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Anatomy & Physiology Core Concepts

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  • Define anatomy and physiology

    Anatomy is the study of structure. Physiology is the study of function. They are related because structure often determines function.

  • What does complementarity of structure and function mean?

    It means that the way something is built helps explain what it does; structure and function are connected.

  • List the levels of organization in the human body from simplest to most complex

    Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, Organism levels.

  • Name the 11 organ systems and their basic function

    Systems include integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive; each has specific organs and functions.

  • What is homeostasis?

    Homeostasis is maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.

  • Difference between negative and positive feedback

    Negative feedback reverses a change to restore normal conditions. Positive feedback amplifies a change until a specific endpoint is reached.

  • Identify the components of a feedback loop

    Stimulus, Receptor, Control center, Effector, Response.

  • What are atoms, elements, and ions?

    Atoms are the smallest units of matter. Elements are pure substances made of one type of atom. Ions are charged atoms or molecules.

  • Explain ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds

    Ionic bonds form by electron transfer. Covalent bonds share electrons. Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between polar molecules.

  • What are acids, bases, and buffers?

    Acids release H+, bases accept H+, and buffers stabilize pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases.

  • Name the four major macromolecules in the body

    Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic acids.

  • Major parts of an animal cell and their functions

    Cell membrane (barrier), Cytoplasm (fluid), Nucleus (DNA storage), Ribosomes (protein synthesis), ER (protein/lipid processing), Golgi apparatus (packaging), Mitochondria (energy), Lysosomes (waste), Peroxisomes (detox), Cytoskeleton (structure), Centrioles (cell division).

  • Compare active and passive transport across cell membranes

    Passive transport moves substances down concentration gradients without energy. Active transport requires energy to move substances against gradients.

  • Define osmosis and diffusion

    Diffusion is movement of solutes from high to low concentration. Osmosis is diffusion of water across a membrane.

  • What is the sodium-potassium pump?

    An active transport protein that moves 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ into the cell, maintaining membrane potential.

  • Basic structure and function of DNA and RNA

    DNA stores genetic information; RNA helps convert DNA code into proteins.

  • Difference between mitosis and meiosis

    Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells for growth/repair. Meiosis produces four haploid cells for reproduction.

  • Four primary tissue types

    Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous tissues.

  • Major functions of the skin

    Protection, temperature regulation, sensation, vitamin D production, excretion, and water balance.

  • Functions of the skeletal system

    Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell formation, fat storage, calcium homeostasis.

  • Types of joints and their characteristics

    Fibrous (immovable), Cartilaginous (slightly movable), Synovial (freely movable with joint cavity and fluid).

  • Organization of skeletal muscle from largest to smallest

    Muscle, Fascicle, Muscle fiber, Myofibril, Sarcomere, Myofilaments (actin and myosin).

  • Role of calcium and ATP in muscle contraction

    Calcium binds troponin to expose binding sites; ATP powers myosin head attachment, power stroke, detachment, and re-cocking.

  • Major functions of the nervous system

    Sensory input, integration, motor output.

  • Difference between CNS and PNS

    CNS includes brain and spinal cord; PNS includes all nerves outside CNS.

  • Major parts of the eye

    Sclera, Cornea, Choroid, Iris, Lens, Retina, Optic disk, Optic nerve.

  • Major parts of the ear

    Outer ear, Middle ear, Inner ear, Tympanic membrane, Auditory tube, Ossicles, Cochlea, Semicircular canals, Organ of Corti, Vestibulocochlear nerve.

  • Functions of the endocrine system

    Secretes hormones to regulate body processes and maintain homeostasis.

  • Difference between steroid and nonsteroid hormones

    Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and enter cells; nonsteroid hormones bind to cell surface receptors.

  • Examples of major endocrine glands and hormones

    Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads; hormones include insulin, glucagon, thyroxine, ADH, oxytocin.