Cardiovascular System
The primary function of red blood cells
What is: To carry oxygen throughout the body
Rationale: Hemoglobin on the RBCs binds to oxygen when the blood is in the lungs (to pick up oxygen) and carries the oxygenated blood to the rest of the body
Where gas exchange happens
HINT: Somewhere in the lungs
What is: The Alveoli
Rationale: Alveoli are lined with simple squamous cells
The main function of the nervous system
What is: To transmit signals and coordinate body responses
Rationale: The NS uses electrical impulses for rapid communication between the brain and body
The smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties
What is: An atom
Rationale: An atom is the basic building block of matter and defines an element’s chemical identity.
The basic unit of life
What is: The cell
The pacemaker of the heart
What is the SA node?
This covers the opening of the trachea during swallowing to prevent foods and liquids from entering the lungs.
What is the epiglottis?
Responsible for "fight or flight"
What is: The sympathetic nervous system
Rationale: Sympathetic = "Fight or Flight" --> increased HR, BP, RR, glucose, and dilated pupils, as well as decreased digestion and urination
Parasympathetic = "Rest and Digest" --> decreased HR & BP, increased digestion, salivation, urination, defecation, and constricted pupils
The type of bond formed when electrons are shared between atoms.
What is: A covalent bond
Rationale: Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons, commonly seen in biological molecules.
This process produces identical daughter cells
What is: Mitosis
These 2 vessels carry deoxygenated blood:
Pulmonary arteries and vena cava
The airway is lined with ____
What is: Cilia
Rationale: Traps microbes and/or debris and sweep them back towards the mouth
Hormone that lowers blood glucose levels
What is: Insulin
Rationale: Insulin lowers blood glucose by moving glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells for energy or storage.
A solution has a pH of 5. Is it acidic or basic
What is: Acidic
Rationale: pH below 7 indicates acidic (more hydrogen ions), while pH above 7 is alkaline (fewer hydrogen ions).
Molecule carrying genetic information
What is: DNA
Rationale: DNA contains genes that code for proteins
The cause of the "lub dub" sound
AV valves makes "lub" sound
Semilunar valves makes "dub" sound
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles ____ during inhalation, and ____ during exhalation
Contract, Relax
Rationale: During inhalation, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract to expand the chest and draw air in; during exhalation, they relax, allowing air to flow out.
The feedback loop that regulates most hormone release
HINT: Positive OR Negative?
What is: Negative feedback
Rationale: Most hormone release is regulated by a negative feedback loop, where rising hormone levels signal the body to reduce further secretion to maintain homeostasis.
Negative feedback: Body REVERTS the original stimulus; ex) insulin lowering glucose
Positive feedback: Response AMPLIFIES the original stimulus; ex) labor (contractions -> oxytocin released -> stronger contractions)
This subatomic particle has a positive charge and contributes to the atomic number of an element.
What is: A Proton
Rationale: The number of protons determines the identity of an element and its position on the period table
THIS cell contains a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and linear DNA
What is: A eukaryotic cell
Rationale: Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a true nucleus that houses DNA and membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. In contrast, prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Explain the path of blood through the heart!
superior and inferior vena cava -> Right atrium -> tricuspid valve -> right ventricle -> pulmonary valve -> pulmonary artery -> lungs -> pumonary veins -> left atrium -> bicuspid valve (mitral valve) -> left ventricular -> aortic valve -> aorta -> tissues -> superior and inferior vena cava
Slow breathing affects the blood pH in what way?
HINT: Slow breathing = higher CO2 levels
What is: Increasing levels of CO2 causes an increase in H+ ions which makes the blood more ACIDIC
A student experiences prolonged stress. Laboratory results show increased blood glucose levels, suppressed immune function, and muscle protein breakdown. What hormone is most likely to be elevated as a result?
Insulin, Growth Hormone, FSH, or Cortisol
What is: Cortisol
Rationale: Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone released by the adrenal cortex during long-term stress. Its primary role is to increase blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis (conversion of protein into glucose) and reducing glucose uptake by cells. Cortisol also suppresses the immune response and contributes to muscle protein breakdown to provide amino acids for glucose production.
When hydrogen ions are released into solution, this change in pH occurs (increasing acidity)
What is: DECREASE in pH
Rationale:
An increase in hydrogen ion concentration lowers pH, making the solution more acidic
During cellular respiration, this organelle uses oxygen to produce ATP, and failure of this process leads to a rapid decrease in available cellular energy.
What is: The mitochondrion
Rationale: The mitochondria are the site of aerobic cellular respiration, where oxygen is used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP. ATP is the cell’s primary energy source, so disruption of mitochondrial function results in decreased energy availability and impaired cellular function.