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Anatomy & Physiology Chapters 6-8 Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (28)

  • What is the primary function of the skeletal system?

    The skeletal system provides support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.

  • Name the two main types of bone tissue.

    Compact bone is dense and forms the outer layer; spongy bone is porous and found inside bones.

  • What are osteocytes?

    Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.

  • Describe the process of endochondral ossification.

    Endochondral ossification is the process where cartilage is replaced by bone during fetal development and growth.

  • What is the role of osteoclasts?

    Osteoclasts break down bone tissue to release minerals and remodel bone.

  • Define the axial skeleton.

    The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

  • What bones make up the appendicular skeleton?

    The appendicular skeleton consists of the limbs and girdles (pectoral and pelvic).

  • What is the function of synovial fluid?

    Synovial fluid lubricates joints to reduce friction and nourish cartilage.

  • Name the four types of synovial joints.

    Hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot, and saddle joints.

  • What is the difference between ligaments and tendons?

    Ligaments connect bone to bone; tendons connect muscle to bone.

  • Describe the structure of a long bone.

    A long bone has a diaphysis (shaft), epiphyses (ends), and a medullary cavity containing marrow.

  • What is the periosteum?

    The periosteum is a dense membrane covering the outer surface of bones, containing nerves and blood vessels.

  • Explain the role of calcium in bone physiology.

    Calcium is essential for bone strength and is regulated by bone remodeling and hormones.

  • What hormone increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts?

    Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases blood calcium by activating osteoclasts.

  • What is the function of the epiphyseal plate?

    The epiphyseal plate is the growth plate where new bone is produced during childhood and adolescence.

  • Name the three types of muscle tissue.

    Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues.

  • What is the sliding filament theory?

    The sliding filament theory explains muscle contraction by actin filaments sliding over myosin filaments.

  • What neurotransmitter triggers muscle contraction?

    Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that initiates muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction.

  • Define origin and insertion in muscle anatomy.

    Origin is the fixed attachment point; insertion is the movable attachment point of a muscle.

  • What is the role of ATP in muscle contraction?

    ATP provides energy for myosin heads to detach and reattach during contraction cycles.

  • Describe the structure of a sarcomere.

    A sarcomere is the functional unit of muscle, defined by Z lines and containing actin and myosin filaments.

  • What is the function of the respiratory system?

    The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

  • Name the main structures of the respiratory tract.

    Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

  • What is tidal volume?

    Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

  • Explain the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport.

    Hemoglobin binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues.

  • What muscles are primarily involved in inspiration?

    The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract to expand the thoracic cavity.

  • Define vital capacity.

    Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.

  • What is the function of alveoli?

    Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.