Body Cavities & Organs
Name two major organs found in the thoracic cavity.
example: lungs, heart
Give the definitions of anatomy and physiology in one sentence each.
Anatomy = study of structure; Physiology = study of function.
Name the three types of muscle tissue.
Skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
What two major parts make up the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?
CNS: brain and spinal cord. PNS: nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
Label the four chambers of the heart (name them).
Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.
Which cavity contains the liver, stomach, and most of the intestines?
Abdominal cavity (part of the abdominopelvic cavity)
List the three main layers of the skin from outermost to innermost.
Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis (subcutaneous).
Define flexion and extension, giving an example joint for each.
Flexion: decreases joint angle (e.g., bending elbow). Extension: increases joint angle (e.g., straightening elbow).
What is a neuron and name three key properties or features of neurons.
A neuron is a nerve cell specialized for electrical signaling; properties: excitability, conductivity, and secretion (neurotransmitter release); parts: dendrites, cell body, axon.
Trace the path of blood starting from the right atrium and ending at the left atrium (include major valves and vessels).
Vena Cava → Right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary valve → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium (include pulmonary circulation; left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aorta for systemic)
A student complains of pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant. Which organ in that region might be causing the pain?
Appendix (appendicitis) — located in the right lower quadrant
Name the cell type responsible for producing melanin and state one function of melanin.
Melanocytes produce melanin; melanin protects against UV radiation and contributes to skin pigmentation.
Define abduction and retraction and give an example movement for each.
Define the synaptic cleft and explain its role in neuron-to-neuron communication.
The synaptic cleft is the small extracellular gap between a presynaptic neuron's axon terminal and a postsynaptic cell where neurotransmitters diffuse to transmit signals.
What happens to blood pressure when the diameter of arterioles decreases, and why?
Blood pressure increases (resistance increases) because decreased diameter raises vascular resistance
Describe which cavity (and one organ in it) would be involved if a person had a kidney infection.
abdominal cavity
Describe the three degrees of burns and which layer(s) of skin each degree affects.
Muscle → fascicle → muscle fiber (cell) → myofibril → sarcomere → myofilaments (actin/myosin).
List the correct order from largest to smallest for muscle structural organization (e.g., muscle, ... , myofibril).
Describe the chromosomal contribution of sperm and eggs (ovum) to a fertilized zygote.
Sperm contributes 23 chromosomes (haploid); ovum contributes 23 chromosomes (haploid); fertilized zygote is diploid with 46 chromosomes.
Define hypertension (high blood pressure) and name two health risks associated with it.
Hypertension: sustained elevated arterial blood pressure (often >130/80 mmHg130/80 mmHg by common clinical thresholds); risks: stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney disease.
Explain how the pleural and pericardial cavities are related and name one organ in each.
Pleural cavity surrounds the lungs; pericardial cavity surrounds the heart.
Explain how the integumentary system contributes to homeostasis (give two specific mechanisms).
Examples: thermoregulation via sweating and vasodilation/vasoconstriction; barrier to pathogens and UV protection via melanin.
Explain the role of ATP in muscle contraction and name the primary fuel molecules used to regenerate ATP during moderate exercise.
ATP is required for cross-bridge detachment and power stroke cycling; fuels: glucose (glycolysis), fatty acids (beta-oxidation), and during immediate use creatine phosphate. Aerobic metabolism of glucose and fatty acids produces ATP.
Describe negative feedback in the body systems with a specific physiological example that maintains homeostasis.
Examples: temperature regulation, shivering, sweating
Define menopause and describe two physiological changes that commonly occur during it.
Sperm contributes 23 chromosomes (haploid); ovum contributes 23 chromosomes (haploid); fertilized zygote is diploid with 46 chromosomes.