Exam 1 (Notes) Flashcards
Common Ions in the Human Body
Sodium (Na) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Hydrogen (H) Chloride (Cl) Bicarbonate (HCO3) Phosphate (PO4)
the structure of a “typical” human cell
contains:
cell membrane
cytoplasm
organelles (RER, SER, nucleus, ribosomes, golgi apparatus, mitochondrion, etc…)
membrane proteins have different functions. Examples of membrane proteins are…
transport receptors for signal transduction enzymatic activity cell-cell recognition attachment to the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix cell to cell joining
examples of proteins that work inside and outside the cell are
structural proteins enzyme proteins transport proteins contractile proteins communication proteins defensive proteins
cells with a similar function are grouped together into _____
tissues
two or more tissues that combine structurally and functionally form an _____
organ
four tissue types in the body
epithelial
connective
muscle
nervous
an organs function is determined by the properties of the ____ within it
cells
organs are composed of multiple tissue types
dense irregular connective tissue that provides structural support
smooth muscle that narrows the trachea during coughing
healing cartilage that provides flexible support, ensures that the trachea remains open sot hat air can pass through
loose connective tissue that supports the epithelium and houses glands that produce mucus
pseudo stratified ciliated columnar epithelia which produces mucus to trap debris and moves trapped debris out of the trachea
steps for homeostasis
- Stimulus that produces change in the variable
- Receptor that detects change
- Input where information is sent along afferent pathway to control center
- Output where information sent a long efferent pathway to effector
- Response of effector feeds back to reduce the effect of stimulus and returns variable to homeostatic level
the hypothalamus acts as a master regulator defining the set points
receives info from: -frontal lobe -limbic system -circulating hormones and signals -neural signals from sensory pathways sends instructions to: -pituitary gland (endocrine output) -brainstem centers (neural: autonomic) -brainstem centers (neural: somatic) -spinal cord centers (neural: autonomic)
what systems control homeostasis
nervous and endocrine systems
the autonomic nervous system
autonomic pathways are part of the motor system
anatomically and functionally different from the somatic nervous system
the two divisions of the ANS each have their own anatomy (each has a unique set of neurons)
effects on organs are not clearly separable
-many organs receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation: usually one “turns up” organ function and the other “turns down” function (antagonistic actions)
-the two systems work together to regulate organ function with the needs of the body as a whole: for most organs it is the balance of sympathetic to parasympathetic drive that determines function
autonomic centers in the CNS
the individual centers direct the appropriate sympathetic and parasympathetic response
usually increase activity in one while decreasing activity in the other
how do the somatic and autonomic nervous systems differ?
Somatic: -conscious control -one neuron -one neurotransmitter (ACh) -myelinated axon innervates effector -innervate skeletal muscle -only active when stimulated Autonomic: -involuntary -two neurons -two neurotransmitters (ACh and NE) -unmyelinated axon innervates effector -innervates viscera -always active, modulate activity
autonomic pathways are 2 neuron systems
neuron #1=has its cell body in the CNS
-its axon reaches from the CNS to an autonomic ganglion
–preganglionic neuron
neuron #2=has its cell body in an autonomic ganglion
-its axon reaches through the body to a target organ
-it synapses on: smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or gland cells in the target organ
–postganglionic neuron
the parasympathetic nervous system
- preganglionic neuron has its cell body in brainstem or sacral spinal cord; ganglion near target or in wall of target organ
- although parasympathetic fibers only originate from cranial and sacral levels, they provide innervation to organs at all levels of the body
- there is NO parasympathetic innervation of limbs, skin, or blood vessels
exception: erectile tissue of penis or clitoris
the “craniosacral” system
the “rest and digest” system
preganglionic neurons in cranial nerves 3, 7, 9, 10 and from sacral spinal cord levels S2, 3, 4
Functions:
-storage of energy reserves
-slowing of heart rate
-housekeeping functions: emptying of bowel and bladder
-protection functions: narrowing pupil, airways
the “thoracolumbar” system
the “fight of flight” system
preganglionic neurons from all thoracic spinal cord levels an dumber levels L1&2
Functions:
-release of energy reserves
-speeding heart rate, increasing strength of contraction
-increasing blood pressure, shunting flow to organs vital to escape
-increasing air flow to lungs
-dilation of pupil
the sympathetic system
preganglionic neurons have cell bodies in spinal cord between 1st thoracic and 3rd lumbar level and axons enter sympathetic chain
