Special Senses
Name the thin, light‑sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones)
retina
State the general pathway of deoxygenated blood as it enters the heart through the systemic veins and exits to the lungs (name the heart chambers and major vessels in order)
Systemic veins → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → systemic circulation
What are lymphatic vessels and what primary fluid do they carry?
Lymphatic vessels are a network of vessels that carry lymph (clear interstitial fluid containing proteins, fats, and immune cells)
Give two main functions of the respiratory system (one related to gas exchange and one related to other body functions)
Functions: gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out); helps regulate blood pH and enables speech/airflow and protects against inhaled pathogens/particles.
Name two major functions of the digestive system (one mechanical and one chemical).
Functions: ingestion/mechanical digestion (chewing), chemical digestion and nutrient absorption.
Identify the tube that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and helps equalize ear pressure
Eustachian tube (auditory tube)
What is the primary function of thrombocytes (platelets) in the blood?
Thrombocytes (platelets) are responsible for blood clotting and helping stop bleeding
Identify the large lymphatic duct that drains most of the body’s lymph into the venous system.
Thoracic duct (drains most of the body into the left subclavian vein)
List three structures of the respiratory system and one characteristic or role for each (e.g., trachea, bronchi, alveoli).
Examples: Trachea (airway conduction and protection), Bronchi (branching airways conducting air to lungs), Alveoli (tiny sacs where gas exchange occurs; thin walls, large surface area).
List three accessory organs of the digestive system and give one function for each.
Accessory organs: Liver (produces bile to emulsify fats), Pancreas (produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate), Gallbladder (stores and concentrates bile)
List the three small bones in the middle ear by their common names
Malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), stapes (stirrup)
Name and briefly describe the three layers of the heart wall
Endocardium (inner lining), myocardium (muscle layer — pumps blood), epicardium (outer layer/visceral pericardium).
Name two primary lymphoid or lymphatic organs and give one function of each (use thymus and spleen)
Thymus (site of T‑cell maturation); Spleen (filters blood, removes old RBCs, mounts immune responses).
Differentiate internal respiration from external respiration in one clear sentence each.
External respiration = gas exchange between alveoli and pulmonary capillaries (lungs ↔ blood). Internal respiration = gas exchange between blood and body tissues (blood ↔ tissue cells).
Identify one enzyme found in saliva and state its role in digestion.
Salivary amylase (ptyalin) begins starch digestion; other enzymes include lingual lipase.
Explain what glaucoma is and name the fluid or anatomical structure whose imbalance commonly causes increased intraocular pressure
Glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure causing optic nerve damage; imbalance of aqueous humor drainage
Give the normal approximate range for red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) in a typical adult
Typical RBC count (adults) ≈ 4.5- 6; WBC count ≈ 4,500 to 11,000
What is Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkins lymphoma) — identify whether it is a disorder of the lymphatic system and one typical sign or symptom.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system characterized by presence of Reed–Sternberg cells; common signs include painless swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss.
Identify two respiratory conditions from the list (bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea)
Bronchitis = inflammation of bronchi, often with cough and mucus production; Obstructive sleep apnea = repeated airway collapse during sleep causing breathing pauses and low oxygen; Central sleep apnea = reduced respiratory drive from brainstem causing pauses without airway obstruction
Describe the structure and primary function of villi in the small intestine.
Villi are finger‑like projections lining the small intestine that increase surface area to maximize nutrient absorption; each villus contains capillaries and a lacteal for transport.
Describe the layers of the eye (outer, middle, inner) and give one main structure or function associated with each layer.
Outer = sclera/cornea (protection, shape); Middle = choroid/iris/ciliary body (blood supply, light regulation); Inner = retina (photoreception/nervous tissue).
Define atherosclerosis and explain one major health risk that results from it.
Atherosclerosis is buildup of fatty plaques in arterial walls leading to narrowed arteries; major risks include heart attack and stroke.
Explain how lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries and why that difference is important for absorption of certain materials.
Lymphatic capillaries have larger openings and more permeable walls than blood capillaries, allowing absorption of large molecules (like fats) and proteins from interstitial spaces.
State the primary cause of most lung cancers and name the small flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the airway during swallowing.
Primary cause of most lung cancer = tobacco smoking; Epiglottis is the flap that covers the larynx during swallowing.
Explain the main cause of peptic ulcers and name one condition or disease listed that is inflammation of the pancreas.
Most peptic ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long‑term use of NSAIDs; Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.