EYES
Where do the visual fields cross in the brain?
Optic chiasm
What is the main purpose of the kidneys?
To maintain homeostasis by regulating the body’s internal environment
Filter blood to remove waste
Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance
Maintain acid–base balance
Regulate blood pressure
Produce hormones
Where do you dispose of contaminated materials in the lab?
Biohazard waste containers
Why is it important to do statistics?
To make sense of data and draw reliable conclusions
Summarize and describe data
Test hypotheses
Make predictions
Support decision-making
Quantify uncertainty
What is the gene transcription factor found in nearly all forms of behavioral and drug addictions?
DeltaFosB
What type of muscle is responsible for eye movement?
Skeletal/conscious muscle
What hormone allows water to be reabsorbed in the collecting duct?
ADH/Vasopressin
What is the best way to prevent getting sick from a blood borne pathogen?
Use PPE and proper hand washing
Give an example of when you would use an ANOVA statistical test.
Compare the means of three or more groups to see if at least one group is significantly different from the others.
What is the reward center most stimulants and opioids act on in the brain?
Nucleus accumbens
The physiologic blind spot exists because the optic disc:
Has no rods or cones (or photoreceptors)
What part of the nephron might be damaged if a patient has protein in their urine?
Glomerulus, specifically the glomerular filtration barrier
Which glucose transporter requires insulin?
GLUT4
What chemical triggers the release of insulin from the b-cells of the islets of Langerhans?
glucose
What neurotransmitter is the primary chemical released in the brain’s reward pathway, creating the feeling of pleasure that reinforces addictive behaviors?
Dopamine
Name the types of photoreceptors and one characteristic of each:
1. Rods
High sensitivity to light, allow vision in dim conditions
more numerous, low spatial resolution
2. Cones
Responsible for color vision, function best in bright light
high spatial resolution, concentrated in the fovea
When osmolarity of body fluids increases above normal, what does the posterior pituitary secrete more of?
ADH/Vasopressin; ADH increases water reabsorption in the kidney → dilutes the body fluids back toward normal.
Which glucose transporter transports across the BBB
GLUT1
Which hormone is responsible for decreasing glucose levels in blood?
insulin
Which brain pathway, including the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens, is known as the “reward pathway” and is activated by most addictive drugs?
mesolimbic dopamine pathway
What are the parasympathetic and sympathetic roles in the pupils?
Parasympathetic Role
Pupil constriction
Mediated by the sphincter pupillae muscle
Activated via the Edinger–Westphal nucleus → oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Happens during bright light or when focusing on near objects
Sympathetic Role
Pupil dilation
Mediated by the dilator pupillae muscle
Pathway: hypothalamus → sympathetic chain → superior cervical ganglion
Happens during low light or fight-or-flight conditions
How does ADH affect the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts to water?
ADH increases the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts to water.
How?
ADH binds to receptors on the tubule cells
This triggers insertion of aquaporin-2 water channels into the apical membrane
More aquaporins → more water reabsorption.
Which transporter uses secondary active transport with sodium ions to move glucose against its concentration gradient, ensuring efficient absorption even at low glucose levels?
SGLUT1
Is it possible to have diabetes for years and not know it? Why or why not?
Yes, especially type 2 diabetes because it often develops slowly and may have mild or no noticeable symptoms for a long time
What is serotonin?
A neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and throughout the body.