ANAPHY REVIEWER (MDL+QSTNS)
ANAPHY REVIEWER (MDL+QSTNS)
ANAPHY REVIEWER (MDL+QSTNS)
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Match the terms in Column B to the appropriate descriptions provided in Column A. Enter the correct letter or its
corresponding term in the answer blanks.
Column A Column B
Content
Anatomy (Greek anatomē, 'dissection') is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of
organisms and their parts.
Human beings are arguably the most complex organisms on this planet. Imagine billions of microscopic parts, each
with its own identity, working together in an organized manner for the benefit of the total being. The human body is
a single structure but it is made up of billions of smaller structures of four major kinds:
Cells
The simplest units of living matter that can maintain life and reproduce themselves. The human body, which
is made up of numerous cells, begins as a single, newly fertilized cell.
Tissues
Are somewhat more complex units than cells. By definition, a tissue is an organization of a great many
similar cells with varying amounts and kinds of nonliving, intercellular substance between them.
Organs
An organ is an organization of several different kinds of tissues so arranged that together they can perform
a special function.
Systems
A system is an organization of varying numbers and kinds of organs so arranged that together they can
perform complex functions for the body. Ten major systems compose the human body:
Skeletal Lymphatic
Muscular Respiratory
Nervous Digestive
Endocrine Urinary
Cardiovascular Reproductive
Body Functions
Body functions are the physiological or psychological functions of body systems. The body's functions are ultimately
its cells' functions. Survival is the body's most important business. Survival depends on the body's maintaining or
restoring homeostasis, a state of relative constancy, of its internal environment. In homeostasis, body levels of acid,
blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, energy, hormones, oxygen, proteins, and temperature are constantly
adjusted to respond to changes inside and outside the body, to keep them at a normal level.
Cell Structure
The cell structure comprises individual components with specific functions essential to carry out life’s processes.
These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles. Read on to explore
more insights on cell structure and function.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the
cells. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell membrane is present in all the cells.
The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which all other organelles, such as the cytoplasm
and nucleus, are enclosed. It is also referred to as the plasma membrane.
By structure, it is a porous membrane (with pores) which permit the movement of selective substances in
and out of the cell. Besides this, the cell membrane also protects the cellular component from damage and
leakage.
It forms the wall-like structure between two cells as well as between the cell and its surroundings.
Plants are immobile, so their cell structures are well-adapted to protect them from external factors. The cell
wall helps to reinforce this function.
Cell Wall
The cell wall is the most prominent part of the plant’s cell structure. It is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose
and pectin.
The cell wall is present exclusively in plant cells. It protects the plasma membrane and other cellular
components. The cell wall is also the outermost layer of plant cells.
It is a rigid and stiff structure surrounding the cell membrane.
It provides shape and support to the cells and protects them from mechanical shocks and injuries.
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell membrane.
Most of the chemical reactions within a cell take place in this cytoplasm.
The cell organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, are suspended in
this cytoplasm.
Nucleus
The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA.
It sends signals to the cells to grow, mature, divide and die.
The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope that separates the DNA from the rest of the cell.
The nucleus protects the DNA and is an integral component of a plant’s cell structure.
Cell Organelles
Cells are composed of various cell organelles that perform certain specific functions to carry out life’s processes.
The different cell organelles, along with its principal functions, are as follows:
Nucleolus
The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis. Also, it is involved in controlling cellular activities and cellular
reproduction
Nuclear membrane
The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus and other cell organelles.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the sex of an individual. Each human cells contain 23 pairs of
chromosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the transportation of substances throughout the cell. It plays a primary role
in the metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis of lipids, steroids and proteins.
Golgi Bodies
Golgi bodies are called the cell’s post office as it is involved in the transportation of materials within the cell
Ribosome
Mitochondria
The mitochondrion is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is called so because it produces ATP – the cell’s energy
currency
Lysosomes
Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and helps in cell renewal. Therefore, it is
known as the cell’s suicide bags
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are the primary organelles for photosynthesis. It contains the pigment chlorophyll
Vacuoles
Vacuoles stores food, water, and other waste materials in the cell
Life Process
All living organisms have certain characteristics that distinguish them from non-living forms. The basic processes of
life include organization, metabolism, responsiveness, movements, and reproduction. In humans, who represent the
most complex form of life, there are additional requirements such as growth, differentiation, respiration, digestion,
and excretion. All of these processes are interrelated. No part of the body, from the smallest cell to a complete body
system, works in isolation. All function together, in fine-tuned balance, for the wellbeing of the individual and to
maintain life. Disease such as cancer and death represent a disruption of the balance in these processes.
Organization
At all levels of the organizational scheme, there is a division of labor. Each component has its own job to
perform in cooperation with others. Even a single cell, if it loses its integrity or organization, will die.
Metabolism
Metabolism is a broad term that includes all the chemical reactions that occur in the body. One phase of
metabolism is catabolism in which complex substances are broken down into simpler building blocks and
energy is released.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness or irritability is concerned with detecting changes in the internal or external environments and
reacting to that change. It is the act of sensing a stimulus and responding to it.
Movement
There are many types of movement within the body. On the cellular level, molecules move from one place
to another. Blood moves from one part of the body to another. The diaphragm moves with every breath. The
ability of muscle fibers to shorten and thus to produce movement is called contractility.
Reproduction
For most people, reproduction refers to the formation of a new person, the birth of a baby. In this way, life is
transmitted from one generation to the next through reproduction of the organism. In a broader sense,
reproduction also refers to the formation of new cells for the replacement and repair of old cells as well as for
growth. This is cellular reproduction. Both are essential to the survival of the human race.
Growth
Growth refers to an increase in size either through an increase in the number of cells or through an increase in
the size of each individual cell. In order for growth to occur, anabolic processes must occur at a faster rate than
catabolic processes.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a developmental process by which unspecialized cells change into specialized cells with
distinctive structural and functional characteristics. Through differentiation, cells develop into tissues and
organs.
Respiration
Respiration refers to all the processes involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the
cells and the external environment. It includes ventilation, the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the
transport of the gases in the blood. Cellular respiration deals with the cell's utilization of oxygen and release of
carbon dioxide in its metabolism.
Digestion
Digestion is the process of breaking down complex ingested foods into simple molecules that can be absorbed
into the blood and utilized by the body.
Excretion
Excretion is the process that removes the waste products of digestion and metabolism from the body. It gets
rid of by-products that the body is unable to use, many of which are toxic and incompatible with life.
The ten life processes described above are not enough to ensure the survival of the individual. In addition to
these processes, life depends on certain physical factors from the environment. These include water, oxygen,
nutrients, heat, and pressure.
