BackChapter 2: Chemistry Comes Alive – Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Why This Matters
Importance of Chemistry in Anatomy & Physiology
Understanding chemistry and biochemistry is essential for determining effective solutions to treat dehydration and fluid loss, and for comprehending the chemical basis of physiological processes.
Chemistry underlies all physiological reactions such as movement, digestion, heart function, and nervous system activity.
Knowledge of chemistry helps in clinical decision-making, such as choosing appropriate treatments for fluid imbalance.
Basic Chemistry
Matter and Elements
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It is the physical substance of the universe and can be observed in various forms.
Matter can be seen, smelled, and/or felt.
Exists as solid, liquid, or gas.
All matter is composed of elements—substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical methods.
Four elements make up 96% of the human body: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
9 elements make up 3.9% of the body; 11 elements make up less than 0.01%.
Energy
Forms and Properties of Energy
Energy is a property of matter and is essential for all physiological activities. The famous equation relates energy and mass.
Energy is the capacity to do work or put matter into motion.
The greater the work done, the more energy is used up.
Energy exists in two forms:
Kinetic energy: energy in action (e.g., muscle contraction during exercise).
Potential energy: stored (inactive) energy (e.g., energy stored in chemical bonds).
Energy can be transformed from potential to kinetic; stored energy can be released to result in action.
Example: When exercising, kinetic energy is utilized as muscles contract and move.
Chemical Bonds
Types and Roles of Chemical Bonds
Chemical bonds are energy relationships between electrons of reacting atoms. Electrons, the negatively charged subatomic particles, are involved in all chemical reactions and determine the type of bond formed.
Chemical reactions occur when chemical bonds are formed, rearranged, or broken.
Major Types of Chemical Bonds
Ionic bonds: Transfer of electron(s) from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions.
Anion: negatively charged ion (gains electron).
Cation: positively charged ion (loses electron).
Covalent bonds: Formed by sharing one or more electrons between two atoms. These bonds are strong and make molecules stable.
Hydrogen bonds: Attractive force between electropositive hydrogen of one molecule and electronegative atom of another molecule. These are weak magnetic attractions, not true bonds.
Example: Water molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other, contributing to water's unique properties.
Check Your Understanding
What type of energy is available when we are resting? Potential energy is predominant.
What type of energy is available when we are exercising? Kinetic energy is utilized.
What kinds of bonds form between water molecules? Hydrogen bonds form between water molecules.
Additional info: These notes cover foundational chemistry concepts essential for understanding physiological processes in anatomy and physiology, including matter, energy, and chemical bonding. Later sections in the chapter (not shown in these slides) typically expand on biochemistry, macromolecules, and their relevance to cellular function.
