DRE Anatomy & Physiology Terms Flashcards
Learn key terms related to anatomy and physiology for DRE School.
VOLUNTARY NERVE
A motor nerve that carries messages to a muscle that we consciously control.
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The skin and accessory structures, hair and nails. Functions include protection, maintenance of body temperature, excretion of waste, and sensory perceptions.
AXON
The part of a neuron (nerve cell) that sends out a neurotransmitter.
ARTERY
The strong, elastic blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
HYPOTENSION
Abnormally low blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypertension.
SYSTOLIC
The highest value of blood pressure. The blood pressure reaches its systolic value when the heart is fully contracted (systole), and blood is sent surging into the arteries.
DIASTOLIC
The lowest value of blood pressure. The blood pressure reaches its diastolic value when the heart is fully expanded, or relaxed (Diastole).
HYPERGLYCEMIA
Excess sugar in the blood.
BRADYCARDIA
Abnormally slow heart rate.
PALLOR
An abnormal paleness or lack of color in the skin.
HYPOTHERMIA
Decreased body temperature.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
A system within the body consisting of the brain, the brain stem, and the spinal cord.
SYNAPSE (or Synaptic Gap)
The gap or space between two neurons (nerve cells).
DOWNSIDE EFFECT
An effect that may occur when the body reacts to the presence of a drug by producing hormones or neurotransmitters to counteract the effects of the drug consumed.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
An abnormal decrease of blood sugar levels.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The network of glands that do not have ducts and other structures. They secrete hormones into the blood stream to affect a number of functions in the body.
AFFERENT NERVES
Also called “Sensory Nerves.” Nerves that carry messages to the brain, from the various parts of the body, including notably the sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.). Sensory nerves are also known as afferent nerves.
SPHYGMOMANOMETER
A medical device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an arm or leg cuff with an air bag attached to a tube and a bulb for pumping air into the bag, and a gauge for showing the amount of air pressure being pressed against the artery.
NERVE
A cord-like fiber that carries messages either to or from the brain. For drug evaluation and classification purposes, a nerve can be pictured as a series of “wire-like” segments, with small spaces or gaps between the segments.
HYPERTENSION
Abnormally high blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypotension.
HORMONES
Chemicals produced by the body’s endocrine system that are carried through the blood stream to the target organ. They exert great influence on the growth and development of the individual, and that aid in the regulation of numerous body processes.
AUTONOMIC NERVE
A motor nerve that carries messages to the muscles and organs that we do not consciously control. There are two kinds of autonomic nerves, the sympathetic nerves and parasympathetic nerves.
PULSE RATE
The number of expansions of an artery per minute.
PARASYMPATHOMIMETIC DRUGS
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitter associated with the parasympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce lower blood pressure, drowsiness, etc.
NEUROTRANSMITTER
Chemicals that pass from the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of the next cell, and that carry messages across the gap between the two nerve cells.
SYMPATHETIC NERVE
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to react in response to excitement, stress, fear, etc. The brain uses sympathetic nerves to send “wake up calls” and “fire alarms” to the muscles, tissues and organs.
PHYSIOLOGY
Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or living matter and the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
PARASYMPATHETIC NERVE
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to relax and to carry out tranquil activities. The brain uses parasympathetic nerves to send “at ease” commands to the muscles, tissues, and organs.
HYPERTHERMIA
Increased body temperature.
BLOOD PRESSURE
The force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure changes continuously, as the heart cycles between contraction and expansion.
HOMEOSTASIS
Dynamic, self-regulating process by which the body maintains a balanced or constant state while adjusting to internal and external conditions.
TOLERANCE
An adjustment of the drug user’s body and brain to the repeated presence of a drug. As tolerance develops, the user will experience diminishing psychoactive effects from the same dose of the drug. As a result, the user typically will steadily increase the dose he or she takes, in an effort to achieve the same psychoactive effect.
PULSE
The rhythmic dilation and relaxation of an artery that results from the beating of the heart.
ARRHYTHMIA
An abnormal heart rhythm.
DENDRITE
The part of a neuron (nerve cell) that receives a neurotransmitter.
VEIN
A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart from the body tissues
EFFERENT NERVES
Also called “Motor Nerves.” Nerves that carry messages away from the brain, to the body’s muscles, tissues, and organs. Motor nerves are also known as efferent nerves.
WITHDRAWAL
This occurs in someone who is physically addicted to a drug when he or she is deprived of the drug. If the craving is sufficiently intense, the person may become extremely agitated, and even physically ill.
NEURON
A nerve cell. The basic functional unit of a nerve. It contains a nucleus within a cell body with one or more axons and dendrites.
BRADYPNEA
Abnormally slow rate of breathing.
SYMPATHOMIMETIC DRUGS
Drugs that mimic the neurotransmitter associated with the sympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, etc.
TACHYPNEA
Abnormally rapid rate of breathing.
KOROTKOFF SOUNDS
A series of distinct sounds produced by blood passing through an artery, as the external pressure on the artery drops from the systolic value to the diastolic value.
TACHYCARDIA
Abnormally rapid heart rate.
