Body Systems Overview Flashcards
What are the primary layers of the skin?
Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis.
Which structures are included in the integumentary system besides skin?
Hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands.
How does the integumentary system protect the body?
It forms a barrier against pathogens and injury.
How does the skin help regulate body temperature?
By sweating and adjusting blood flow in the skin.
Which vitamin is synthesized in the skin under UV light?
Vitamin D.
What pigment provides UV protection in the skin?
Melanin.
What condition involves chronic itchy, inflamed skin?
Eczema.
Which glands secrete oil to lubricate the skin?
Sebaceous glands.
What type of cancer arises from melanocytes?
Melanoma.
How does the integumentary system contribute to sensation?
Skin receptors detect touch, pain, temperature.
What are the main functions of the skeletal system?
Support, movement, protection, mineral storage, blood cell formation.
Name the two main divisions of the human skeleton.
Axial and appendicular.
Which cells are responsible for forming new bone tissue?
Osteoblasts.
Which mineral is primarily stored in bones?
Calcium.
What is the process of blood cell formation called?
Hematopoiesis.
Name a condition that reduces bone density.
Osteoporosis.
What membrane covers the outer surface of bones?
The periosteum.
Which cells break down bone during remodeling?
Osteoclasts.
How are bones classified by shape?
Long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid.
What structures connect bones at joints?
Ligaments.
What are the three types of muscle tissue?
Skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
Which muscle type is under voluntary control?
Skeletal muscle.
What are the primary functions of the muscular system?
Movement, posture, heat production, joint stability.
How do muscles help regulate body temperature?
By generating heat during contractions.
What connects muscle to bone?
Tendons.
Which muscle type lines hollow organs?
Smooth muscle.
Name a common muscle injury from overstretching.
A muscle strain.
What condition involves progressive muscle fiber degeneration?
Muscular dystrophy.
How is cardiac muscle specialized?
It contracts involuntarily and rhythmically.
What neurotransmitter triggers muscle contraction at neuromuscular junctions?
Acetylcholine.
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central (CNS) and Peripheral (PNS).
What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
The neuron.
Which system controls involuntary functions like heart rate?
The autonomic nervous system.
How do neurons communicate with each other?
Via neurotransmitters at synapses.
What protective layers cover the brain and spinal cord?
The meninges.
Which cells support and nourish neurons?
Glial cells.
What disease involves demyelination in the CNS?
Multiple sclerosis.
Which part of the nervous system controls ‘fight or flight’?
The sympathetic division.
How does the nervous system maintain homeostasis?
By rapidly detecting and responding to changes.
What part of the brain coordinates balance and movement?
The cerebellum.
What is the ‘master gland’ of the endocrine system?
The pituitary gland.
Which gland regulates metabolism?
The thyroid gland.
Which hormones does the pancreas release to control blood sugar?
Insulin and glucagon.
How does the endocrine system maintain homeostasis?
By releasing hormones that regulate body functions.
Which gland releases cortisol in response to stress?
The adrenal cortex.
Name a condition caused by insufficient insulin.
Diabetes mellitus.
How do hormones travel to target organs?
Through the bloodstream.
Which gland regulates sleep-wake cycles?
The pineal gland.
What do the parathyroid glands regulate?
Calcium levels in the blood.
How are hormone levels typically controlled?
By negative feedback loops.
What are the main components of the cardiovascular system?
Heart, blood vessels, blood.
What is the primary function of the heart?
To pump blood throughout the body.
Which vessels carry blood away from the heart?
Arteries.
Which vessels return blood to the heart?
Veins.
Where does nutrient and gas exchange occur?
Capillaries.
What is the liquid portion of blood called?
Plasma.
Name a condition characterized by high blood pressure.
Hypertension.
What protein in red blood cells carries oxygen?
Hemoglobin.
Which condition involves plaque buildup in arteries?
Atherosclerosis.
How does the cardiovascular system help regulate temperature?
By adjusting blood flow to the skin.
What fluid is transported by the lymphatic system?
Lymph.
Which structures filter lymph and trap pathogens?
Lymph nodes.
What organ filters blood and helps fight infection?
The spleen.
Where do T lymphocytes mature?
In the thymus.
What is the main role of the immune system?
To defend the body against pathogens.
What condition involves accumulation of lymph?
Lymphedema.
Which lymphoid tissue guards the throat region?
The tonsils.
Where does lymph return to the bloodstream?
Subclavian veins.
Which cells produce antibodies?
B-lymphocytes.
How does the immune system distinguish self from non-self?
By recognizing antigens.
What are the main organs of the respiratory system?
The lungs.
Which structure prevents food from entering the airway?
The epiglottis.
Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
Alveoli.
What muscle contracts to aid inhalation?
The diaphragm.
Which structures warm and filter inhaled air?
Nasal passages.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What condition involves constricted airways and wheezing?
Asthma.
How do bronchioles help in breathing?
They conduct air to alveolar ducts.
What is inflammation of the bronchi called?
Bronchitis.
How does the respiratory system help regulate pH?
By adjusting CO2 exhalation.
What is the primary function of the digestive system?
To break down food and absorb nutrients.
Where does most nutrient absorption occur?
In the small intestine.
Which organ produces bile to aid fat digestion?
The liver.
What tube carries food from the mouth to the stomach?
The esophagus.
Which organ stores bile?
The gallbladder.
What condition is caused by frequent acid reflux?
GERD.
Where do enzymes and bicarbonate enter the small intestine?
From the pancreas.
Which part of the GI tract reabsorbs water?
The large intestine.
What is the stomach’s role in digestion?
It secretes acid and enzymes for protein digestion.
What is a peptic ulcer?
A sore in the stomach or duodenal lining.
What are the main organs of the urinary system?
Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
What is the kidney’s primary function?
To filter blood and form urine.
How do the kidneys help regulate blood pressure?
By adjusting fluid volume and releasing renin.
What condition involves mineral crystals in the urinary tract?
Kidney stones.
Which organ temporarily stores urine?
The urinary bladder.
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
The nephron.
How is electrolyte balance maintained by the urinary system?
By selective reabsorption and excretion.
What is a common bacterial infection of the urinary tract?
A UTI.
How is the urge to urinate triggered?
Bladder stretch receptors signal the brain.
Which hormone increases water reabsorption?
ADH.
What are the main organs of the male reproductive system?
Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, penis.
What are the main organs of the female reproductive system?
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands.
Where does fertilization usually occur?
In the fallopian tubes.
What is the primary female sex hormone?
Estrogen.
What is the function of the testes?
To produce sperm and testosterone.
Which organ supports fetal development?
The uterus.
Name a condition affecting female fertility.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
How is the menstrual cycle regulated?
By hormones from the brain and ovaries.
Which test detects cervical cellular changes?
A Pap smear.
What is the main function of the reproductive system?
To produce offspring.
