Anatomy & Physiology Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

• Homeostasis maintains a stable internal environment within the body.
• Negative feedback mechanisms counteract changes in a controlled condition, e.g., sweating and shivering.
• Positive feedback mechanisms enhance or amplify changes, such as during labor contractions.

Atomic Structure

• Atoms consist of a nucleus, containing protons (positive) and neutrons (neutral), surrounded by electrons (negative).
• Atomic number indicates the number of protons, defining the type of atom.
• Atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Molecules and Compounds

• Molecules are groups of atoms bonded together.
• Compounds consist of molecules with more than one type of atom.

Chemical Bonds

• Ionic bonds form when atoms transfer electrons, leading to attraction between oppositely charged ions (e.g., table salt).
• Covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons, creating more stable structures; these do not easily dissolve in water.

pH Levels

• pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
• A pH of 7 is neutral; values above 7 are basic, and below 7 are acidic. Blood has a pH of 7.4.

Cell Anatomy

• Cells have three main parts: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
• The plasma membrane acts as a boundary, with proteins and carbohydrates serving functional roles.
• Ribosomes function as protein synthesis sites.

Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus

• Rough ER synthesizes and transports proteins; Smooth ER produces lipids and certain carbohydrates.
• Golgi apparatus packages and delivers proteins from the ER, functioning like delivery services.

Energy Production and Cell Functions

• Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP, the energy currency.
• Lysosomes act as the cell's digestive system, breaking down waste materials.
• Centrioles are involved in cell reproduction processes.

Cell Movement Structures

• Cilia facilitate the movement of substances over cell surfaces.
• Flagella, like the tail of a sperm cell, aid in cellular propulsion.

Nucleus and Nucleoli

• The nucleus contains the cell's genetic blueprint and directs cellular function.
• Nucleoli are crucial for ribosome formation.

Transport Mechanisms

• Passive transport (e.g., diffusion, osmosis) does not require energy.
• Active transport involves energy usage to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Types of Cell Transport

• Diffusion is the scattering of substances to achieve uniformity (e.g., sugar in water).
• Osmosis regulates water movement; isotonic solutions have balanced salt and water, while hypertonic solutions draw water out of cells and hypotonic solutions force water into cells.

Cell Division and Tissues

• Mitosis is the process of cell division for multiplication.
• Cell division consists of phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
• Interphase is a resting period where DNA replication occurs before mitosis.

Tissue Types

• Tissues are groups of cells working together, classified into four main types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Epithelial Tissue Characteristics

• Epithelial tissue covers the body and lines various organs.
• Simple squamous epithelial is one cell thick and facilitates substance transport (e.g., in lungs).
• Stratified squamous epithelial consists of multiple cell layers (e.g., soles of feet).

Connective, Muscle, and Nervous Tissues

• Connective tissue is the most widespread, found in skin, organs, and bones.
• Muscle tissue includes skeletal (voluntary), cardiac (involuntary), and smooth (involuntary), forming walls of blood vessels and organs.
• Nervous tissue enables rapid communication and control of body functions.

Test your knowledge on key concepts from Anatomy & Physiology Chapters 1-3 with these flashcards. This quiz covers fundamental terms like homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and atomic structure. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of biological systems.