Physiology Vocabulary Review

Chapter 1: Intro to Physiology

Organization of the Body

• Oxygen Transport

  • Carried by erythrocytes (red blood cells) produced in bone marrow.

  • Synthesis regulated by erythropoietin (hormone from kidneys).

• Cell Types and Tissues

  • Four Major Classes:

    • Neurons

    • Muscle Cells

    • Epithelial Cells

    • Connective Tissue Cells

Muscle Cells

• Specialized to contract and generate force.

• Types:

  • Skeletal Muscle: Voluntary movements (arms, legs).

  • Cardiac Muscle: Involuntary (heart).

  • Smooth Muscle: Involuntary (blood vessels).

Epithelial Cells

• Form continuous layers found in skin and linings of hollow organs (lungs, stomach, intestines).

• Specialized for exchange and separation from the environment.

• Variations in Shape:

  • Simple: One cell thick.

  • Stratified: Several cells thick.

  • Squamous: Flattened.

  • Cuboidal: Square-shaped.

  • Columnar: Tall and oblong.

Functions of Epithelial Cells

• Form barriers; prevent mixing of materials.

• Transport Functions:

  • Stomach cells transport hydrogen ions (acid) into the lumen for digestion.

• Gland Formation:

  • Exocrine Glands: Secrete substances externally (sweat, saliva).

  • Endocrine Glands: Secrete hormones (e.g., pituitary gland).

Connective Tissue

• Provides support and anchors various structures.

• Examples:

  • Tendons: Anchor muscles to bones.

  • Ligaments: Connect bones.

  • Elastic Tissue: Provides flexibility (e.g., skin).

• Extracellular Matrix:

  • Composed of proteins (elastin, collagen) and large molecules to support cells.

Chapter 2: Cell Types and Tissues

Tissue Composition and Function

• Types of Tissues:

  • Nervous Tissue

  • Muscle Tissue

  • Epithelial Tissue

  • Connective Tissue

• Organ Systems:

  • Organs are made up of two or more tissue types performing specific functions (e.g., cardiovascular system includes heart, blood vessels).

Material Exchange

• Lungs:

  • Inspiration: Oxygen enters bloodstream.

  • Expiration: CO2 exits.

• Gastrointestinal Tract:

  • Absorption: Nutrients and fluids from digested food into bloodstream.

Chapter 3: Body Fluids and Homeostasis

Body Fluid Compartments

• Total Body Water: Comprises intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF).

  • ICF: ⅔ total body water, rich in potassium and protein.

  • ECF: ⅓ total body water, includes plasma and interstitial fluid (ISF). Rich in sodium.

• Homeostasis:

  • Internal environment regulated for stability (composition, temperature, volume).

Feedback Control Mechanisms

• Negative Feedback:

  • Regulated variables: Control variables returned to set point (e.g., temperature regulation).

• Sensors and Integrators:

  • Chemoreceptors (sensitive to O2 and CO2) and thermoreceptors (sensitive to temperature).

  • Relay signals to integrating centers, which orchestrate responses.

Chapter 4: Cell Membrane Transport

Transport Mechanisms

• Passive Transport:

  • Movement from high to low energy areas without energy input.

  • Simple diffusion of solutes according to concentration gradient.

• Active Transport:

  • Movement from low to high concentration needing energy input (e.g., Na+/K+ pump).

Driving Forces on Molecules

• Chemical Driving Forces:

  • Always move down concentration gradients.

• Electrical Driving Forces:

  • Difference in charge affecting ion movement.

Hormone Actions and Transport

• Hormones control physiological processes by regulating metabolic functions in target cells.

Chapter 6: Endocrine System

Primary Endocrine Organs

• Hypothalamus:

  • Regulates autonomic functions and produces hormones affecting pituitary gland.

• Pituitary Gland:

  • Anterior lobe: Epithelial tissue, synthesizes hormones.

  • Posterior lobe: Neuronal tissue, secretes ADH and oxytocin.

Functions of Major Hormones

• Thyroid Gland:

  • Secretes T3 and T4, regulates metabolism.

• Adrenal Glands:

  • Cortex secretes corticosteroids; medulla secretes catecholamines.

Feedback Systems

• Short and Long Loop Feedback:

  • Regulate hormone secretion to maintain balance in the body.

Chapter 11: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Overview of ANS

• Dual Innervation:

  • Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (rest and digest).

• Regulates effector organ functions to maintain homeostasis.

Neurotransmitters in ANS

• Acetylcholine (cholinergic) and Norepinephrine (adrenergic) are main neurotransmitters regulating autonomic functions.

Autonomic Function Regulation

• Visceral Reflexes:

  • Autonomic responses to internal body conditions, modulated by the brain.

Conclusion

• Understanding these physiological concepts is critical for grasping the complexity of body systems and their interactions.