Human Biology Systems

10 Questions

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion

What is the main function of the capillaries in the circulatory system?

Allowing for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with tissues

Which type of muscle is responsible for involuntary movement and is found in organs and blood vessels?

Smooth muscle

What is the primary function of the small intestine in the digestive system?

Absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream

Which part of the nervous system transmits messages between the brain and peripheral nervous system?

Spinal cord

What is the main function of the platelets in the circulatory system?

Facilitating blood clotting

What is the primary function of the villi and microvilli in the small intestine?

Increasing surface area for absorption

Which part of the muscle structure contains actin and myosin filaments that facilitate contraction?

Myofibrils

What is the primary function of the esophagus in the digestive system?

Transporting food to the stomach through peristalsis

What is the main function of the glial cells in the nervous system?

Providing support and maintenance functions

Study Notes

Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS):
- Brain: controls body functions, interprets sensory information, and facilitates thought and movement
- Spinal cord: transmits messages between brain and peripheral nervous system
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
- Somatic nervous system: voluntary muscle control and sensory information
- Autonomic nervous system: involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion
Nerve cells:
- Neurons: transmit and process information
- Glial cells: provide support and maintenance functions
Functions:
- Controls and coordinates body functions
- Interprets and responds to sensory information
- Facilitates thought, movement, and behavior

Circulatory System

Heart:
- Pumps blood throughout the body
- Divided into four chambers: left and right atria, and left and right ventricles
Blood vessels:
- Arteries: carry oxygenated blood away from the heart
- Veins: carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart
- Capillaries: allow for exchange of oxygen and nutrients with tissues
Blood components:
- Plasma: liquid portion of blood
- Red blood cells: carry oxygen
- White blood cells: fight infection
- Platelets: facilitate blood clotting
Functions:
- Transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues
- Removes waste products from tissues
- Regulates body temperature and pH

Digestive System

Mouth:
- Food is broken down by teeth and mixed with saliva
- Saliva contains enzymes that break down carbohydrates
Esophagus:
- Food is transported to the stomach through peristalsis
Stomach:
- Food is mixed with stomach acid and digestive enzymes
- Churning action breaks down food into a liquid mixture
Small intestine:
- Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream
- Villi and microvilli increase surface area for absorption
Large intestine:
- Water and electrolytes are absorbed
- Waste is prepared for elimination
Functions:
- Breaks down food into nutrients
- Absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream
- Eliminates waste products

Muscular System

Types of muscle:
- Skeletal muscle: voluntary movement, attached to bones
- Smooth muscle: involuntary movement, found in organs and blood vessels
- Cardiac muscle: involuntary movement, found in the heart
Functions:
- Movement and locomotion
- Maintains posture and balance
- Regulates body temperature
- Supports circulation and respiration
Muscle structure:
- Muscle fibers: composed of myofibrils and sarcoplasm
- Myofibrils: contain actin and myosin filaments that facilitate contraction
- Sarcoplasm: contains myoglobin and electrolytes that support muscle function