Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology Core Concepts

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/33

Terms in this set (33)

  • What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of form or structure of the body.

  • What is Physiology?

    Physiology is the study of function of the body.

  • List the Biological Hierarchy of Organization from simplest to most complex.

    Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism

  • Name the 11 organ systems of the human body.

    Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Male Reproductive, Female Reproductive

  • Define Homeostasis.

    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment within a given range.

  • What are the four major elements that make up the human body?

    Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N)

  • Describe an ionic bond.

    An ionic bond forms when electrons are transferred from a metal atom to a non-metal atom, creating charged ions that attract each other.

  • What is a covalent bond and its types?

    A covalent bond is formed when two non-metal atoms share electrons. Types: non-polar (equal sharing) and polar (unequal sharing).

  • What are hydrogen bonds?

    Weak attractions between partially positive hydrogen atoms and partially negative atoms in polar molecules; not true bonds.

  • Define acids, bases, and buffers.

    Acids donate H+ ions, bases accept H+ ions, and buffers prevent large pH changes by hiding or revealing H+ ions.

  • What are electrolytes?

    Electrolytes are ions (cations and anions) separated from salts dissolved in water that conduct electricity.

  • Differentiate inorganic and organic compounds in the body.

    Inorganic compounds generally lack carbon-hydrogen bonds (e.g., water, acids, bases), while organic compounds contain carbon-hydrogen bonds (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleotides).

  • What are the main functions of carbohydrates?

    Provide fuel for energy, structural components (cell membranes), and backbone of genetic material (DNA, RNA).

  • Describe the structure of triglycerides.

    Three fatty acids linked by dehydration synthesis to a glycerol backbone; serve as storage molecules for fatty acids.

  • What is the structure and function of phospholipids?

    Glycerol backbone with two fatty acid tails (non-polar) and one phosphate head (polar); amphiphilic, forms cell membranes.

  • List the four levels of protein structure.

    Primary (amino acid sequence), Secondary (alpha helix via H bonds), Tertiary (R group interactions), Quaternary (assembly of polypeptides).

  • What is ATP and its role?

    Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the main chemical energy source in the body, composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.

  • What are the main components of the cell?

    Plasma membrane, cytoplasm (cytosol and organelles), cytoskeleton, and nucleus.

  • How does the plasma membrane maintain a barrier between intracellular and extracellular fluids?

    By forming a phospholipid bilayer that is amphiphilic, interacting with water on both sides and repelling water to separate fluids.

  • What are the three types of membrane carrier proteins?

    Uniporter (transports one substance), Antiporter (transports two substances in opposite directions), Symporter (transports substances in the same direction).

  • Explain the difference between passive and active transport.

    Passive transport moves molecules down their concentration gradient without energy; active transport moves molecules against the gradient using energy (ATP or kinetic energy).

  • What is osmosis?

    Passive movement of water across a membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration, often through aquaporin channels.

  • Describe the phases of the cell cycle.

    Interphase (growth, DNA replication), M phase (mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase), and cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm).

  • What are the four main tissue types?

    Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nerve tissues.

  • What is the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its function?

    ECM is the surrounding material of tissues made of ground substance and protein fibers; it provides strength, support, and directs cell positioning.

  • Name the three types of protein fibers in ECM and their functions.

    Collagen fibers resist tension, elastic fibers allow stretch and recoil, reticular fibers form scaffolds supporting cells and ground substance.

  • What are the three types of cell junctions in epithelial tissue?

    Tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions connect adjacent cells to maintain tissue integrity and communication.

  • How are epithelial tissues classified?

    By number of cell layers (simple or stratified) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar).

  • What is the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?

    Exocrine glands secrete substances into ducts with local effects; endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream with distant effects.

  • What is the function of goblet cells?

    Single-cell exocrine glands that secrete mucus to protect and lubricate epithelial surfaces in digestive and respiratory tracts.

  • List the four types of connective tissue proper.

    Loose connective tissue, dense irregular connective tissue, dense regular connective tissue (elastic), and reticular tissue.

  • What are the main functions of connective tissue?

    Connecting tissues and organs, support, protection, and transport (blood).

  • Describe the three classes of cartilage.

    Hyaline (articular surfaces), fibrocartilage (fibrous joints), elastic cartilage (ears, larynx).