Term
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Definition
| Physiology is the study of functions of living organisms and their parts. |
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Term
| Name and describe the two processes by which one can explain body functions. |
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Definition
Teleological describes physiological processes by their purpose.
Mechanistic explains the mechanisms that underlie physiological events. This can be explained by physics/chemistry. |
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Term
| What are the structural levels of the human body? |
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Definition
| Organism -> Organ system -> Organ -> Tissue -> Cells -> Organelles -> Molecules -> Atoms |
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Term
| What are the eight basic cell functions that are relevant to physiology? |
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Definition
1. Obtain nutrients and oxygen.
2. Excrete wastes and carbon dioxide.
3. Synthesize proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, and cellular components.
4. Chemical reactions.
5. Control exchange of materials.
6. Moving materials from parts of a cell.
7. Sense and respond to the environment.
8. Reproduce |
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Term
| Name and describe the four primary tissues. |
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Definition
Epithelial - Continuous, sheetlike layers of cells found in the skin and linings of hollow organs; specialized to regulate exchange
Connective - tissue whose primary function is to provide physical support for other structures, to anchor them in place, or to link them together
Nervous - the specialized tissue making up the central and peripheral nervous systems, consisting of neurons with their processes, other specialized or supporting cells, and extracellular material.
Muscle - the substance of muscle, consisting of muscle fibers, muscle cells, connective tissue, and extracellular material that is used to generate force. |
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Term
| What are the two types of glands? |
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Definition
| The two types of glands are endocrine glands and exocrine glands. |
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Term
| What are the unique properties of the endocrine gland and exocrine gland, respectively? |
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Definition
The exocrine gland (and system) possesses a duct that opens to the external environment, thereby releasing its chemical messengers into the external environment.
Endocrine glands are ductless glands that release their chemical products (hormones) directly into the bloodstream. |
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Term
| Where is the intracellular fluid located? |
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Definition
| Intracellular fluid (cytosol) is located inside of the cell. |
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Term
| Where is extracellular fluid located? |
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Definition
| Extracellular fluid (interstitial fluid and blood plasma) exists outside of the cell. |
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Term
| Which fluids make up the extracellular fluid? |
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Definition
| Extracellular fluid is comprised of blood plasma and interstitial fluid. |
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Term
| Why is homeostasis important for survival? |
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Definition
| Our bodies require certain internal conditions in order to function properly. An imbalance in internal conditions may lead to dehydration, hypertension, diabetes, et al., which are detrimental to proper function of human body systems. Homeostasis maintains a dynamic-steady state in which the body systems can function properly. |
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Term
| What factors must be homeostatically regulated? |
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Definition
| nutrient molecules, oxygen, carbon dioxide, wastes, water, salts, pressure, pH, temperature, volume, and other electrolytes |
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Term
| How do homeostatic control systems operate? |
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Definition
| Sensors (nerves) detect deviations from the norm (set point or baseline) in the internal environment; the sensors forward this information to the control center (hypothalamus). The control center receives the information, integrates the information, and computes an appropriate response; the hypothalamus forwards this information to the effectors (muscles, glands, etc.). The effectors then make the necessary adjustments for homeostasis. |
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Term
| What is the difference between an intrinsic controlled system and an extrinsic controlled system? |
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Definition
An intrinsic controlled system is inherent in an organ; the organ is capable of maintaining homeostasis within itself. For example, the heart can control its own heart rate.
Extrinsic control systems (nervous and endocrine systems) exist outside of the organs they control; these systems can override intrinsic systems. For example, although the heart controls its own rate, a slamming door will prompt the nervous system to increase the heart rate externally. |
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Term
| How does negative feedback work to maintain homeostasis? |
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Definition
| Negative feedback opposes the initial change from a particular set point or condition. Any deviation from this baseline will prompt the negative feedback mechanism to steer conditions back to the set point. By continually adjusting to the baseline, homeostasis is maintained. |
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Term
| What are the three components that regulate negative feedback? |
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Definition
| Sensors (nerves) monitor change; the control center compares the sensors' input with a particular set point and computes an appropriate response; the effectors (muscles, glands, etc.) respond to produce the desired effect. |
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Term
| How does positive feedback work? |
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Definition
| Positive feedback amplifies the initial change that set it into motion. An output is enhanced; a controlled variable moves in the direction of an initial change. For example, during childbirth, oxytocin stimulates labor contractions. As the baby moves through the birth canal, the pressure stimulates the release of more oxytocin, which then stimulate further contractions. |
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Term
| Is positive feedback a common method for maintaining homeostasis? |
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Definition
| Positive feedback has a destabilizing effect, so it does not contribute to homeostasis. However, positive feedback is common in biological systems (although less common than negative feedback); it just does not contribute to homeostasis. |
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