Anatomical Terminology
Three groups of terms are introduced here:
Directional Terms.
Directional terms describe the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body.
Superior or cranial - toward the head end of the body; upper (example, the hand is part of the superior
extremity).
Inferior or caudal - away from the head; lower (example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity).
Anterior or ventral - front (example, the kneecap is located on the anterior side of the leg).
Posterior or dorsal - back (example, the shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body).
Medial - toward the midline of the body (example, the middle toe is located at the medial side of the foot).
Lateral - away from the midline of the body (example, the little toe is located at the lateral side of the foot).
Proximal - toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part (example, the proximal end of the
femur joins with the pelvic bone).
Distal - away from or farthest from the trunk or the point or origin of a part (example, the hand is located at
the distal end of the forearm).
Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane) - A vertical plane running from side to side; divides the body or any of its
parts into anterior and posterior portions.
Sagittal Plane (Lateral Plane) - A vertical plane running from front to back; divides the body or any of its
parts into right and left sides.
Axial Plane (Transverse Plane) - A horizontal plane; divides the body or any of its parts into upper and
lower parts.
Body Cavities
The cavities, or spaces, of the body contain the internal organs, or viscera. The two main cavities are called
the ventral and dorsal cavities. The ventral is the larger cavity and is subdivided into two parts (thoracic and
abdominopelvic cavities) by the diaphragm, a dome-shaped respiratory muscle.
Thoracic cavity
The upper ventral, thoracic, or chest cavity contains the heart, lungs, trachea, esophagus, large blood
vessels, and nerves. The thoracic cavity is bound laterally by the ribs (covered by costal pleura) and the
diaphragm caudally (covered by diaphragmatic pleura).
Abdominal and pelvic cavity
The lower part of the ventral (abdominopelvic) cavity can be further divided into two portions: abdominal
portion and pelvic portion. The abdominal cavity contains most of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the
kidneys and adrenal glands. The abdominal cavity is bound cranially by the diaphragm, laterally by the
body wall, and caudally by the pelvic cavity. The pelvic cavity contains most of the urogenital system as
well as the rectum. The pelvic cavity is bounded cranially by the abdominal cavity, dorsally by the sacrum,
and laterally by the pelvis.
Dorsal cavity
The smaller of the two main cavities is called the dorsal cavity. As its name implies, it contains organs lying
more posterior in the body. The dorsal cavity, again, can be divided into two portions. The upper portion, or
the cranial cavity, houses the brain, and the lower portion, or vertebral canal houses the spinal cord.
Learning Activities
I. Body System
Using the key choices, identify the organ systems to which the following organs or functions belong. Insert the
correct letter or term in the answer blanks.
Key Choices
II. Homeostasis
The following statements refer to homeostatic control systems. Complete each statement by inserting your answers
in the answer blanks.
_Receptor __1. There are three essential components of all homeostatic control
mechanisms: control center, receptor, and effector. The
_Control center 2. __1__ senses changes in the environment and responds by
sending information (input) to the __2__ along the __3__
_Afferent ___3. pathway. The __4__analyzes the input, determines the appropriate
response, and activates the __5__ by sending information along
the
_Control center_4. __6__ pathway. When the response causes the initial stimulus to
decline, the homeostatic mechanism is referred to as __7__ feedback
_Effector _____5. mechanism. When the response enhances the initial stimulus, the
mechanism is called a __8__ feedback mechanism. __9__ feedback
_Efferent _____6. Mechanisms are much more common in the body.
_Negative ____7.
_Positive ___8.
_Negative _____9.
Key Choices
_____B. Cranial _________ 1. Insertion of a shunt for hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
_____A. Abdominal ________2. A gall bladder operation
_____F. Thoracic ________ 3. Removal of a lung tumor
_____D. Pelvic __________ 4. Investigation of an ovarian cyst
_____A. Abdominal ______ 5. Removal of a kidney stone
Mastery Test
__B__1. Which of the following activities would not represent an anatomical study?
A. Effector D. Feedback
B. Control center E. Lack of change
C. Receptor
__B__4. When a capillary is damaged, a platelet plug is formed. The process involves platelets sticking to each
other. The more platelets that stick together, the more the plug attracts additional platelets. This is an example
of:
____7. Which of the following body regions is/are associated with the limbs?
A. Popliteal D. Olecranon
B. Acromial E. Inguinal
C. Gluteal
__C__8. A neurosurgeon orders a spinal tap for a patient. Into what body cavity will the needle be inserted?
A. Ventral D. Cranial
B. Thoracic E. Pelvic
C. Dorsal
__C,E__9. An accident victim has a collapsed lung. Which cavity has been entered?
A. Mediastinal D. Vertebral
B. Pericardial E. Ventral
C. Pleural
__C_10. Which organ system is affected by the common cold?
A. Endocrine D. Digestive
B. Reproductive E. Cardiovascular
C. Respiratory
A,C,E 11. The position of the heart relative to the structures around it would be described accurately as:
__A__12. What term(s) could be used to describe the position of the nose?
__A__13. The radiographic technique used to provide information about blood flow is:
A. DSR D. ultrasonography
B. CT E. any X-ray technique
C. PET
__A__14. A patient complains of pain in the upper left quadrant. Which system is most likely
to be involved?
A. Lymphatic D. Cardiovascular
B. Reproductive E. Nervous
C. Endocrine
__B__15. Harry was sweating profusely as he ran in the 10-K race. The sweat glands producing
the sweat would be considered which part of a feedback system?
UNIT 2
Cells, Tissues, and Membranes
Learning Outcomes
_______ oxygen (O)________ 1. 1–4. Name the four elements that make up the bulk of living Matter.
_______ carbon (C)_________ 2.
_______ hydrogen (H)_______ 3.
_______ nitrogen (N) _______ 4.
________water ________ 5. Name the single most abundant material or substance in living matter.
_______calcium ___________ 6. Name the trace element most important for making bones hard.
________iron _____________ 7. Name the element, found in small amounts in the body, that is needed to make
hemoglobin for oxygen transport.
______ Reproduction _______ 8. 8–12. Although there are many specific “jobs” that certain cells are able to do,
name five functions common to all cells.
_______ Metabolism _______ 9.
_______ Excretion ________10.
________ Growth __________11.
___ Respond to Stimuli ____12.
Content
Cells
The smallest structures capable of maintaining life and reproducing, compose all living things, from single-celled
plants to multibillion-celled animals. The human body, which is made up of numerous cells, begins as a single,
newly fertilized cell.
