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Anatomy & Physiology I: Cellular, Tissue, and Integumentary System Study Guide

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  • What are the three principles of the Cell Theory?

    1) Cells are the building blocks of all organisms.
    2) Cells are the smallest units that perform vital functions.
    3) All cells arise from preexisting cells.

  • List the main functions of the plasma membrane.

    Physical isolation, regulation of exchange, sensitivity to the environment, and structural support.

  • Describe the structure of the plasma membrane.

    Phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, cholesterol for stabilization, integral and peripheral proteins, and glycocalyx for protection, recognition, receptors, and anchoring.

  • What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

    Stores DNA and controls cell activities.

  • What role does the nucleolus play in the cell?

    Produces rRNA and ribosomal subunits.

  • What is the primary function of ribosomes?

    Protein synthesis.

  • Differentiate between rough ER and smooth ER functions.

    Rough ER synthesizes proteins; smooth ER synthesizes lipids and glycogen.

  • What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

    Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

  • What is the role of lysosomes in the cell?

    Intracellular digestion.

  • What do peroxisomes do?

    Break down fats and toxins.

  • What is the main function of mitochondria?

    ATP production.

  • What is the cytoskeleton made of and its functions?

    Made of microfilaments like actin; supports cell structure, movement, and forms centrioles and cilia.

  • What is the function of microvilli on the cell surface?

    Increase surface area for absorption.

  • Describe the sequence of protein synthesis.

    DNA uncoils → transcription produces mRNA → mRNA leaves nucleus → translation at ribosome → polypeptide/protein formed.

  • What distinguishes passive transport from active transport?

    Passive transport requires no ATP and moves substances down concentration gradients; active transport requires ATP and moves substances against gradients.

  • Define isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions' effects on cells.

    Isotonic: no net water movement.
    Hypotonic: cell swells, may burst.
    Hypertonic: cell shrinks (crenation).

  • What are endocytosis and exocytosis?

    Endocytosis: vesicular transport into the cell.
    Exocytosis: vesicular transport out of the cell.

  • Name the four primary tissue types and their main functions.

    Epithelial: covering, lining, glands.
    Connective: support, protection, storage, transport.
    Muscle: contraction and movement.
    Nervous: communication and control.

  • What are the key characteristics of epithelial tissue (P-C-A-A-R)?

    Polarity, Cellularity, Attachment, Avascularity, Regeneration.

  • How are epithelial tissues classified by shape and layers?

    By shape: squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube), columnar (tall).
    By layers: simple (one layer), stratified (multiple layers).

  • What are the functions of gap junctions, tight junctions, and desmosomes?

    Gap junctions: communication.
    Tight junctions: prevent leakage.
    Desmosomes: strength and resistance to stress.

  • What are the differences between endocrine and exocrine glands?

    Endocrine glands have no ducts and secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
    Exocrine glands use ducts to release secretions onto surfaces.

  • Describe the three modes of exocrine secretion.

    Merocrine: exocytosis (e.g., sweat glands).
    Apocrine: loss of cytoplasm (e.g., mammary glands).
    Holocrine: entire cell ruptures (e.g., sebaceous glands).

  • List the main functions of the skin.

    Protection, thermoregulation, excretion, vitamin D₃ synthesis, sensation, immune defense, lipid storage.

  • What are the three main layers of the skin and their features?

    Epidermis: stratified squamous epithelium, avascular.
    Dermis: connective tissue, blood vessels, sensory receptors.
    Hypodermis: loose connective tissue, fat storage, anchors skin.

  • Name the major epidermal cell types and their functions.

    Keratinocytes: produce keratin.
    Melanocytes: produce melanin.
    Merkel cells: touch receptors.
    Langerhans cells: immune defense.

  • What is the mnemonic for the epidermal layers of thick skin and their order?

    "Before Signing, Get Legal Counsel": Stratum Basale, Spinosum, Granulosum, Lucidum, Corneum.

  • What are the functions of the stratum basale and stratum corneum?

    Stratum basale: stem cells for regeneration, melanocytes, Merkel cells.
    Stratum corneum: dead keratinized cells, water-resistant barrier.

  • How does thick skin differ from thin skin?

    Thick skin has 5 layers including stratum lucidum and is found on palms and soles; thin skin has 4 layers, no stratum lucidum, and covers most of the body.

  • What are the two layers of the dermis and their characteristics?

    Papillary layer: areolar connective tissue, capillaries, sensory receptors.
    Reticular layer: dense irregular connective tissue, collagen and elastic fibers.

  • What is skin turgor and what affects it?

    Skin turgor is skin elasticity; it decreases with aging and dehydration.

  • What are tension lines in the skin and their clinical significance?

    Tension lines follow collagen fiber arrangement; incisions parallel to these lines heal better.