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Anatomy & Physiology I - Key Concepts

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  • Define anatomy and physiology and their relationship

    Anatomy is the study of body structure; physiology is the study of body function. Form (anatomy) determines function (physiology).

  • List the levels of structural organization in the human body

    Levels range from atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, to the whole organism.

  • Name the 11 organ systems and their major functions

    Includes integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, each with specific roles in body function.

  • Define homeostasis and its significance

    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment, essential for normal body function and survival.

  • Explain negative and positive feedback in homeostasis

    Negative feedback reverses a change to maintain balance; positive feedback amplifies a response until a specific outcome is achieved.

  • Describe the anatomical position

    Body standing upright, facing forward, feet flat, arms at sides with palms facing forward.

  • Differentiate between ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds

    Ionic bonds transfer electrons; covalent bonds share electrons; hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between polar molecules.

  • Define acid, base, and pH

    Acids release H+ ions; bases release OH- ions; pH measures hydrogen ion concentration, indicating acidity or alkalinity.

  • Explain dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis

    Dehydration synthesis forms bonds by removing water; hydrolysis breaks bonds by adding water.

  • Describe the four levels of protein structure

    Primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), tertiary (3D folding), and quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains).

  • Compare DNA and RNA

    DNA stores genetic info; RNA helps express it. DNA is double-stranded; RNA is single-stranded.

  • Describe the role of ATP in cell metabolism

    ATP stores and transfers energy for cellular processes.

  • Name the three major regions of a generalized cell

    Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.

  • Describe the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane

    Membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins allowing selective permeability.

  • Compare simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis

    Simple diffusion moves molecules down concentration gradient; facilitated diffusion uses proteins; osmosis moves water across membranes.

  • Define membrane potential and resting membrane potential

    Membrane potential is the voltage across a membrane; resting potential is the stable, negative charge inside a cell at rest.

  • List the major types of connective tissue

    Includes loose, dense, cartilage, bone, and blood, each with distinct functions.

  • Compare the three types of muscle tissue

    Skeletal (voluntary, striated), cardiac (involuntary, striated), and smooth (involuntary, nonstriated).

  • Describe the sliding filament model of muscle contraction

    Actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to shorten muscle fibers during contraction.

  • List the basic functions of the nervous system

    Receive sensory input, integrate information, and coordinate motor output.

  • Define neuron and neuroglia

    Neurons transmit nerve impulses; neuroglia support and protect neurons.

  • Explain the difference between graded potentials and action potentials

    Graded potentials are short-distance, variable signals; action potentials are long-distance, all-or-none signals.

  • Describe the structure and function of the cerebral hemispheres

    Consist of cortex, white matter, and basal nuclei; responsible for higher brain functions.

  • Name the major parts of the brain stem

    Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, controlling vital functions.

  • Describe the structure and function of the spinal cord

    Conveys sensory and motor information and mediates reflexes.

  • Define the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

    Controls involuntary functions of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

  • Compare the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the ANS

    Parasympathetic conserves energy; sympathetic prepares for fight or flight.

  • Describe the components of a reflex arc

    Receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.