physiology Flashcards
Which hormone stimulates the seminal vesicles? and what is the function?
testosterone. aid sperm by adding 50%-70% of the seminal fluid that nourishes sperm. adds sugars etc. DOES NOT STORE SPERM
Which hormone stimulates the seminal vesicles? and what is the function?
testosterone. adds acid phosphotase.
what is ectopic pregnancy?
fertilised egg doesn’t reach the uterus and tries to implant in uterine tube. PREG COMPLICATION
where does fertilisation occur?
ampulla
describe the function of epithelial squames
cells of the epithelium of the vagina and cervix collect glycogen and break off (desquamate) after ovulation. Bacteria then feed on the glycogen to create lactic acid. this creates an acidic environment and protects against microorganisms.
which two hormones are released by the thyroid gland?
thyroxine and calcitonin
How is the release of thyroxine controlled?
the hypothalamus releases thyro-tropin releasing hormone which then triggers a release of thyroid stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary which in turn stimulates the release of thyroxine and triodethyronine from the thyroid gland.
what does thyroxine do?
plays an important role in metabolism, digestion, heart, brain development, bone maintenance and muscle control.
What does calcitonin do? where is it released from?
calcitonin helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood. it acts to lower the calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclasts, preventing the breakdown of bone. It is released from the thyroid gland from the C cells.
What does parathyroid hormone do? where is it released from?
opposes calcitonin. promotes the break down of bone and inhibits the formation of new bone. also promotes vitamin D production in the kidneys. It is released from the parathyroid glands.
What is released by the adrenal medulla?
adrenaline and noradrenaline.
what are the main constituents of skin?
keratinocytes and melanocytes.
what does multipotent mean?
cells that can differentiate into any type of blood cell. multi potent cells are in the bone marrow
what does pluripotent mean?
cells that can differentiate into any type of body cell
what does totipotent mean?
cells that are present at embryonic stage, they can differentiate into the placenta as well as body cells.
what are the two types of sweat gland and where do they secrete?
eccrine - small glands that secrete directly onto the skin, found in most places. apocrine - found at the armpits and anus, larger glands that secrete into the canal of a hair follicle.
what are spinous cells?
keratin producing cells with many intercellular connection found in the epidermis of the skin.
what is the outermost layer of the epidermis and what is its function?
striatum corneum = 10-30 layers of cells thick, corneocytes connected by corneodesmosomes, tough outer layer which is the first line of protection against foreign bodies.
name the other layers of the epidermis.
(striatum lutium), striatum granulosum - keratinocytes have lost their nucleus and have granules, striatum spinosum - granules are joined by desmosomes and langerhans cells are present here, and basal layer.
what are langerhan cells
immune cells located in the striatum spinosum of the epidermis.
why is the rate of corneodesmosome breakdown important?
too little = psoriasis, too much = atopic eczema
describe the physiology behind acne.
hair follicles narrow by hypercornification. this increases sebaceous fluid production. the increased sebum makes skin oily and the hair follicle becomes completely blocked. this leads to stagnation of sebum which causes the multiplication of the propioni bacterium acne. the p. acne break down triglyerides into fatty acids and cause inflammation. the p. acne then attack neurophils and pus formation begins.
give the percentages of blood that different organs receive.
lungs = 100%, liver and digestive system = 27%, skeletal muscle = 21%, kidneys = 20%, brain = 14%, bone and other = 9%, skin = 5%, heart = 4%
where is ADH synthesised?
paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei