Circulatory and Urinary Systems Quiz

Circulatory System

• Heart, Blood, Blood Vessels, Lymph, Lymph Vessels: Key components of the circulatory system involved in transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.
• Formed elements of blood:
  • Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells): Carry oxygen, lack a nucleus in their mature form to maximize space for hemoglobin, biconcave shape for flexibility and gas exchange.
  • Leukocytes (White Blood Cells): Contain a nucleus, play a role in the immune response. Types include lymphocytes and monocytes, all crucial for fighting infections.
  • Thrombocytes (Platelets): Responsible for blood clotting and wound healing.
• Blood Vessels:
  • Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart, most carry oxygenated blood (except pulmonary arteries). Arterioles are smaller arteries connecting to capillaries.
  • Veins: Carry blood back to the heart, have thinner walls than arteries due to lower pressure.

Urinary System

• The urinary system, or excretory system, is responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products, and maintaining fluid balance.
• It includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
• Kidneys: Filter blood to produce urine.
  • Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney, composed of the renal tubule (proximal/distal convoluted tubules, loop of Henle) and the renal corpuscle (Bowman's capsule and glomerulus).
  • Glomeruli: Located in the cortex of the kidneys, responsible for filtering blood.
• Ureters: Transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Efferent arteriole: Drains blood from the glomerulus after filtration.
• Urinary bladder: Stores urine before expulsion.
• Proximal convoluted tubule: The main site of reabsorption of materials from the filtrate.

Female Reproductive System

• Zygote: Fertilized egg formed by the fusion of sperm and egg.
• Vulva: Collective term for external female reproductive organs including:
  • Mons pubis: Fatty area over the pubic bone.
  • Clitoris: Sensitive organ involved in sexual pleasure.
  • Labia majora and labia minora: Folds of skin surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings.
  • Vaginal opening: Entry to the vagina.
  • Hymen: Thin membrane partially covering the vaginal opening (present in some cases).
• Uterus: Hollow, muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus. Provides a nourishing environment for the growing embryo.
• Secretory phase: Second half of the menstrual cycle (day 15-28) following ovulation, where the endometrium thickens in preparation for implantation. Regulated by progesterone from the corpus luteum.
• Oviducts (Fallopian tubes): Connect the ovaries to the uterus, transport the egg and are the site of fertilization.
• Ovaries: Produce and release eggs (oocytes) during ovulation, also produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
• Menstrual cycle: Divided into three phases:
  • Menstrual phase: (Day 1-5) Uterine lining (endometrium) is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding.
  • Proliferative phase: (Day 6-14) Endometrium regenerates and thickens under the influence of estrogen. Ovulation typically occurs around day 14.
  • Secretory phase: (Day 15-28) Endometrium becomes more vascularized and glandular, preparing to support a fertilized egg.
• Ovulation: Release of an egg from the ovary, typically once a month (around day 14) during the menstrual cycle.

Nervous System

• Central nervous system (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord.
• Meninges: Protective linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord, consisting of three layers:
  • Dura mater: Tough outer layer.
  • Arachnoid mater: Middle layer with a web-like structure.
  • Pia mater: Delicate inner layer adhering to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.
• Cranial nerves: 12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor control, and autonomic functions.

Endocrine System

• Endocrine system: Produces and releases hormones which regulate physiological processes to maintain homeostasis.
• Hormones: Chemical messengers controlling functions like metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress response, and blood sugar regulation.
• Somatotropin (Growth Hormone): Produced by the anterior pituitary gland, plays a role in growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.
• Thyroid hormones (T4 and T3): Regulate metabolic rate of body cells, influencing energy expenditure, protein synthesis, and overall metabolism.
• Testes (in males): Secrete sex hormones, primarily testosterone.

Test your knowledge of the circulatory and urinary systems, including the key components such as the heart, blood vessels, and formed elements of blood. Additionally, explore the functions and structures of the urinary system. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of these essential biological systems.