Orientation and Differentiation of Systems Flashcards
What are the 5 levels of structural organization?
Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system.
Define homeostasis.
When everything in the body is in balance and is able to sustain its normal functions without throwing off this balance.
What is a negative feedback loop?
A means of controlling a signaling system by which a molecule produced by a particular cascade has the ability to shut off its own production by inhibiting an earlier step in the cascade to prevent the formation of that molecule.
What is a positive feedback loop?
When a molecule reinforces its own production by upregulating a step in the production line. For example oxytocin is released to encourage uterine contraction, which stimulates nerves sensory nerves, which causes the release of more oxytocin.
What direction does the sagittal plane run?
Up and down
What direction does the transverse plane run?
Left and right
Describe the frontal plane.
Divides the body into front and back portions.
Which direction is dorsal?
Towards the back
Which direction is ventral?
Towards the belly
Which direction is cephalic?
Towards the head
Which direction is caudal?
Towards the tail
What is the mediastinum?
The cavity between the two walls of the pleural cavities and contains all thoracic structures other than the lungs (heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and several large blood vessels)
What is the pleural cavity?
The space surrounded by a membrane in which the lungs sit.
What is the pericardial cavity?
The space surrounded by a membrane in which the heart sits.
Does the parietal pleura sit closer to the lungs or chest wall?
Chest wall
