Structures of Various Systems Flashcards
Upper epidermis
Protects the deeper layers of skin.
Lower epidermis (Strata Spinosum and Basale)
Vitamin D Synthesis.
Dermis
Protection against mechanical shock.
Provides physical strength.
Hypodermis
Stores lipids. Provides insulation and protection against mechanical shock.
Attaches skin to deeper layers.
Hair
Traps air to provide insulation.
Provides sensory information as each follicle is attached to a sensory neuron.
Sweat glands
Thermoregulation. Means of excretion.
Sebaceous glands
Secretes waste. Lubricates hair shafts.
Nails
Protects digits
Sensory receptors
Detect external stimuli such as temperature, pressure etc.
Skeletal muscles
Enable skeleton movement. Maintains figure.
Controls sphincters and diaphragm.
Protects softer tissue.
Produces heat by shivering
Axial muscles
Provides support for the axial skeleton.
Appendicular muscles
Movement of limbs and appendages.
Tendons/Aponeuroses
Connects muscle to bone/other muscle. Contracts to move muscle tissue.
Bone
Source of calcium and phosphorous.
Axial Skeleton
Protects brain, spinal cord and soft tissue of thorax (chest).
Appendicular Skeleton
Provide structure for limbs. Muscles attached to the appendicular skeleton allows movement of axial skeleton. `
Red Marrow
Found in flatter bones (sternum, skull, pelvis, ribs) and produces red blood cells. Lost with age.
Yellow Marrow
Found in longer bones (femur etc). Stores lipids. Can be converted to red bone marrow if bone breaks or if there’s excess blood loss. Gained with age.
Central Nervous System
Control centre of the body. Can exert short term control over other systems.
Brain, spinal cord, optic nerve and retina
Brain
Complex integrative activities.
Voluntary and involuntary activities.
Spinal cord
Relays information to brain. Controls less complex integrative actions, such as reflex arcs.
Sensory organs
Provide sensory input to the brain.
Pineal gland
Controls circadian rhythm.
Hypothalamus/pituitary
Controls activity of other glands.
Regulates growth and homeostasis.
Anterior pituitary can release GH which leads to secretion of IGF.
Thymus
Maturation of T-lymphocytes. Also part of lymphatic system.
Thyroid/Parathyroid
Controls metabolism/Ca concentration. Stores precursor to thyroxine in follicles.
Adrenal
Controls water potential (aldosterone). Releases cortisol when stressed to stimulate metabolism of glucose and lipids. Stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Temporary control over cardiovascular and respiratory systems (adrenaline).
Kidney
NOT A GLAND
Secretes hormones. Releases erythropoietin when blood oxygen is low. Maintains Ca concentration and blood pressure.
Pancreas
Controls glucose concentration by releasing insulin and glucagon. Secretes digestive enzymes and buffers.
Gonads
Releases sex hormones which stimulate development of reproductive features.
Lymphatic vessels
Collection of excess interstitial fluid in capillary beds and returns it to the bloodstream.
Contains lymph, which is high in lipid.
Lymph Nodes/Tonsils
Stores lymphocytes and monitors composition of lymph.
Spleen
Lymphatic node that can stimulate an immune response.
Monitors RBCs and recycles damaged ones into bilirubin.
Synthesises antibodies. Removes antibody bound pathogens
Heart
Propels blood around body at high, maintained pressure.
Vessels
Arteries: Heart–> Body
Veins: Body–>Heart
Capillaries allow the diffusion of tissue fluid.
Blood
Transports oxygen and CO2 using haemoglobin. Transports dissolved nutrients and waste to and from tissues.
Carbonate ions act as buffer.
Temperature regulation
WBC partake in immune response.
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Humidifies and moistens air. Detects olfactory stimuli
Larynx
Opening to trachea. Vocal cords for vocalisation
Pharynx, trachea, bronchi
Conducts air to lungs. Trachea has rings of hyaline cartilage to prevent collapse.
Lungs
Site of gas exchange. pH control-excess CO2 causes acidity.
Salivary glands
Secretes saliva and enzymes.
Begins starch digestion and the lubrication of food.
Pharynx
Directs food into oesophagus.
Stomach
Secretes acid to hydrolyse polypeptides. Secreted enzymes aid in digestion. Hormones also secreted
Small intestine
Secretes hormones, enzymes and buffers. Most of nutrients absorbed here.
Liver
Secretes bile to emulsify fat. Monitors nutrient concentration.
Gallbladder
Contains and releases bile.
Large intestine/anus
Water absorption and waste excretion.
Kidney (as an urinary system organ)
Produces and concentrates urine by filtration.
Controls blood volume and pressure.
Bladder
Contains urine
Ureter/urethra
Ureter: Kidney to bladder
Urethra: Bladder to exterior
Testes
Produces sperm, endocrine function
Accessory organs
Seminal/prostate glands: Seminal fluid production.
Epididymis: Maturation of sperm
Ductus deferens: Conducts sperm
External genitalia (M)
Penis and scrotum. Delivers sperm and thermal control.
Ovaries
Stores and matures oocytes. Endocrine function.
Oviduct
Delivers oocyte to uterus. Location of fertilisation.
External genitalia (F)
Vagina/cervix Birth canal, sperm reception, lubrication
Uterus
Embryo development
