Animal Structure Flashcards
What are macromolecules and their function?
Macromolecules are large molecules essential for various biological functions. Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Each type of macromolecule plays a distinct role in the body, such as energy storage, structural support, and information transmission.
What are the enzymes that break down macromolecules?
Enzymes include:
* Amylase (carbohydrates)
* Protease (proteins)
* Lipase (lipids)
* Nuclease (nucleic acids)
Each enzyme is produced in specific locations, such as saliva, stomach, and pancreas.
What are the four stages of food processing?
The four stages are:
* Ingestion
* Digestion
* Absorption
* Elimination
Each stage plays a crucial role in processing food for energy and nutrient absorption.
Define mechanical digestion.
Mechanical digestion is the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, enhancing the surface area for enzymatic action.
Examples include chewing and the churning action of the stomach.
Define chemical digestion.
Chemical digestion involves the enzymatic breakdown of food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
This process occurs primarily in the stomach and small intestine.
What are the main organs of the human digestive system?
Key organs include:
* Mouth
* Esophagus
* Stomach
* Small intestine
* Large intestine
* Pancreas
* Liver
* Gall bladder
Accessory organs aid in digestion but are not part of the digestive tract.
What is the function of saliva?
Saliva aids in digestion by moistening food, containing enzymes like amylase that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Saliva also helps cleanse the mouth and prevents infection.
What is chyme?
Chyme is a semi-fluid mass of partially digested food mixed with gastric juices in the stomach.
It moves into the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption.
What are villi and their function?
Villi are tiny, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption of nutrients.
Each villus contains blood vessels to transport absorbed nutrients.
What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine.
It also produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.
What is the function of the liver?
The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, produces bile for fat digestion, and detoxifies harmful substances.
The gall bladder stores bile until needed.
What causes poop to be brown and smelly?
The brown color is primarily due to bilirubin, a breakdown product of red blood cells, while the smell is caused by bacterial activity in the large intestine.
Bacteria in the large intestine ferment undigested material, producing gases.
What is the purpose of the respiratory system?
The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange, providing oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.
This process is essential for cellular respiration.
What are the stages of breathing?
The stages include:
* Inhalation
* Exhalation
* Gas exchange
Inhalation brings oxygen in, while exhalation removes carbon dioxide.
How is the respiratory system connected to cellular respiration?
The respiratory system supplies oxygen needed for cellular respiration and removes carbon dioxide produced as a waste product.
Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
What is the function of the larynx?
The larynx, or voice box, is responsible for sound production and protects the trachea against food aspiration.
It contains the vocal cords.
What is the structure of the lungs?
The lungs consist of alveoli, bronchi, bronchioles, and are surrounded by pleura.
Alveoli are the sites of gas exchange between air and blood.
What are the main functions of the circulatory system?
Functions include:
* Transporting nutrients and oxygen
* Removing waste products
* Regulating body temperature
* Protecting against disease
The circulatory system is essential for maintaining homeostasis.
What components make up the circulatory system?
Components include:
* Heart
* Blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries)
* Blood
Each component plays a specific role in circulation.
What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, while veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
Arteries have thicker walls to withstand high pressure.
What is systolic blood pressure?
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries during heartbeats.
It is the higher number in a blood pressure reading.
What is diastolic blood pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
It is the lower number in a blood pressure reading.
What role do the AV and SA nodes play in the heart?
The AV node and SA node are responsible for regulating the heartbeat and coordinating the contraction of heart muscles.
The SA node is known as the natural pacemaker.