Almost all human cells are microscopic in size. To give you an idea how small a cell is, one average-sized adult
body, according to one estimate, consists of 100 trillion cells!
Cell Structure
Ideas about cell structure have changed considerably over the years. Early biologists saw cells as simple
membranous sacs containing fluid and a few floating particles. Today's biologists know that cells are infinitely more
complex than this.
Cell Function
The structural and functional characteristics of different types of cells are determined by the nature of the proteins
present. Cells of various types have different functions because cell structure and function are closely related. It is
apparent that a cell that is very thin is not well suited for a protective function. Bone cells do not have an appropriate
structure for nerve impulse conduction. Just as there are many cell types, there are varied cell functions. The
generalized cell functions include movement of substances across the cell membrane, cell division to make new
cells, and protein synthesis.
Simple diffusion is the movement of particles (solutes) from a region of higher solute concentration to a region of
lower solute concentration.
Osmosis is the diffusion of solvent or water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane.
Filtration utilizes pressure to push substances through a membrane.
Active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient from a region of lower concentration to a
region of higher concentration. It requires a carrier molecule and uses energy.
Endocytosis refers to the formation of vesicles to transfer particles and droplets from outside to inside the cell.
Secretory vesicles are moved from the inside to the outside of the cell by exocytosis.
Cell division
Cell division is the process by which new cells are formed for growth, repair, and replacement in the body. This
process includes division of the nuclear material and division of the cytoplasm. All cells in the body (somatic cells),
except those that give rise to the eggs and sperm (gametes), reproduce by mitosis. Egg and sperm cells are
produced by a special type of nuclear division called meiosis in which the number of chromosomes is halved.
Division of the cytoplasm is called cytokinesis.
Body Tissues
Tissue is a group of cells that have similar structure and that function together as a unit. A nonliving material, called
the intercellular matrix, fills the spaces between the cells. This may be abundant in some tissues and minimal in
others. The intercellular matrix may contain special substances such as salts and fibers that are unique to a specific
tissue and gives that tissue distinctive characteristics. There are four main tissue types in the body: epithelial,
connective, muscle, and nervous. Each is designed for specific functions.
Epithelial Tissue
Epithelial tissues are widespread throughout the body. They form the covering of all body surfaces, line body
cavities and hollow organs, and are the major tissue in glands. They perform a variety of functions that include
protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, filtration, diffusion, and sensory reception.
The cells in epithelial tissue are tightly packed together with very little intercellular matrix. Because the tissues form
coverings and linings, the cells have one free surface that is not in contact with other cells. Opposite the free
surface, the cells are attached to underlying connective tissue by a non-cellular basement membrane. This
membrane is a mixture of carbohydrates and proteins secreted by the epithelial and connective tissue cells.
Epithelial cells may be squamous, cuboidal, or columnar in shape and may be arranged in single or multiple layers.
Simple cuboidal epithelium is found in glandular tissue and in the kidney tubules. Simple columnar epithelium lines
the stomach and intestines. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium lines portions of the respiratory tract and some of
the tubes of the male reproductive tract. Transitional epithelium can be distended or stretched. Glandular epithelium
is specialized to produce and secrete substances.
Connective Tissue
Connective tissues bind structures together, form a framework and support for organs and the body as a whole,
store fat, transport substances, protect against disease, and help repair tissue damage. They occur throughout the
body. Connective tissues are characterized by an abundance of intercellular matrix with relatively few cells.
Connective tissue cells are able to reproduce but not as rapidly as epithelial cells. Most connective tissues have a
good blood supply but some do not.
Numerous cell types are found in connective tissue. Three of the most common are the fibroblast, macrophage, and
mast cell. The types of connective tissue include loose connective tissue, adipose tissue, dense fibrous connective
tissue, elastic connective tissue, cartilage, osseous tissue (bone), and blood.
Muscle Tissue
Muscle tissue is composed of cells that have the special ability to shorten or contract in order to produce movement
of the body parts. The tissue is highly cellular and is well supplied with blood vessels. The cells are long and
slender so they are sometimes called muscle fibers, and these are usually arranged in bundles or layers that are
surrounded by connective tissue. Actin and myosin are contractile proteins in muscle tissue.
Muscle tissue can be categorized into skeletal muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue, and cardiac muscle tissue.
Skeletal muscle fibers are cylindrical, multinucleated, striated, and under voluntary control. Smooth muscle cells are
spindle shaped, have a single, centrally located nucleus, and lack striations. They are called involuntary muscles.
Cardiac muscle has branching fibers, one nucleus per cell, striations, and intercalated disks. Its contraction is not
under voluntary control.
Nervous Tissue
Nervous tissue is found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It is responsible for coordinating and controlling many
body activities. It stimulates muscle contraction, creates an awareness of the environment, and plays a major role in
emotions, memory, and reasoning. To do all these things, cells in nervous tissue need to be able to communicate
with each other by way of electrical nerve impulses. The cells in nervous tissue that generate and conduct impulses
are called neurons or nerve cells. These cells have three principal parts: the dendrites, the cell body, and one axon.
The main part of the cell, the part that carries on the general functions, is the cell body. Dendrites are extensions, or
processes, of the cytoplasm that carry impulses to the cell body. An extension or process called an axon carries
impulses away from the cell body.
Nervous tissue also includes cells that do not transmit impulses, but instead support the activities of the neurons.
These are the glial cells (neuroglial cells), together termed the neuroglia. Supporting, or glia, cells bind neurons
together and insulate the neurons. Some are phagocytic and protect against bacterial invasion, while others provide
nutrients by binding blood vessels to the neurons.
Membranes
Body membranes are thin sheets of tissue that cover the body, line body cavities, and cover organs within the
cavities in hollow organs. They can be categorized into epithelial and connective tissue membrane.
Epithelial Membranes
Epithelial membranes consist of epithelial tissue and the connective tissue to which it is attached. The two main
types of epithelial membranes are the mucous membranes and serous membranes.
Mucous Membranes
Mucous membranes are epithelial membranes that consist of epithelial tissue that is attached to an underlying
loose connective tissue. These membranes, sometimes called mucosae, line the body cavities that open to the
outside. The entire digestive tract is lined with mucous membranes. Other examples include the respiratory,
excretory, and reproductive tracts.
Serous Membranes
Serous membranes line body cavities that do not open directly to the outside, and they cover the organs located in
those cavities. Serous membranes are covered by a thin layer of serous fluid that is secreted by the epithelium.
Serous fluid lubricates the membrane and reduces friction and abrasion when organs in the thoracic or
abdominopelvic cavity move against each other or the cavity wall. Serous membranes have special names given
according to their location. For example, the serous membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and covers the lungs is
called pleura.
Synovial Membranes
Synovial membranes are connective tissue membranes that line the cavities of the freely movable joints such as the
shoulder, elbow, and knee. Like serous membranes, they line cavities that do not open to the outside. Unlike serous
membranes, they do not have a layer of epithelium. Synovial membranes secrete synovial fluid into the joint cavity,
and this lubricates the cartilage on the ends of the bones so that they can move freely and without friction.
Meninges
The connective tissue covering on the brain and spinal cord, within the dorsal cavity, are called meninges. They
provide protection for these vital structures.
Learning Activities
I. Select the key choices that characterize each of the following statements.
Insert the appropriate answers in the answer blanks.
Key Choices
A. Active transport D. Exocytosis G. Phagocytosis
B. Diffusion, simple E. Facilitated diffusion H. Pinocytosis
C. Diffusion, osmosis F. Filtration I. Receptor-mediated endocytosis
II. Using the key choices, correctly identify the major tissue types described.
Enter the appropriate letter or tissue type term in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
A. Connective B. Epithelium C. Muscle D. Nervous
Master Test
C1. The hydrophobic part of the plasma mem- brane is associated with which molecules?
A. Integral proteins C. Phospholipids
B. Glycoproteins D. Nucleic acids
A2. Which of the following would you expect to find in or on cells whose role is electrical conduction?
A. Gap junctions C. Desmosomes
B. Cilia D. Microfilaments
B3. Which cytoskeletal element interacts with myosin to produce contractile force in mus- cle cells?
A. Microtubules
B. Microfilaments
C. Intermediate filaments
D. None of the above
C4. If a 10% sucrose solution within a semiper- meable sac causes the fluid volume in the sac to increase a given
amount when the sac is immersed in water, what would be the effect of replacing the sac solution with a 20%
sucrose solution?
A. The sac would lose fluid.
B. The sac would gain the same amount of fluid.
C. The sac would gain more fluid.
D. There would be no effect.
ABCD5. Which of the following are possible functions of the glycocalyx?
A. Determination of blood groups
B. Binding sites for toxins
C. Aiding the binding of sperm to egg
D. Guiding embryonic development
E. Increasing the efficiency of absorption
E7. A cell’s ability to replenish its ATP stores has been diminished by a metabolic poison. What organelle is most
likely to be affected?
A. Nucleus D. Microtubule
B. Plasma membrane E. Mitochondrion
C. Centriole
A8. The fundamental structure of the plasma membrane is determined almost exclusively by:
A. phospholipid molecules
B. peripheral proteins
C. cholesterol molecules
D. integral proteins
D11. What is the tRNA anticodon sequence for the fourth codon from the left?
A. G C. GCU
B. GC D. CGA
C12. The organelle that consists of a stack of 3–10 membranous discs associated with vesicles is:
A. mitochondrion
B. smooth ER
C. Golgi apparatus
D. lysosome
C14. Which of the following fibrous elements give a connective tissue high tensile strength?
A. Reticular fibers
B. Elastic fibers
C. Collagen fibers
D. Myofilaments
B15. Viewed through the microscope, most cells in this type of tissue have only a rim of cytoplasm.
A. Reticular connective
B. Adipose connective
C. Areolar connective
D. Osseous tissue
E. Hyaline cartilage
UNIT 3
The Skeletal System
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Using the key choices, identify the body systems that relate to bone tissue viability. Enter the
appropriate key terms or letters in the answer blanks.
Key Choices
Content
Bones
Humans are vertebrates, animals having a vertabral column or backbone. They rely on a sturdy internal frame that
is centered on a prominent spine. The human skeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons
and accounts for about 20 percent of the body weight.
The living bones in our bodies use oxygen and give off waste products in metabolism. They contain active tissues
that consume nutrients, require a blood supply and change shape or remodel in response to variations in
mechanical stress.
Bones provide a rigid framework, known as the skeleton, that support and protect the soft organs of the body.
The skeleton supports the body against the pull of gravity. The large bones of the lower limbs support the trunk
when standing.
The skeleton also protects the soft body parts. The fused bones of the cranium surround the brain to make it less
vulnerable to injury. Vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord and bones of the rib cage help protect the heart
and lungs of the thorax.
Bones work together with muscles as simple mechanical lever systems to produce body movement.
Bones contain more calcium than any other organ. The intercellular matrix of bone contains large amounts of
calcium salts, the most important being calcium phosphate.
When blood calcium levels decrease below normal, calcium is released from the bones so that there will be an
adequate supply for metabolic needs. When blood calcium levels are increased, the excess calcium is stored in the
bone matrix. The dynamic process of releasing and storing calcium goes on almost continuously.
Hematopoiesis, the formation of blood cells, mostly takes place in the red marrow of the bones.
In infants, red marrow is found in the bone cavities. With age, it is largely replaced by yellow marrow for fat storage.
In adults, red marrow is limited to the spongy bone in the skull, ribs, sternum, clavicles, vertebrae and pelvis. Red
marrow functions in the formation of red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets.
Compact Bone
Compact bone consists of closely packed osteons or haversian systems. The osteon consists of a central canal
called the osteonic (haversian) canal, which is surrounded by concentric rings (lamellae) of matrix. Between the
rings of matrix, the bone cells (osteocytes) are located in spaces called lacunae. Small channels (canaliculi) radiate
from the lacunae to the osteonic (haversian) canal to provide passageways through the hard matrix. In compact
bone, the haversian systems are packed tightly together to form what appears to be a solid mass. The osteonic
canals contain blood vessels that are parallel to the long axis of the bone. These blood vessels interconnect, by
way of perforating canals, with vessels on the surface of the bone.
Spongy (Cancellous) Bone
Spongy (cancellous) bone is lighter and less dense than compact bone. Spongy bone consists of plates
(trabeculae) and bars of bone adjacent to small, irregular cavities that contain red bone marrow. The canaliculi
connect to the adjacent cavities, instead of a central haversian canal, to receive their blood supply. It may appear
that the trabeculae are arranged in a haphazard manner, but they are organized to provide maximum strength
similar to braces that are used to support a building. The trabeculae of spongy bone follow the lines of stress and
can realign if the direction of stress changes.
Bone Development & Gowth
The terms osteogenesis and ossification are often used synonymously to indicate the process of bone formation.
Parts of the skeleton form during the first few weeks after conception. By the end of the eighth week after
conception, the skeletal pattern is formed in cartilage and connective tissue membranes and ossification begins.
