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

Carbohydrates

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

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3:03 minutes

Problem 25

Textbook Question

Sarah has a lower than normal amount of body fat. She tends to be chilly except on very hot days. Lauren has a higher than normal amount of body fat and tends to feel overheated most of the time. Explain the relative sensitivity to environmental temperature of these two women on the basis of information you have been given in the Organic Compounds section of this chapter.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that body fat is primarily composed of lipids, which are organic compounds that serve as insulation for the body. Lipids help reduce heat loss by providing a barrier between the body's core and the external environment.

Recognize that Sarah, with a lower than normal amount of body fat, has less insulation. This means her body loses heat more easily to the environment, making her more sensitive to cold temperatures.

Consider that Lauren, with a higher than normal amount of body fat, has more insulation. This reduces her ability to dissipate heat effectively, making her more sensitive to overheating in warm environments.

Relate this to the concept of thermoregulation, where the body maintains its internal temperature. Fat acts as a thermal insulator, affecting how efficiently the body can adapt to external temperature changes.

Conclude that the relative sensitivity of Sarah and Lauren to environmental temperatures is directly influenced by the amount of body fat they have, which impacts their ability to retain or dissipate heat based on the principles of lipid insulation described in the Organic Compounds section.

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Key Concepts

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

Body Fat and Insulation

Body fat serves as an insulator, helping to retain body heat. Individuals with lower body fat, like Sarah, may experience greater heat loss, making them more sensitive to cold temperatures. Conversely, those with higher body fat, such as Lauren, have more insulation, which can lead to overheating in warm environments due to reduced heat dissipation.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature. It involves physiological responses such as sweating and shivering. The efficiency of thermoregulation can be influenced by body composition, where individuals with higher body fat may struggle to cool down effectively, while those with lower body fat may have difficulty retaining heat.

Metabolic Rate

Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which the body converts food into energy. Individuals with higher body fat may have a different metabolic rate compared to those with lower body fat, affecting their heat production. A higher metabolic rate can generate more body heat, contributing to feelings of warmth, while a lower metabolic rate may lead to increased sensitivity to cooler temperatures.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following forms the basic structure of cell membranes?

Which is the basis for producing sex hormones?

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Textbook Question

Name and provide the atomic symbols of the four elements that make up the bulk of all living matter. Which of these is found primarily in proteins and nucleic acids?

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Textbook Question

What are hydrogen bonds, and how are they important in the body?

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Textbook Question

Distinguish inorganic from organic compounds, and list the major categories of each in the body.

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Textbook Question

All organic compounds in the human body contain all of the following elements except

(a) Hydrogen

(b) Oxygen

(d) Calcium