the sympathetic chains extend the entire length of the vertebral column, from cervical region all the way to the coccyx. The chains are made up of a series of ganglia interconnected by sympathetic axons bundled into nerves. Axons can travel up or down in the chain, or leave the chain to targets. The chains serve as distribution centers for the sympathetic system
ganglion is part of paired paravertebral sympathetic chain or midline pre vertebral plexus along the aorta
postganglionic neurons have cell bodies in sympathetic ganglion, and axons travel via nerves or on walls of blood vessels into organ to synapse on target cells
although sympathetic fibers only originate only from thoracolumbar levels, they provide innervation to organs at all levels of the body, as well as the targets in the limbs and the skin
sympathetic fibers are everywhere in the body
dual innervation
this means the individual cells in an organ receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation
most organs receive both
autonomic plexuses
the intermingled weblike networks of the sympathetic and parasympathetic axons in the CNS
how do axons travel
axons often travel on blood vessels to enter organs
autonomic nervous system affect on smooth muscle
ANS can increase or decrease the amount of contraction in a bed of smooth muscle
autonomic nervous system affect on cardiac muscle
ANS can increase or decrease the amount of contraction in the wall of the heart, and regulate rate of contraction
autonomic nervous system affect on gland cells
ANS can increase or decrease the amount of secretion produced and released from a gland
steps for the general neurochemistry of the autonomic system
- the CNS stimulates an action potential in the preganglionic neuron
- the preganglionic neuron releases neurotransmitter at a synapse in the autonomic ganglion
- the neurotransmitter binds to a receptor on the postganglionic neuron
- binding of the transmitter stimulates an action potential in the postganglionic neuron
- the postganglionic neuron releases a neurotransmitter on the target cell
- binding of the transmitter stimulates the target cell
target cell=smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or gland cell
neurochemistry of the parasympathetic system
its an acetylcholine-based system
both neurons of the parasympathetic system release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
acetylcholine bonds to a receptor for acetylcholine: a “cholinergic” receptor
there are slightly different forms of the acetylcholine receptor
one type binds to nicotine and the other binds to muscarine
nicotinic receptor
in the parasympathetic system
binds nicotine in addition to acetylcholine
“nicotinic type cholinergic receptor”
“nicotinic receptor” for short
muscarinic receptor
in the parasympathetic system
binds muscarine in addition to acetylcholine
“muscarinic type cholinergic receptor”
“muscarinic receptor” for short
what do the two receptors in the PNS both bind?
they both bind acetylcholine
- nicotinic receptors do not bind muscarine
- muscarinic receptors do not bind nicotine
steps for the neurochemistry of the parasympathetic system
- the CNS stimulates an action potential in the preganglionic neuron
- the preganglionic neuron always releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the parasympathetic ganglion
- acetylcholine binds to a receptor for acetylcholine on the postganglionic neuron “nicotinic type acetylcholine receptor”
- the postganglionic neuron releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on the target cell
- acetylcholine binds to a receptor for acetylcholine on the postganglionic neuron “muscarinic type acetylcholine receptor”
neurochemistry steps in the sympathetic system
- the CNS stimulates an action potential in the preganglionic neuron
- the preganglionic neuron always releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the sympathetic ganglion
- acetylcholine binds to a receptor for acetylcholine on the postganglionic neuron “nicotinic type acetylcholine receptor”
- the postganglionic neuron releases the neurotransmitters norepinephrine on the target cell
- norepinephrine binds to a receptor for norepinephrine on the postganglionic neuron “adrenergic receptor”
neurochemistry of the sympathetic system
the preganglionic neuron of the sympathetic system release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine; that acetylcholine binds to a nicotinic type cholinergic receptor (just as in the first part of the parasympathetic system)
the postganglionic neuron releases norepinephrine onto a norepinephrine receptor
norepinephrine is a slightly modified form of the chemical epinephrine; the older nomenclature called these two chemicals noradrenaline and adrenaline
the receptor group that binds “adrenaline-like” compounds are still called “adrenergic receptors”
adrenergic receptors bind both norepinephrine and epinephrine, but have slightly different affinities (preferences) for the two chemical forms
subtypes of adrenergic receptors
4 main subtypes of adrenergic receptors to be aware of (there are more)
alpha 1: usually cause contraction of smooth muscle
alpha 2: usually found on the varicosities of sympathetic postganglionic neurons; negative feedback to inhibit further norepinephrine release
beta 1: found on cardiac muscle cells
beta 2: usually cause relaxation of smooth muscle
the two ways to activate targets of the sympathetic system