Bone development continues throughout adulthood. Even after adult stature is attained, bone development
continues for repair of fractures and for remodeling to meet changing lifestyles. Osteoblasts, osteocytes and
osteoclasts are the three cell types involved in the development, growth and remodeling of bones. Osteoblasts are
bone-forming cells, osteocytes are mature bone cells and osteoclasts break down and reabsorb bone.
There are two types of ossification: intramembranous and endochondral.
Intramembranous
Intramembranous ossification involves the replacement of sheet-like connective tissue membranes with bony
tissue. Bones formed in this manner are called intramembranous bones. They include certain flat bones of the skull
and some of the irregular bones. The future bones are first formed as connective tissue membranes. Osteoblasts
migrate to the membranes and deposit bony matrix around themselves. When the osteoblasts are surrounded by
matrix they are called osteocytes.
Endochondral Ossification
Endochondral ossification involves the replacement of hyaline cartilage with bony tissue. Most of the bones of the
skeleton are formed in this manner. These bones are called endochondral bones. In this process, the future bones
are first formed as hyaline cartilage models. During the third month after conception, the perichondrium that
surrounds the hyaline cartilage "models" becomes infiltrated with blood vessels and osteoblasts and changes into a
periosteum. The osteoblasts form a collar of compact bone around the diaphysis. At the same time, the cartilage in
the center of the diaphysis begins to disintegrate. Osteoblasts penetrate the disintegrating cartilage and replace it
with spongy bone. This forms a primary ossification center. Ossification continues from this center toward the ends
of the bones. After spongy bone is formed in the diaphysis, osteoclasts break down the newly formed bone to open
up the medullary cavity.
The cartilage in the epiphyses continues to grow so the developing bone increases in length. Later, usually after
birth, secondary ossification centers form in the epiphyses. Ossification in the epiphyses is similar to that in the
diaphysis except that the spongy bone is retained instead of being broken down to form a medullary cavity. When
secondary ossification is complete, the hyaline cartilage is totally replaced by bone except in two areas. A region of
hyaline cartilage remains over the surface of the epiphysis as the articular cartilage and another area of cartilage
remains between the epiphysis and diaphysis. This is the epiphyseal plate or growth region.
Bone Growth
Bones grow in length at the epiphyseal plate by a process that is similar to endochondral ossification. The cartilage
in the region of the epiphyseal plate next to the epiphysis continues to grow by mitosis. The chondrocytes, in the
region next to the diaphysis, age and degenerate. Osteoblasts move in and ossify the matrix to form bone. This
process continues throughout childhood and the adolescent years until the cartilage growth slows and finally stops.
When cartilage growth ceases, usually in the early twenties, the epiphyseal plate completely ossifies so that only a
thin epiphyseal line remains and the bones can no longer grow in length. Bone growth is under the influence of
growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland and sex hormones from the ovaries and testes.
Even though bones stop growing in length in early adulthood, they can continue to increase in thickness or diameter
throughout life in response to stress from increased muscle activity or to weight. The increase in diameter is called
appositional growth. Osteoblasts in the periosteum form compact bone around the external bone surface. At the
same time, osteoclasts in the endosteum break down bone on the internal bone surface, around the medullary
cavity. These two processes together increase the diameter of the bone and, at the same time, keep the bone from
becoming excessively heavy and bulky.
Classification of Bones
Long Bones
The bones of the body come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The four principal types of bones are long, short, flat
and irregular. Bones that are longer than they are wide are called long bones. They consist of a long shaft with two
bulky ends or extremities. They are primarily compact bone but may have a large amount of spongy bone at the
ends or extremities. Long bones include bones of the thigh, leg, arm, and forearm.
Short Bones
Short bones are roughly cube shaped with vertical and horizontal dimensions approximately equal. They consist
primarily of spongy bone, which is covered by a thin layer of compact bone. Short bones include the bones of the
wrist and ankle.
Flat Bones
Flat bones are thin, flattened, and usually curved. Most of the bones of the cranium are flat bones.
Irregular Bones
Bones that are not in any of the above three categories are classified as irregular bones. They are primarily spongy
bone that is covered with a thin layer of compact bone. The vertebrae and some of the bones in the skull are
irregular bones.
All bones have surface markings and characteristics that make a specific bone unique. There are holes,
depressions, smooth facets, lines, projections and other markings. These usually represent passageways for
vessels and nerves, points of articulation with other bones or points of attachment for tendons and ligaments.
Divisions of the Skeleton
The adult human skeleton usually consists of 206 named bones. These bones can be grouped in two divisions:
axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton. The 80 bones of the axial skeleton form the vertical axis of the body.
They include the bones of the head, vertebral column, ribs and breastbone or sternum. The appendicular skeleton
consists of 126 bones and includes the free appendages and their attachments to the axial skeleton. The free
appendages are the upper and lower extremities, or limbs, and their attachments which are called girdles. The
named bones of the body are listed below by category.
Skull (28)
Cranial Bones
Parietal (2)
Temporal (2)
Frontal (1)
Occipital (1)
Ethmoid (1)
Sphenoid (1)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Facial Bones
Maxilla (2)
Zygomatic (2)
Mandible (1)
Nasal (2)
Platine (2)
Inferior nasal concha (2)
Lacrimal (2)
Vomer (1)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Auditory Ossicles
Malleus (2)
Incus (2)
Stapes (2)
Hyoid (1)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Vertebral Column
_______________________________________________________________________________
Thoracic Cage
Sternum (1)
Ribs (24)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Upper Extremity
Humerus (2)
Radius (2)
Ulna (2)
Carpals (16)
Metacarpals (10)
Phalanges (28
_______________________________________________________________________________
Pelvic Girdle
Coxal, innominate, or hip bones (2)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Lower Extremity
Femur (2)
Tibia (2)
Fibula (2)
Patella (2)
Tarsals (14)
Metatarsals (10)
Phalanges (28)
Articulations
An articulation, or joint, is where two bones come together. In terms of the amount of movement they allow, there
are three types of joints: immovable, slightly movable and freely movable.
Synarthroses
Synarthroses are immovable joints. The singular form is synarthrosis. In these joints, the bones come in very close
contact and are separated only by a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue. The sutures in the skull are examples of
immovable joints.
Amphiarthroses
Slightly movable joints are called amphiarthroses. The singular form is amphiarthrosis. In this type of joint, the
bones are connected by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. The ribs connected to the sternum by costal cartilages
are slightly movable joints connected by hyaline cartilage. The symphysis pubis is a slightly movable joint in which
there is a fibrocartilage pad between the two bones. The joints between the vertebrae and the intervertebral disks
are also of this type.
