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Anatomy & Physiology: Major Themes and Basic Chemistry

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Terms in this set (21)

  • What is the study of anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body, including gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, and developmental anatomy.

  • What is physiology?

    Physiology is the study of the dynamic processes and functions in the living body.

  • Name the levels of structural organization in the human body from simplest to most complex.

    Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organismal levels.

  • What are the 11 major organ systems of the human body?

    Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

  • Define homeostasis.

    Homeostasis is the maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous environmental changes.

  • What are the three components of a negative feedback loop?

    Receptor (senses change), control center (decides response), and effector (carries out corrective action).

  • How does positive feedback differ from negative feedback?

    Positive feedback enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, often causing a cascade effect, while negative feedback opposes change to maintain stability.

  • What is the anatomical position?

    Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward with thumbs pointing away from the body; used as a standard reference.

  • What are the four main types of organic compounds in the body?

    Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

  • What is the basic structure of an atom?

    Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons; protons and neutrons form the nucleus, electrons orbit around it.

  • What is the pH scale and what does it measure?

    The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+); below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, above 7 is basic.

  • What are monosaccharides? Give examples.

    Monosaccharides are simple sugars like glucose, fructose, and galactose, the simplest form of carbohydrates.

  • What is the role of carbohydrates in the body?

    Primarily a quick source of energy; also involved in forming mucus, tissue gel, cell membranes, cartilage matrix, and joint lubrication.

  • Describe triglycerides and their function.

    Triglycerides are fats composed of glycerol and three fatty acids; they store energy, provide insulation, cushion organs, and fill space.

  • What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

    Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and are fully 'saturated' with hydrogen; unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds and fewer hydrogens.

  • What are phospholipids and their main function?

    Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails and form the structural foundation of cell membranes.

  • What is the structure of proteins?

    Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; their sequence and shape determine their function.

  • Why is protein conformation important?

    Protein shape determines function; changes in shape can activate or denature proteins, affecting their activity.

  • What are enzymes and how do they work?

    Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions by binding substrates at active sites without being consumed.

  • What are nucleic acids and their role?

    Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and transmit genetic information and direct protein synthesis.

  • What is ATP and why is it important?

    ATP is the cell's energy currency, storing and releasing energy for cellular work through high-energy phosphate bonds.