- activate individual preganglionic neurons through connections in the CNS. this allows for fine control of individual organs
- activate release of epinephrine from the adrenal gland; this activates adrenergic receptors everywhere
the “fight or flight” response includes activation of all sympathetic neurons as well as release of epinephrine into the bloodstream
how does the parasympathetic system operate
only by activation of individual preganglionic neurons by the CNS
the parasympathetic system does not activate all at once (unless with drugs or toxins)
the parasympathetic system works more slowly
when is a drug considered an agonist
if it ends to a receptor and stimulates the same response in the cell as binding the transmitter
when is a drug considered an antagonist
if it binds to a receptor but does not create a response in the cell; it blocks the action of the transmitter by occupying the binding site
what happens when a drug mimics acetylcholine
it will activate both sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons
also activates skeletal muscle
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
any drug that blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine prolongs activation of ANS stimulation (EX: nerve gases, pesticides)
also causes paralysis by prolonging activation and contraction of all skeletal muscles; death due to paralysis of breathing
nicotine
a drug that turns on BOTH sympathetic and parasympathetic systems by activating the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at all ganglionic synapses
nicotine also activates skeletal muscle
muscarine
a drug found in certain mushrooms; activates ALL muscarinic receptors at target organs (=targets of parasympathetic pathways plus sweat glands)
simultaneous effects: tearing and constricted pupil, drooling, sweating, intestinal pains and diarrhea, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing
norepinephrine and epinephrine
norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system
it activates all adrenergic receptors
types of adrenergic receptors: alpha 1 (causes smooth muscle to contract), beta 2 (causes smooth muscle to relax), and beta 1 (located on cardiac muscle cells)
norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system
it activates adrenergic receptors
the hormone, epinephrine, released from the adrenal gland, also activates these same adrenergic receptors
-epinephrine=adrenaline
simultaneous effects:
-increased heart rate
-increased blood pressure
-relaxed airways (easier breathing)
-dilated pupil
-release of energy reserves
blood
classified as a connective tissue, but a fluid rather than solid
functions of blood
transporting dissolved gases, nutrients, hormones, and metabolic wastes
regulating pH and ion composition of interstitial fluids
restricting fluid loss at injury sites (clotting reaction)
defending the body against toxins and pathogens
regulating body temperature by absorbing and redistributing heat
composition of blood
blood can be fractionated into 2 main components:
plasma and cell fraction
plasma
approximately 46-63% of blood volume ~91% of plasma is water ~8% proteins -albumin -globulins (alpha, beta, gamma) -fibrinogen ~1% other -electrolytes -nonprotein nitrogenous substances -nutrients (organic) -respiratory gases -hormones
the formed elements fraction contains…
red and white blood cells plus cell fragments called platelets
99.0% of cell fraction are red blood cells
hemopoiesis
the process of blood cell formation
- occurs in the hollow center of bones (as “red marrow”)
- in fetal life, occurs mainly in liver and spleen
- with aging, fat takes over marrow cavity (“yellow marrow”)
hemocytoblasts
the stem cells that divide to form all types of blood cells; also called pluripotent stem cells
red blood cells
erythrocytes
carry oxygen to cells in the body
erythrocytes account for slightly less than n half the blood volume, and 99.9% of the formed elements
hematocrit
measures the percentage of whole blood occupied by formed elements
-commonly referred to as the volume of packed red cells
erythropoeisis
the formation of new red blood cells
REBCs pass through erythroblast and reticulocyte stages, during which time the cell actively produces hemoglobin
process speeds up with in the presence of Erythropoietin (EPO=erythropoeisis stimulating hormone; blood doping strategies often involve this hormone)
a normal sample of peripheral blood usually does not contain nucleated RBCs: the nucleus and organelles are ejected after producing hemoglobin
maturation of RBCs
~5 days to reticulocyte
~7days to mature RBC
life spans of RBC ~120 days
during maturation it loses the nucleus
erythrocyte structure
biconcave disc
provides a large surface to volume ratio to maximize rate of gas diffusion through membrane
RBCs lack organelles: NO NUCLEUS shape allows RBCs to stack, bend, and flex
how do RBCs travel through capillaries
in a single file line
hemoglobin
hemoglobin molecules account for 95% of the proteins in RBCs
hemoglobin is a globular protein, formed from two pairs of protein subunits
-two alpha subunits, 2 beta subunits
-each subunit contains one molecule of heme
-each heme has an iron (Fe) at its center
-the iron reversibly binds an oxygen molecules
-one hemoglobin molecule can bind up to 4 oxygen molecules
life span of erythrocytes
approximately 1% of RBC are replaced per day
