General Physiology Flashcards
Define cells
functional units of the body
Define tissues
a group of cells with a specific function
Define organs
a group of tissues with a specific function
Define systems
a group of organs with a specific function
Define viscera
soft organs
What cavities are in the body
thoracic and abdominal
What is contained in the thoracic cavity?
heart and lungs
What is contained in the abdominal cavity?
digestive organs and reproductive organs
What separates the body cavities?
The diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominal cavity
Anterior
toward the front (opposite of posterior)
Cranial
toward the head
Lateral
to the side
Medial
situated in the middle
Posterior
behind (opposite of anterior)
Caudal
toward the tail
Ventral
abdominal or near the abdominal wall (opposite of dorsal)
Dorsal
on or near the spinal column (opposite of ventral)
Proximal
closest to a given reference point (opposite of distal)
Distal
farther from a given reference point (opposite of proximal)
Describe the external environment animals inhabit
gaseous, animals breath air
Describe the internal environment of animals
aqueous
What are the fluid filled spaces of the body?
- intracellular
- interstitial
- circulatory system
What is intracellular fluid?
The fluids within cells that make up 45% of body weight
What is interstitial fluid?
The fluids between cells that make up 17% of body weight
Describe the liquids of the circulatory system
blood plasma that makes up 6% of body weight
How much of the body is water?
roughly 65%
Define homeostasis
the combination of body mechanisms that cause the body to maintain an equilibrium (relatively constant) internal environment
What systems are involved in maintaining homeostasis?
Circulatory
Respiratory
Urinary
Digestive
Muscular
Nervous
Endocrine
What is the function of the nervous system?
To make adjustments to maintain equilibrium.
What do nervous system receptors do? What are some examples?
detect changes in the environment
external: ears, eyes, etc
internal: receptors that detect changes in blood, etc
What does the somatic nervous system control?
The somatic nervous system controls skeletal movements.
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
controls involuntary bodily functions
What are the branches of the autonomic nervous system?
sympathetic and parasympathetic
Describe the sympathetic system
controls emergency body response, fight or flight
Describe the parasympathetic system
the system in control at rest; rest and digest
What is a conditioned reflex?
a learned behavior due to a repeated stimulus
What is the function of the endocrine system?
secrete organic substances to be exchanged by the circulatory system.
Typically takes a longer time, and occurs when a change in the environment (usually internal) requires a specific response for altering cell environments.
What are hormones? What types are there?
Hormones are a chemical substance secreted by a ductless gland.
Types:
1. Proteins: made from amino acid chains
2. Steroids: derivatives of cholesterol
3. Amino acids derivatives: made from individual amino acids
Exocrine vs. endocrine
exocrine: secreted out of the body (ex. mammary gland secretes milk)
endocrine: compounds secreted into the blood
What are the two types of target organs for hormones?
general and specific
