Body Basics Flashcards
Cardiovascular system
Circulates blood throughout the body
Arteries: thick pressurized blood pumped out to cells
Veins: muscle contractions/one way valves pump blood back to heart
Respiratory system
Lungs facilitate exchange of gases: IN oxygen, OUT CO2
Lymphatic system
Help maintain fluid balance, absorb fat-soluble nutrients, defend against disease
Urinary system
Kidneys filter unneeded substances/toxins from blood every eight hours and maintain fluid balance
Muscular system
Muscles enable movement
Skeletal
Bones provide support, movement, protection, storage of minerals, and produce RBC
Nervous system
Neurons transmit information and responses via electrical/chemical signals
Endocrine system
Organs and tissues produce hormones
- thyroid influences metabolism
- hormones influence gender
Integumentary system
Provide protection with hair, skin, and nails
Bioavailability
Extent to which digestive tract absorbs nutrients and how well the body uses it
Absorption: nutrients may compete
Efficiency: some cannot be absorbed (Celiacs)
Mouth
Mechanical digestion: biting and grinding to reduce surface area
Chemical digestion: saliva mixes and lubricates food, salivary amylase and lipase begin breakdown of starch and fat
Peristalsis
Muscular contractions that move food through intestinal tract
Stomach
Gastroesophageal sphincter: end of esophagus that controls opening and closing of stomach
Chyme: mix of gastric juice and partially digested food
Ulcer
When mucus is not maintained in the stomach, the chyme burns through delicate lining
Can be cured with simple carbs (BananasRiceApplesToast)
Small intestine
Where most nutrients are digested and absorbed
Lined by villi