replaced at a rate of approximately 3 million new blood cells entering the circulation per second
old or damaged RBC are removed from circulation by spleen before they hemolyze (rupture)
components of hemoglobin are individually recycled
-heme is stripped of iron and converted to biliverdin (greenish), then bilirubin (yellowish), which is processed by the liver
-globin protein fraction is broken down to amino acids, which are used to build other proteins
-iron is recycled by being stored in phagocytes, or transported through the blood stream bound to transferrin (free iron is toxic)
jaundice
of the bilirubin formed in RBC breakdown, approximately 85% is removed from the blood and processed by the liver
failure of the liver to “keep up” with RBC breakdown or blockage of the bile ducts leads to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. The bilirubin then diffuses out of the blood into tissues all over the body, giving the tissues a yellow color, readily apparent in the sclera of the eyes and the skin
anemia
a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
symptoms: lethargy, weakness, muscle fatigue, low energy
some types of anemia: ion deficiency, hemorrhagic, anaplastic
iron deficiency anemia
hemoglobin is not functional without the iron
hemorrhagic anemia
from hemorrhage, or severe blood loss; fewer RBC
anaplastic anemia
bone marrow fails to produce enough RBC (radiation, immunologic diseases)
sickle cell anemia
caused by a mutation of the amino sequence of the beta chain of hemoglobin
without sufficient oxygen bound to it, hemoglobin molecules cluster into rods and force the cell into a stiffened, cubed shape. these cells get stuck in capillaries, obstructing blood flow to the tissues, which causes pain and potentially damage to the organs
leukocytes
white blood cells
- lifespan varies by cell types; may be hours to years
- defend the body against pathogens
- some are capable of phagocytosis
- remove toxins, wastes, and abnormal or damaged cells
- are capable of amoeboid movement and positive chemotaxis
diapedesis
white blood cells leaving the blood stream in response to chemical signals by squeezing through the vessel wall
granulocytes
WBCs named according to staining properties of cytoplasm granules
- neutrophil
- eosinophil
- basophil
neutrophil
multilobed nucleus, pale red and blue cytoplasmic granules
50-70% total WBC population (phagocytic, very mobile, 1st response to injury)
eosinophil
bilobed nucleus, red cytoplasmic granules
phagocytes attracted to foreign compounds that have reacted with antibodies
basophil
bilobed nucleus, purplish-black cytoplasmic granules
migrate to damaged tissue and release histamine and heparin
agranulocytes
lack cytoplasmic granules
- lymphocyte
- monocyte
lymphocyte
large spherical nucleus, thin rim of pale blue cytoplasm
monocyte
kidney-shaped nucleus, abundant pale blue cytoplasm
complete blood count
CBC
one of the most common clinical test performed
simple blood test measuring most parameters of blood
-hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations
-platelet count
-white blood cell count
includes counts of relative numbers of each of the types of white blood cell, providing valuable information relative to the type of infection
EX: high neutrophil counts indicative of bacterial infections
EX: high eosinophil counts indicative of allergy or parasitic infections
RBC stem cell
hematopoietic stem cell (hemocytoblast)
*divides into myeloid stem cell and lymphoid stem cell which further divide into granular (M) and agranular (L) WBCS
leukemia
leukemia is cancer of the white blood cell lines
myeloid and lymphoid types
immature and abnormal cells enter circulation, invade tissues
-highly active cells, high energy requirements
-may take over bone marrow, replacing normal cells
–loss of normal RBC results in anemia
–loss of WBC results in infection
–loss of platelet formation results in clotting problems
myeloid leukemia
abnormal granulocytes or other cells of marrow
lymphoid leukemia
abnormal lymphocytes
platelets
pieces of megakaryocytes
flattened discs; membrane bound sacs of chemicals
circulate for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes
steps in blood clotting
- Vascular spasm: smooth muscle contracts, causing vasoconstriction
- reduces diameter of the vessel - Platelet plug formation: injury to lining of vessel exposes collagen fibers; platelets adhere
- platelets release chemicals that make nearby platelets sticky; platelet plug forms
- a positive-feedback loop causing platelet aggregation to block the hole in the vessel wall - coagulation: fibrin forms a mesh that traps red blood cells and platelets, forming the clot
- enlargement of clot - formation of blood clot: the clotting cascade
- clotting can be initiated from damage within the vessel (intrinsic pathway) or around the vessel (extrinsic pathway)
- eventually, an enzyme called thrombin is activated, which converts soluble fibrinogen molecules in the blood to insoluble, loose fibrin threads
- the clot is a gel formed from a network of fibrin threads which trap blood cells and platelets - clot retraction: fibrin threads pull in on vessel wall, helping to plug the area and stopping blood loss
blood clotting coagulation phase
coagulation is a complicated cascade of biochemical events
requires calcium and many blood proteins
