify sperm, and neutralizes vaginal acidity.

Define the HPG axis and the hormones involved in regulating the male reproductive system.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is driven by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and testosterone.

Distinguish between Spermatogenesis and Spermiogenesis.

Spermatogenesis is the process in the seminiferous tubules where a spermatogonium becomes a spermatid; Spermiogenesis is the maturation of those cells into sperm cells.

What are common pathologies associated with the male reproductive system?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), testicular cancer, prostate problems (hyperplasia, prostatitis, cancer), and infertility.