Human Anatomy and Physiology Review

Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology Related to Respiratory and Digestive Systems

Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract

  • Components of human respiratory system:

    • Upper respiratory tract: Cavity, pharynx, larynx

    • Lower respiratory tract: Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs

Cartilages in the Neck

  • Prominent cartilage known as:

    • Adam's Apple

    • Thyroid cartilage (not hyoid)

  • Function:

    • Built around the thyroid gland, but does not necessarily protect it.

Diaphragm and Thoracic Cavity Mechanics

  • Inspiration Process:

    • Diaphragm contraction: Moves downwards

    • Thoracic Cavity: Enlarges (volume increases)

    • Pressure changes: Decreases as air flows in

  • Expiration Process:

    • Diaphragm: Ascends

    • Thoracic Cavity: Decreases in size

    • Pressure changes: Increases in the thoracic cavity

Hemoglobin and Oxygen Saturation

  • Key factor in oxygen saturation of hemoglobin:

    • Partial pressure of oxygen (not bacterial saturation)

Digestive System

  • Control of food entering the stomach:

    • Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) also known as: Cardiac sphincter

Pancreas Functions

  • Accessory organ with dual functions: Endocrine and Exocrine

  • Exocrine function:

    • Secretes digestive enzymes (e.g., trypsin, chymotrypsin)

    • Function of Trypsin: Breaks down proteins into:

      • Amino acids (building blocks of proteins)

    • Other digestive enzymes disclosed:

    • Lipase: Breaks down lipids (fats)

    • Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates (also from saliva)

  • Endocrine function:

    • Hormones: Insulin and Glucagon

    • Functions of hormones:

    • Insulin lowers blood sugar

    • Glucagon increases blood sugar

Protein Digestion

  • Stomach enzyme responsible for protein breakdown:

    • Pepsin (functions in acidic environment of the stomach)

  • Pancreatic enzymes (trypsin and chymotrypsin) require a higher pH for action

Total Body Water Percentage

  • Average percentage in adults:

    • 60 to 70% of total body weight

Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

  • Blood pH of 7.23 indicates:

    • Acidic pH (lower than normal)

Characteristics of Pulmonary Tissue

  • Allows for full inspiration due to:

    • Compliance (easy stretching)

  • Opposite property:

    • Elastic recoil (ability of lung tissue to return to original shape)

Gas Exchange in Lungs

  • Relationship of partial pressure of O2 (pO2):

    • Alveolar air pO2 is higher than that of incoming venous blood

    • Oxygen travels from alveolar air into the blood due to pressure gradient

Digestive Tract Functions

  • Absorption does not primarily occur in the upper digestive tract

    • Absorption primarily happens in:

    • Small Intestine

Urinary System Functions

  • Glomerulus:

    • Function: Filtration

  • Water loss from the body through various organs:

    • Kidneys, skin, lungs, GI tract

Surfactant Function

  • Surfactants:

    • Prevent alveoli from collapsing (keep them lubricated)

Thoracic Cavity Anatomy

  • Organs located in the mediastinum:

    • Heart, Trachea, and Esophagus (not lungs)

Urinary Bladder

  • Type of epithelium:

    • Transitional epithelium

  • Volume of urine to stimulate micturition reflex:

    • Approximately 250-400 milliliters

Female Reproductive System

  • Essential organ:

    • Ovaries

Male Reproductive System

  • Primary organ:

    • Testes

  • Hormone from anterior pituitary stimulating testosterone:

    • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

    • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): responsible for sperm production

Matching Preparation

  • Review for the following conditions:

    • Digestive: Ulcers, Mumps, Hepatitis, etc.

    • Respiratory: Pneumonia, Otitis Media, Sleep Apnea, etc.

    • Urinary: Pyelonephritis, Ketonuria, Incontinence, etc.

Summary

  • This study guide encompasses key concepts related to anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and digestive systems, focusing on the functions of organs, processes involved in digestion and respiration, and anatomical relationships within the thoracic cavity.