important to note that the liver is the source of many of these clotting factors
dissolution of clot
eventual dissolution of clot: fibrinolysis
-an inactive plasma enzyme called plasminogen is incorporated into the clot
-chemicals in the clot (thrombin, tissue plasminogen activator=tPA) convert plasminogen to plasmin
-plasmin digests fibrin threads and inactivates clotting mechanism
NOTE: a genetically engineered version of tPA is used to treat heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots
excessive clotting
blood clots may form in the bloodstream in the absence of any injury
a thrombus and embolus may form
there are many anti-clotting drugs available (heparin, coumadin, tPA, aspirin)
thrombus
an attached blood clot formed by platelets adhering to the blood vessel wall, often at sites of arterial disease
embolus
a piece of a thrombus may detach and travel in the bloodstream which may block blood vessels
blood surface proteins
A
B
Rh
AB blood
AB antigens
no antibodies
universal recipient (A, B, AB, O)
B blood
B antigen
Anti-A antibody
receive blood from B, O
A blood
A antigen
anti-B antibody
can receive from A, O
O blood
no antigens
anti A and anti B antibodies
universal donor
pressure gradient
blood moves from area of high to area of low pressure
cardiovascular circulation pattern
the heart creates a pressure gradient to move blood
blood vessels are the rubes that carry blood between heart, lungs, and tissue beds
gasses, nutrients, and wastes are exchanged between tissues and blood in capillary beds everywhere
the lungs only job is to exchange gas between blood and outside air
systemic circuit
blood passes to and from most organs of the body through this circuit
arteries carry blood away from the heart
veins carry blood toward the heart
-in the systemic circuit, arteries carry blood that has high levels of oxygen and low levels of carbon dioxide; systemic veins returning from organs carry blood depleted in oxygen, with high CO2 content
–systemic veins leading into the superior and inferior venue cave
–aorta and its branches-the systemic arteries
pulmonary circuit
blood passes to and from the lungs through this circuit
arteries carry blood away from the heart
veins carry blood toward the heart
-in the pulmonary circuit, pulmonary arteries carry blood to the lungs and still needs to be oxygenated, and is therefore oxygen-poor, CO2 rich
-pulmonary veins return freshly oxygenated blood to the left side of the heart
–pulmonary artery (trunk) and its branches carry blood from heart into lungs
–pulmonary veins carry blood from lungs back to heart
right side of heart
deoxygenated blood
the right side pump collects oxygen-depleted, carbon-dioxide rich blood from the body through 2 venue cavae, and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries
left side of the heart
oxygenated blood
the left side pump collects newly oxygenated blood from the lungs through pulmonary veins, and pumps it out to the body through the aorta
blood vessel anatomy
blood vessels are made up of:
endothelium
connective tissue
smooth muscle
blood vessel endothelium
a simple squamous epithelium layer with junctions (tight and desmosomes) that allow communications with neighboring cells
blood vessel connective tissue
located between layers and on the outside of organs
contains variable numbers of collagen, elastic and elastic fibers
nerves can travel in the connective tissue layers of an organ
blood vessel smooth muscle
does not have visible striations in its cytoplasm
contains actin and myosin and contracts in the presence of calcium
contraction=vessel diameter narrows (vasoconstriction)
relaxation=vessel diameter increases (vasodilation)
two important factors regulating the diameter of cessels
sympathetic nerves innervate blood vessels, but are seldom seen in images as they are diffusely spread out within the muscle layer
these nerves release the transmitter norepinephrine, causing smooth muscle to contract and the vessel to constrict, and are thus important for controlling blood vessel diameter and regulating blood flow
chemicals produced by cells surrounding the vessel or within the vessel wall also regulate smooth muscle contraction an vessel diameter
blood vessel layers
3 layers
tunica intima
tunica media
tunica externa
tunica intima
innermost layer of the blood vessel
- lined by the endothelium
- supported by connective tissue (collagen)
tunica media
middle layer
-smooth muscle with various amounts of elastic fibers
tunica externa
outer layer
-connective tissue
how do arteries and veins walls differ
arteries have stronger, thicker walls than the vein of the same size; arteries generally contain more smooth muscle an often more elastic fibers
categories vessels by size
blood vessels closest to the heart have the largest diameter
ratio of tissues in wall changes with size of vessel
vessels can be categorized by function
capacitance vessels elastic arteries muscular arteries resistance vessels exchange vessels
capacitance vessels
because veins have little muscle and few elastic fibers in their wall, they have little ability to resist stretch, and often hold much of the circulating blood
elastic arteries
the target arteries closest to the heart contain a lot of elastic fibers, and swell with blood each time the heart pumps
muscular arteries
smaller diameter arteries distributing to organs