Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

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3:13 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

What is a fiber composite? How do cellular fiber composites resemble reinforced concrete?

Verified step by step guidance

A fiber composite is a structural material composed of fibers embedded in a matrix, providing strength and flexibility.

In cellular biology, fiber composites are found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cells, where protein fibers like collagen are embedded in a ground substance.

Reinforced concrete is a composite material where steel rods or meshes (fibers) are embedded in concrete (matrix) to enhance its tensile strength.

Cellular fiber composites resemble reinforced concrete as both use a combination of strong fibers and a surrounding matrix to provide structural support and resilience.

In both systems, the fibers bear tensile forces, while the matrix resists compressive forces, working together to maintain integrity under stress.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fiber Composite

A fiber composite is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. The fibers provide strength and stiffness, while the matrix binds the fibers together and transfers loads between them. Common examples include fiberglass and carbon fiber composites, which are used in various applications due to their lightweight and high strength.

Cellular Fiber Composites

Cellular fiber composites are a type of composite material that incorporates a cellular structure, often enhancing properties like thermal insulation and lightweight characteristics. These composites typically consist of a matrix material that surrounds a network of fibers, creating a lightweight yet strong structure. Their design allows for efficient load distribution, similar to how reinforced concrete functions.

Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete is a composite material that combines concrete with reinforcement, usually steel bars or mesh, to improve its tensile strength. While concrete is strong in compression, it is weak in tension; the reinforcement compensates for this weakness, allowing the material to withstand various stresses. The analogy between cellular fiber composites and reinforced concrete lies in their ability to enhance structural performance through the combination of different materials.