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Anatomy & Physiology Core Concepts Flashcards

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  • Define anatomy and physiology and their relationship

    Anatomy is the study of body structure; physiology is the study of body function. Form (anatomy) determines function (physiology).

  • List the levels of structural organization in the human body

    Levels include atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.

  • Name the 11 organ systems and their major functions

    Examples: Integumentary (protection), Skeletal (support), Muscular (movement), Nervous (control), etc.

  • Define homeostasis and its significance

    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment essential for survival and function.

  • Explain negative and positive feedback in homeostasis

    Negative feedback reverses a change to maintain balance; positive feedback amplifies a response until a specific outcome is achieved.

  • Describe the anatomical position

    Body standing upright, feet parallel, arms at sides, palms facing forward, head and eyes facing forward.

  • Name major body cavities and their contents

    Examples: Cranial cavity (brain), Thoracic cavity (heart, lungs), Abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs).

  • Differentiate matter and energy

    Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass; energy is the capacity to do work or cause change.

  • List the four elements that form most of the body

    Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen.

  • Define ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds

    Ionic bonds transfer electrons; covalent bonds share electrons; hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between polar molecules.

  • Explain the role of water in the body

    Water is essential for chemical reactions, temperature regulation, and as a solvent for substances.

  • Describe the four levels of protein structure

    Primary (amino acid sequence), Secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), Tertiary (3D folding), Quaternary (multiple polypeptides).

  • Compare DNA and RNA

    DNA stores genetic information; RNA helps express genetic information and is single-stranded.

  • Describe the plasma membrane structure

    A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins forming a fluid mosaic that controls substance movement.

  • Differentiate passive and active membrane transport

    Passive transport moves substances down concentration gradients without energy; active transport requires ATP to move substances against gradients.

  • Define membrane potential

    The voltage difference across the plasma membrane due to ion distribution.

  • List the major cytoplasmic organelles and their functions

    Mitochondria (energy), Ribosomes (protein synthesis), ER (protein/lipid processing), Golgi (packaging), Lysosomes (digestion), Peroxisomes (detox).

  • Describe the phases of the cell cycle

    Interphase (growth and DNA replication) and Mitotic phase (cell division).

  • Define gene and genetic code

    A gene is a DNA segment coding for a protein; the genetic code is the set of rules translating DNA triplets into amino acids.

  • List the three types of muscle tissue

    Skeletal (voluntary, striated), Cardiac (involuntary, striated), Smooth (involuntary, nonstriated).

  • Explain the sliding filament model of muscle contraction

    Actin and myosin filaments slide past each other, shortening the muscle fiber.

  • Describe the basic functions of the nervous system

    Receive sensory input, integrate information, and respond with motor output.

  • Define neuron and neuroglia

    Neurons transmit nerve impulses; neuroglia support and protect neurons.

  • Explain action potential generation

    Rapid depolarization and repolarization of the membrane due to ion channel activity.

  • Describe the structure and function of the brain stem

    Includes midbrain, pons, medulla; controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

  • Name the components of a reflex arc

    Receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, effector.

  • Compare sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS

    Sympathetic prepares body for 'fight or flight'; parasympathetic promotes 'rest and digest'.