Diarthroses
Most joints in the adult body are diarthroses, or freely movable joints. The singular form is diarthrosis. In this type of
joint, the ends of the opposing bones are covered with hyaline cartilage, the articular cartilage, and they are
separated by a space called the joint cavity. The components of the joints are enclosed in a dense fibrous joint
capsule. The outer layer of the capsule consists of the ligaments that hold the bones together. The inner layer is the
synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid into the joint cavity for lubrication. Because all of these joints have a
synovial membrane, they are sometimes called synovial joints.
Learning Activities
I.
Complete the following statements concerning bone formation and destruction, using the terms provided in the key
choices. Insert the key letter or corresponding term in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
G. Parathyroid hormone 1. When blood calcium levels begin to drop below homeostatic levels, (1) is released,
causing calcium to be released from bones.
F. Osteocytes 2. Mature bone cells, called (2), maintain bone in a viable state.
A. Atrophy 3. Disuse such as that caused by paralysis or severe lack of exercise results in muscle
and bone (3).
H. Stress and/or tension 4. Large tubercles and/or increased deposit of bony matrix occur at sites of (4).
D. Osteoblasts 5. Immature, or matrix-depositing, bone cells are referred to as (5).
B. Calcitonin 6. (6) causes blood calcium to be deposited in bones as calcium salts.
E. Osteoclasts 7. Bone cells that liquefy bone matrix and release calcium to the blood are called (7).
C. Gravity 8. Our astronauts must do isometric exercises when in space because bones atrophy
under conditions of weightlessness or lack of (8).
II.
Group each of the following bones into one of the four major bone categories. Use L for long bone, S for short bone,
F for flat bone, and I for irregular bone. Enter the appropriate letter in the space provided.
S 1. Calcaneus L 4. Humerus L 7. Radius
F 2. Frontal I 5. Mandible F 8. Sternum
L 3. Femur L 6. Metacarpal I 9. Vertebra
Mastery Test
B 8. A blow to the cheek is most likely to break what superficial bone or bone part?
A. Superciliary arches
B. Zygomatic process
C. Mandibular ramus
D. Styloid process
AE 9. Which of the following are part of the sphenoid?
A. Crista galli D. Pterygoid process
B. Sella turcica E. Lesser wings
C. Petrous portion
ACD 10. Structural characteristics of all cervical verte brae are:
A. small body
B. bifid spinous process
C. transverse foramina
D. small vertebral foramen
E. costal facets
D 11. Which of the following cartilages is involved in endochondral ossification?
A. Fibrocartilage C. Elastic
B. Synovial D. Hyaline
D 12. Coxal bone (hip bone) markings include:
A. ala D. pubic ramus
B. sacral hiatus E. fovea capitis
C. gluteal surface
BD 13. Cartilaginous joints include:
A. syndesmoses C. synostoses
B. symphyses D. synchondroses
B 14. Considered to be part of a synovial joint are:
A. bursae C. tendon sheath
B. articular cartilage D. capsular
Ligaments
A 15. Abduction is:
A. moving the right arm out to the right
B. spreading out the fingers
C. wiggling the toes
D. moving the sole of the foot laterally
BD 16. In comparing two joints of the same type, what characteristic(s) would you use to determine
strength and flexibility?
A. Depth of the depression of the concave bone of the joint
B. Snugness of fit of the bones
C. Size of bone projections for muscle attachments
D. Presence of menisci
B 17. Which of the following joints has the great est freedom of movement?
A. Interphalangeal
B. Saddle joint of thumb
C. Distal tibiofibular
D. Coxal (hip)
B 18. Which specific joint does the following description identify? “Articular surfaces are deep and
secure, multiaxial; capsule heavily reinforced by ligaments; labrum helps pre vent dislocation; the
first joint to be built artificially; very stable.”
A. Elbow C. Knee
B. Hip D. Shoulder
B 19. An autoimmune disease resulting in inflam mation and eventual fusion of diarthrotic joints is:
A. gout
B. rheumatoid arthritis
C. degenerative joint disease
D. pannus
UNIT 4
The Muscular System
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Nine characteristics of muscle tissue are listed below. Identify the muscle tissue type described by choosing the
correct response(s) from the key choices. Enter the appropriate term(s) or letter(s) of the key choice in the answer
blank.
Key Choices:
A. Cardiac B. Smooth C. Skeletal
Content
The muscular system is composed of specialized cells called muscle fibers. Their predominant function is
contractibility. Muscles, attached to bones or internal organs and blood vessels, are responsible for movement.
Nearly all movement in the body is the result of muscle contraction. Exceptions to this are the action of cilia, the
flagellum on sperm cells, and amoeboid movement of some white blood cells.
The integrated action of joints, bones, and skeletal muscles produces obvious movements such as walking and
running. Skeletal muscles also produce more subtle movements that result in various facial expressions, eye
movements, and respiration.
In addition to movement, muscle contraction also fulfills some other important functions in the body, such as
posture, joint stability, and heat production. Posture, such as sitting and standing, is maintained as a result of
muscle contraction. The skeletal muscles are continually making fine adjustments that hold the body in stationary
positions. The tendons of many muscles extend over joints and in this way contribute to joint stability. This is
particularly evident in the knee and shoulder joints, where muscle tendons are a major factor in stabilizing the joint.
Heat production, to maintain body temperature, is an important by-product of muscle metabolism. Nearly 85 percent
of the heat produced in the body is the result of muscle contraction.
Skeletal muscles vary considerably in size, shape, and arrangement of fibers. They range from extremely tiny
strands such as the stapedium muscle of the middle ear to large masses such as the muscles of the thigh. Some
skeletal muscles are broad in shape and some narrow. In some muscles the fibers are parallel to the long axis of
the muscle; in some they converge to a narrow attachment; and in some they are oblique.
Each skeletal muscle fiber is a single cylindrical muscle cell. An individual skeletal muscle may be made up of
hundreds, or even thousands, of muscle fibers bundled together and wrapped in a connective tissue covering. Each
muscle is surrounded by a connective tissue sheath called the epimysium. Fascia, connective tissue outside the
epimysium, surrounds and separates the muscles. Portions of the epimysium project inward to divide the muscle
into compartments. Each compartment contains a bundle of muscle fibers. Each bundle of muscle fiber is called a
fasciculus and is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the perimysium. Within the fasciculus, each
individual muscle cell, called a muscle fiber, is surrounded by connective tissue called the endomysium.
Skeletal muscle cells (fibers), like other body cells, are soft and fragile. The connective tissue covering furnish
support and protection for the delicate cells and allow them to withstand the forces of contraction. The coverings
also provide pathways for the passage of blood vessels and nerves.
