Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
The primary function is to supply the body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
Which type of joint is found in the elbow?
The elbow features a hinge joint, allowing for flexion and extension.
What is the role of red blood cells?
Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Describe the function of the cerebellum.
The cerebellum regulates motor movements, coordinates voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech.
What is the largest organ of the human body?
The skin is the largest organ, protecting against external factors, regulating temperature, and providing sensory information.
What hormone is primarily responsible for the regulation of metabolism?
Thyroid hormone primarily regulates metabolism.
Define homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.
What is the role of synovial fluid?
Synovial fluid lubricates joints to enable smooth movement.
Where are blood cells produced in the human body?
Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow of the bones.
What is the basic unit of the nervous system?
The neuron is the basic functional unit of the nervous system.
Explain the role of the small intestine in digestion.
The small intestine absorbs nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream.
What does the term ‘anatomical position’ refer to?
The anatomical position refers to a body standing upright, with arms at the sides, palms facing forward.
Identify the function of the atria in the heart.
The atria receive blood entering the heart and pump it to the ventricles.
What type of tissue connects muscles to bones?
Tendons connect muscles to bones.
Describe the function of the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian cycles.
What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body, while veins carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart.
Define the term ‘epidermis’.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a waterproof barrier and creating our skin tone.
What is the significance of the axial skeleton?
The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, which support the central axis of the body.
What is a neurotransmitter?
A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse.
Explain what a ligament connects.
Ligaments connect bones to other bones at joints.
What structure in the cell is responsible for generating energy?
The mitochondrion is responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP.
Identify the main function of the liver.
The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, detoxifies harmful chemicals, and produces bile.
What is the primary mineral stored in bones?
Calcium is the primary mineral stored in bones.
Explain the role of cartilage in the body.
Cartilage provides support and cushioning for joints and structures such as the ears and nose.
What does the term ‘visceral muscle’ refer to?
Visceral muscle refers to the smooth muscle found in the walls of internal organs, excluding the heart.
What is the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid?
Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord while circulating nutrients and removing waste products.
Where is the Achilles tendon located?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
What part of the brain is responsible for processing visual information?
The occipital lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for visual processing.
What type of cells produce antibodies?
B cells, a type of white blood cell, produce antibodies.
Define the term ‘systole’ in the context of cardiac cycle.
Systole is the phase of the heartbeat during which the heart muscles contract and pump blood from the chambers into the arteries.
Describe the function of the pancreas in digestion.
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which aid in digesting food and neutralizing stomach acid in the small intestine.
What is the anatomical term for the windpipe?
The trachea is the anatomical term for the windpipe.
Identify the primary components of blood.
Blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
What is a synapse?
A synapse is a junction between two nerve cells, where impulses pass by diffusion of neurotransmitters.
Explain the function of hemoglobin in the blood.
Hemoglobin in red blood cells binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body.
What joint type allows for the widest range of movement?
The ball-and-socket joint allows for the widest range of movement, as seen in the hips and shoulders.
What gland produces melatonin?
The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates sleep patterns.
Define osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
What is the function of the olfactory bulbs?
The olfactory bulbs are responsible for processing smells received from the nose.
Describe how the kidneys function in homeostasis.
The kidneys regulate the body’s fluid balance and filter waste from the blood to produce urine.
What muscle is primarily used in breathing?
The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in breathing.
What is the function of the frontal lobe of the brain?
The frontal lobe is involved in decision making, problem solving, control of purposeful behaviors, consciousness, and emotions.
Identify the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the body.
The parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
What hormone is responsible for the fight-or-flight response?
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
Describe the function of the small intestine in nutrient absorption.
The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, facilitated by its highly folded surface area.
What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier?
The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood, while allowing essential nutrients to pass through.
Explain the role of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland secretes hormones that regulate growth, development, and metabolic rate.
What is the main function of white blood cells?
White blood cells are primarily involved in defending the body against infection and disease.
Describe how a neuron transmits information.
Neurons transmit information through electrical impulses and chemical signals across synapses.
