Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology Comprehensive Review

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/28
  • Define superior and inferior in anatomical terms
    Superior means above; Inferior means below.
  • What is the function of epithelial tissue?
    Epithelial tissue provides protection, absorption, and secretion.
  • Name the layers of the epidermis and one key function of each
    Stratum basale: mitosis/stem cells; Stratum spinosum: Langerhans cells; Stratum granulosum: waterproofing; Stratum lucidum: thick skin only; Stratum corneum: dead keratinized cells.
  • What are the main functions of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes?
    Osteoblasts build bone; osteoclasts break down bone; osteocytes maintain bone.
  • Describe the difference between compact and spongy bone
    Compact bone is the dense outer layer; spongy bone consists of trabeculae inside the bone.
  • What joint movement decreases the angle between bones?
    Flexion decreases the angle between bones.
  • Outline the muscle contraction pathway starting from motor neuron stimulation
    Motor neuron releases ACh → ACh binds sarcolemma receptors → action potential travels down T-tubules → sarcoplasmic reticulum releases Ca++ → Ca++ binds troponin → tropomyosin shifts → myosin binds actin → power stroke → ATP releases myosin → muscle relaxes.
  • What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?
    Approximately -70 mV.
  • Explain depolarization and repolarization in an action potential
    Depolarization is Na+ influx making the inside more positive; repolarization is K+ efflux restoring negativity.
  • Name the cranial nerve responsible for smell
    Olfactory nerve (CN I) is responsible for smell.
  • What is the function of the hypothalamus?
    Controls homeostasis and endocrine functions.
  • Compare parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system functions
    Parasympathetic: rest & digest, decreases heart rate, constricts pupils; Sympathetic: fight or flight, increases heart rate, dilates pupils.
  • What neurotransmitters are released by parasympathetic and sympathetic systems?
    Parasympathetic releases acetylcholine (ACh); Sympathetic releases norepinephrine (NE).
  • Describe the path of light through the eye
    Cornea → aqueous humor → pupil → lens → vitreous humor → retina → optic nerve → optic chiasma → thalamus → occipital lobe.
  • What hormone raises blood calcium levels?
    Parathyroid hormone (PTH) raises blood calcium.
  • What hormone lowers blood calcium levels?
    Calcitonin lowers blood calcium.
  • Outline the RAAS pathway for blood pressure regulation
    Low BP → kidneys release renin → angiotensinogen → angiotensin I → ACE converts to angiotensin II → vasoconstriction + aldosterone release → kidneys retain Na+ and water → blood pressure increases.
  • What is the functional unit of a muscle?
    The sarcomere is the functional unit of muscle contraction.
  • What are the signs of inflammation?
    Redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
  • What causes vasodilation during inflammation?
    Histamine causes vasodilation.
  • What is the difference between regeneration and fibrosis in tissue repair?
    Regeneration replaces normal tissue; fibrosis forms scar tissue.
  • What type of gland are sebaceous glands and sweat glands?
    Sebaceous glands are holocrine; sweat glands are merocrine.
  • What is the mnemonic to remember the cranial nerves in order?
    "Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet AH!"
  • What is the mnemonic to remember cranial nerve types (sensory, motor, both)?
    "Some Say Marry Money But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More"
  • What happens to bone density after menopause and why?
    Bone resorption increases due to decreased estrogen, leading to lower bone density.
  • What is saltatory conduction?
    Action potentials jumping between nodes of Ranvier on myelinated axons.
  • What is the role of the adrenal medulla?
    Releases epinephrine and norepinephrine for fight or flight response.
  • What hormone does the posterior pituitary release and its function?
    Releases ADH for water retention and oxytocin for labor.