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Anatomy & Physiology Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (29)

  • Structure Reflects Function
    Anatomical structure determines physiological function; for example, red blood cells' shape allows efficient oxygen transport.
  • Difference between Anatomy and Physiology
    Anatomy studies body structure; physiology studies function. Anatomy provides the map, physiology explains processes.
  • Levels of Structural Organization
    Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organismal levels organize the human body hierarchically.
  • Four Major Tissue Types
    Epithelial (covers surfaces), connective (supports), muscle (movement), nervous (impulse transmission).
  • Integumentary System Function
    Protects the body; includes skin, hair, and nails.
  • Homeostasis
    Maintenance of a stable internal environment vital for health and survival.
  • Components of Homeostatic Regulation
    Receptor detects changes, control center processes info, effector responds to restore balance.
  • Negative Feedback
    Reduces deviation from set point, e.g., temperature regulation.
  • Positive Feedback
    Enhances deviation from set point, e.g., blood clotting.
  • Anatomical Position
    Standing, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.
  • Directional Terms: Superior and Inferior
    Superior means above; inferior means below.
  • Chemical Bonds Types
    Ionic (electron transfer), covalent (electron sharing), hydrogen (weak attraction).
  • Water's Role in the Body
    Polar molecule, universal solvent, facilitates chemical reactions.
  • pH Scale Normal Range
    Normal body pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.
  • Organic vs. Inorganic Compounds
    Organic contains carbon (carbs, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids); inorganic lacks carbon (water, salts).
  • Carbohydrates Function
    Primary energy source; monomers are monosaccharides, polymers are polysaccharides.
  • Protein Structure Levels
    Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures define protein shape and function.
  • Nucleic Acids Function
    Store and transfer genetic information; DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.
  • Plasma Membrane Structure
    Fluid mosaic model with lipid bilayer, hydrophilic heads outward, hydrophobic tails inward, and embedded proteins.
  • Passive vs. Active Transport
    Passive requires no energy (diffusion, osmosis); active requires energy (pumps).
  • Cell Junction Types
    Desmosomes anchor cells, tight junctions prevent leakage, gap junctions allow communication.
  • Mitochondria Function
    Double membrane organelle producing ATP, the cell's energy currency.
  • Cell Cycle Phases
    Includes interphase (growth), mitosis (nuclear division), and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).
  • Transcription and Translation
    Transcription converts DNA to RNA; translation converts RNA to protein.
  • Epithelium Characteristics
    Cellularity, polarity, avascularity, and regeneration.
  • Exocrine vs. Endocrine Glands
    Exocrine secrete via ducts; endocrine secrete hormones into blood.
  • Connective Tissue Components
    Extracellular matrix with fibers, cells, and ground substance; varies in vascularity.
  • Muscle Tissue Types
    Skeletal (voluntary, striated), cardiac (involuntary, striated), smooth (involuntary, non-striated).
  • Nervous Tissue Function
    Excitable tissue that transmits electrical impulses; includes neurons and neuroglia.