Commonly, the epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium extend beyond the fleshy part of the muscle, the belly or
gaster, to form a thick ropelike tendon or a broad, flat sheet-like aponeurosis. The tendon and aponeurosis form
indirect attachments from muscles to the periosteum of bones or to the connective tissue of other muscles.
Typically a muscle spans a joint and is attached to bones by tendons at both ends. One of the bones remains
relatively fixed or stable while the other end moves as a result of muscle contraction.
Skeletal muscles have an abundant supply of blood vessels and nerves. This is directly related to the primary
function of skeletal muscle, contraction. Before a skeletal muscle fiber can contract, it has to receive an impulse
from a nerve cell. Generally, an artery and at least one vein accompany each nerve that penetrates the epimysium
of a skeletal muscle. Branches of the nerve and blood vessels follow the connective tissue components of the
muscle of a nerve cell and with one or more minute blood vessels called capillaries.
Muscle Types
In the body, there are three types of muscle: skeletal (striated), smooth, and cardiac.
Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle, attached to bones, is responsible for skeletal movements. The peripheral portion of the central
nervous system (CNS) controls the skeletal muscles. Thus, these muscles are under conscious, or voluntary,
control. The basic unit is the muscle fiber with many nuclei. These muscle fibers are striated (having transverse
streaks) and each acts independently of neighboring muscle fibers.
Smooth Muscle
Smooth muscle, found in the walls of the hollow internal organs such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract,
bladder, and uterus, is under control of the autonomic nervous system. Smooth muscle cannot be controlled
consciously and thus acts involuntarily. The non-striated (smooth) muscle cell is spindle-shaped and has one
central nucleus. Smooth muscle contracts slowly and rhythmically.
Cardiac Muscle
Cardiac muscle, found in the walls of the heart, is also under control of the autonomic nervous system. The cardiac
muscle cell has one central nucleus, like smooth muscle, but it also is striated, like skeletal muscle. The cardiac
muscle cell is rectangular in shape. The contraction of cardiac muscle is involuntary, strong, and rhythmical.
Smooth and cardiac muscle will be discussed in detail with respect to their appropriate systems. This unit mainly
covers the skeletal muscular system.
Muscle Groups
There are more than 600 muscles in the body, which together account for about 40 percent of a person's weight.
Most skeletal muscles have names that describe some feature of the muscle. Often several criteria are combined
into one name. Associating the muscle's characteristics with its name will help you learn and remember them. The
following are some terms relating to muscle features that are used in naming muscles.
Size: vastus (huge); maximus (large); longus (long); minimus (small); brevis (short).
Shape: deltoid (triangular); rhomboid (like a rhombus with equal and parallel sides); latissimus (wide); teres (round);
trapezius (like a trapezoid, a four-sided figure with two sides parallel).
Direction of fibers: rectus (straight); transverse (across); oblique (diagonally); orbicularis (circular).
Location: pectoralis (chest); gluteus (buttock or rump); brachii (arm); supra- (above); infra- (below); sub- (under or
beneath); lateralis (lateral).
Number of origins: biceps (two heads); triceps (three heads); quadriceps (four heads).
Origin and insertion: sternocleidomastoideus (origin on the sternum and clavicle, insertion on the mastoid process);
brachioradialis (origin on the brachium or arm, insertion on the radius).
Action: abductor (to abduct a structure); adductor (to adduct a structure); flexor (to flex a structure); extensor (to
extend a structure); levator (to lift or elevate a structure); masseter (a chewer).
Muscles of the Head and Neck
Humans have well-developed muscles in the face that permit a large variety of facial expressions. Because the
muscles are used to show surprise, disgust, anger, fear, and other emotions, they are an important means of
nonverbal communication. Muscles of facial expression include frontalis, orbicularis oris, laris oculi, buccinator, and
zygomaticus. These muscles of facial expressions are identified in the illustration below.
There are four pairs of muscles that are responsible for chewing movements or mastication. All of these muscles
connect to the mandible and they are some of the strongest muscles in the body. Two of the muscles, temporalis
and masseter, are identified in the illustration above.
There are numerous muscles associated with the throat, the hyoid bone and the vertebral column; only two of the
more obvious and superficial neck muscles are identified in the illustration: sternocleidomastoid and trapezius.
The muscles of the thoracic wall are involved primarily in the process of breathing. The intercostal muscles are
located in spaces between the ribs. They contract during forced expiration. External intercostal muscles contract to
elevate the ribs during the inspiration phase of breathing. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that forms a
partition between the thorax and the abdomen. It has three openings in it for structures that have to pass from the
thorax to the abdomen.
The abdomen, unlike the thorax and pelvis, has no bony reinforcements or protection. The wall consists entirely of
four muscle pairs, arranged in layers, and the fascia that envelops them. The abdominal wall muscles are identified
in the illustration below.
The pelvic outlet is formed by two muscular sheets and their associated fascia.
Muscles that move the shoulder and arm include the trapezius and serratus anterior. The pectoralis major,
latissimus dorsi, deltoid, and rotator cuff muscles connect to the humerus and move the arm.
The muscles that move the forearm are located along the humerus, which include the triceps brachii, biceps brachii,
brachialis, and brachioradialis. The 20 or more muscles that cause most wrist, hand, and finger movements are
located along the forearm.
Muscles that move the leg are located in the thigh region. The quadriceps femoris muscle group straightens the leg
at the knee. The hamstrings are antagonists to the quadriceps femoris muscle group, which are used to flex the leg
at the knee.
The muscles located in the leg that move the ankle and foot are divided into anterior, posterior, and lateral
compartments. The tibialis anterior, which dorsiflexes the foot, is antagonistic to the gastrocnemius and soleus
muscles, which plantar flex the foot.
Learning Activities
I.
Identify the structures in Column B by matching them with the descriptions in Column A.
II.
Identify the major muscles described in Column A by choosing a response from Column B. Enter the correct letter
in the answer blank.
Mastery Test
C 1. Select the type of muscle tissue that fits the following description: selfexcitable, pacemaker cells, gap
junctions, limited sar coplasmic reticulum.
A. Skeletal muscle C. Smooth muscle
B. Cardiac muscle D. Involuntary muscle
B 2. What is the skeletal muscle useful for?
A. Pump blood to the lungs C. Widen blood vessels
B. Body movement D. Narrow airways
D 3. Where would you find perimysium?
A. Around myofibrils C. Covering the whole muscle
B.Covering myofilaments D. Covering fas cicles
B 4. Where would you find the ATP binding site in a myofibril?
