Lung Story Short
Which structure connects the pharynx to the bronchi and allows air to pass to the lungs?
Trachea
Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
Cerebellum
Which part of a neuron receives incoming signals?
Dendrites
Which gland is known as the “master gland” of the endocrine system?
Pituitary gland
Which hormone lowers blood glucose levels?
Insulin
Name the tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
Alveoli
Name the brain region responsible for thinking, memory, and voluntary actions.
Cerebrum
Name the long structure that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body.
Axon
Name one example of a synthetic hormone used in medicine.
Insulin/birth control hormones / synthetic thyroid hormones
Which hormone raises blood glucose levels?
Glucagon
Which muscle is primarily responsible for inhalation by contracting and increasing thoracic volume?
Diaphragm
Which brain structure connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls vital functions like breathing?
Brainstem (medulla oblongata)
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
It insulates the axon and facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses.
Which gland produces insulin and glucagon?
Pancreas
What organ releases both adrenaline and cortisol to regulate emergencies?
Adrenal Gland
Explain why alveoli have thin walls and are surrounded by capillaries.
Thin walls and capillaries allow rapid diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Explain why damage to the medulla oblongata can be life-threatening.
It controls involuntary vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.
Explain why impulses travel faster in myelinated neurons than in unmyelinated ones.
Myelin allows saltatory conduction, where impulses jump between nodes of Ranvier.
Explain how synthetic hormones can disrupt natural hormone feedback loops.
They mimic natural hormones, altering normal regulation and reducing natural hormone production.
Explain how insulin and glucagon work together to maintain homeostasis.
Insulin lowers blood sugar, while glucagon raises it; together, they maintain stable glucose levels.
Predict what happens to oxygen diffusion if alveolar walls become thicker due to disease.
Oxygen diffusion decreases, reducing oxygen uptake into the blood.
Compare the role of the cerebellum and cerebrum in movement.
The cerebrum initiates voluntary movement, while the cerebellum coordinates and fine-tunes it.
Predict how neuron communication would be affected if synaptic transmission fails.
Signals would not pass between neurons, disrupting nervous system function.
Predict one long-term effect of improper use of synthetic hormones on the body.
Hormonal imbalance, reduced natural hormone production, or organ dysfunction.
Predict how vaping could indirectly affect blood sugar regulation.
Nicotine can increase stress hormones, disrupt insulin sensitivity, and alter glucose metabolism.