Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology Core Concepts

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/21

Terms in this set (21)

  • What does anatomy study?

    Anatomy studies the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

  • What is physiology concerned with?

    Physiology concerns the function of the body, explaining how body parts work and carry out life-sustaining activities.

  • List the levels of structural organization in the body.

    Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, and Organismal levels.

  • What is the basic structural and functional unit of life?

    The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.

  • Define homeostasis.

    Homeostasis is the condition of maintaining the body’s internal environment in a relatively constant state.

  • Name the three components of a homeostatic control mechanism.

    Receptor, control center, and effector.

  • What is negative feedback in homeostasis?

    Negative feedback reduces or shuts off the original stimulus to maintain balance, like a thermostat.

  • Give an example of positive feedback.

    Examples include blood clotting and labor contractions, where the response accelerates the original stimulus.

  • What are the 11 major organ systems?

    Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive systems.

  • What is the primary function of the integumentary system?

    Protects deeper tissues, forms the external body covering, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses sensory receptors and glands.

  • Describe the skeletal system's main roles.

    Protects and supports organs, provides framework for muscles, forms blood cells, and stores minerals.

  • What is the role of the muscular system?

    Allows manipulation of environment, locomotion, facial expression, maintains posture, and produces heat.

  • What is the difference between an element and an atom?

    An element is a substance that cannot be broken down further; an atom is the smallest particle of an element with its properties.

  • What subatomic particles compose an atom?

    Protons (+ charge), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (- charge).

  • Define ionic bonds.

    Ionic bonds form when valence electrons are transferred between atoms, creating charged ions attracted to each other.

  • What distinguishes polar from nonpolar covalent bonds?

    Polar bonds share electrons unequally, creating partial charges; nonpolar bonds share electrons equally.

  • What is the octet rule?

    Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have 8 electrons in their valence shell for stability.

  • What are the three types of mixtures in the body?

    Solutions (homogeneous), colloids (heterogeneous, cloudy), and suspensions (heterogeneous, particles settle out).

  • What is the pH scale a measure of?

    The concentration of hydrogen ions [H+] in a solution, indicating acidity or alkalinity.

  • What are the main properties of water important for life?

    High heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, polar solvent properties, reactivity, and cushioning.

  • What is the difference between anabolic and catabolic reactions?

    Anabolic reactions build molecules and require energy; catabolic reactions break down molecules and release energy.