A. In the SR C. At the Z line
B. On globular D. In the myosin
actin heads
ABCD 5. Transmission of the stimulus at the neuromuscular junction involves:
A. synaptic vesicles C. ACh
B. sarcolemma D. axon terminal
D 6. A smooth graph showing the degree of muscle contraction is:
A. fused tetanus C. unfused tetanus
B. summation of contraction D. twitch
AC 7. A product of aerobic metabolism is:
A. carbon dioxide
B. oxygen
C. lactic acid
D. creatine phosphate
C 8. The first energy source used to regenerate ATP when muscles are extremely active is:
A. fatty acids C. creatine phosphate
B. glucose D. pyruvic acid
ABCD 9. Head muscles that insert on a bone include the:
A. zygomaticus C. buccinator
B. masseter D. temporalis
ACD 10. Lateral flexion of the torso involves:
A. erector spinae D. external oblique
B. rectus abdominis
C. quadratus lumborum
BCD 11. Muscles attached to the vertebral column include:
A. quadratus lumborum
B. external oblique
C. diaphragm
D. latissimus dorsi
C 12. Muscles that help stabilize the scapula and shoulder joint include:
A. triceps brachii C. trapezius
B. biceps brachii D. pectoralis major
ABD 13. Which of these thigh muscles causes move ment at the hip joint?
A. Rectus femoris
B. Biceps femoris
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Semitendinosus
C 14. Leg muscles that can cause movement at the knee joint include:
A. tibialis anterior
B. fibularis longus
C. gastrocnemius
D. soleus
D 15. The main muscles used when doing chin ups are:
A. triceps brachii and pectoralis major
B. infraspinatus and biceps brachii
C. serratus anterior and external oblique
D. latissimus dorsi and brachialis
D 16. The major muscles used in doing pushups are:
A. biceps brachii and brachialis
B. supraspinatus and subscapularis
C. coracobrachialis and latissimus dorsi
D. triceps brachii and pectoralis major
D 17. Arm and leg muscles are arranged in antag onistic pairs. How does this affect their functioning?
A. It provides a backup if one of the mus cles is injured.
B. One muscle of the pair pushes while the other pulls.
C. A single neuron controls both of them.
D. It allows the muscles to produce oppos ing movements.
A 18. Muscle A and muscle B are the same size, but muscle A is capable of much finer con trol than
muscle B. Which of the following is likely to be true of muscle A?
A. It is controlled by more neurons than muscle B.
B. It contains fewer motor units than mus cle B.
C. It is controlled by fewer neurons than muscle B.
D. Each of its motor units consists of more cells than the motor units of muscle B.
B 19. Medial and lateral movements of the foot are known as:
A. dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
B. inversion and eversion
C. supination and pronation
D. medial and lateral opposition
UNIT 5
The Nervous System
Learning Outcomes
name and distinguish the basic divisions and component organs and functions of the nervous
system;
describe transmission of the synapse;
explain the reflex arc and reflex act;
differentiate between general and special sense; and
discuss measures on the care of special senses.
Pretest
Content
The nervous system is the major controlling, regulatory, and communicating system in the body. It is the center of
all mental activity including thought, learning, and memory. Together with the endocrine system, the nervous
system is responsible for regulating and maintaining homeostasis. Through its receptors, the nervous system keeps
us in touch with our environment, both external and internal.
Like other systems in the body, the nervous system is composed of organs, principally the brain, spinal cord,
nerves, and ganglia. These, in turn, consist of various tissues, including nerve, blood, and connective tissue.
Together these carry out the complex activities of the nervous system.
The various activities of the nervous system can be grouped together as three general, overlapping functions:
Sensory
Integrative
Motor
Millions of sensory receptors detect changes, called stimuli, which occur inside and outside the body. They monitor
such things as temperature, light, and sound from the external environment. Inside the body, the internal
environment, receptors detect variations in pressure, pH, carbon dioxide concentration, and the levels of various
electrolytes. All of this gathered information is called sensory input.
Sensory input is converted into electrical signals called nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain. There the
signals are brought together to create sensations, to produce thoughts, or to add to memory; Decisions are made
each moment based on the sensory input. This is integration.
Based on the sensory input and integration, the nervous system responds by sending signals to muscles, causing
them to contract, or to glands, causing them to produce secretions. Muscles and glands are called effectors
because they cause an effect in response to directions from the nervous system. This is the motor output or motor
function.
Nerve Tissue
Although the nervous system is very complex, there are only two main types of cells in nerve tissue. The actual
nerve cell is the neuron. It is the "conducting" cell that transmits impulses and the structural unit of the nervous
system. The other type of cell is neuroglia, or glial, cell. The word "neuroglia" means "nerve glue." These cells are
nonconductive and provide a support system for the neurons. They are a special type of "connective tissue" for the
nervous system.
Neurons
Neurons, or nerve cells, carry out the functions of the nervous system by conducting nerve impulses. They are
highly specialized and amitotic. This means that if a neuron is destroyed, it cannot be replaced because neurons do
not go through mitosis. The image below illustrates the structure of a typical neuron.
Each neuron has three basic parts: cell body (soma), one or more dendrites, and a single axon.
Cell Body
In many ways, the cell body is similar to other types of cells. It has a nucleus with at least one nucleolus and
contains many of the typical cytoplasmic organelles. It lacks centrioles, however. Because centrioles function in cell
division, the fact that neurons lack these organelles is consistent with the amitotic nature of the cell.
Dendrites
Dendrites and axons are cytoplasmic extensions, or processes, that project from the cell body. They are sometimes
referred to as fibers. Dendrites are usually, but not always, short and branching, which increases their surface area
to receive signals from other neurons. The number of dendrites on a neuron varies. They are called afferent
processes because they transmit impulses to the neuron cell body. There is only one axon that projects from each
cell body. It is usually elongated and because it carries impulses away from the cell body, it is called an efferent
process
Axon
An axon may have infrequent branches called axon collaterals. Axons and axon collaterals terminate in many short
branches or telodendria. The distal ends of the telodendria are slightly enlarged to form synaptic bulbs. Many axons
are surrounded by a segmented, white, fatty substance called myelin or the myelin sheath. Myelinated fibers make
up the white matter in the CNS, while cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers make the gray matter. The unmyelinated
regions between the myelin segments are called the nodes of Ranvier.
In the peripheral nervous system, the myelin is produced by Schwann cells. The cytoplasm, nucleus, and outer cell
membrane of the Schwann cell form a tight covering around the myelin and around the axon itself at the nodes of
Ranvier. This covering is the neurilemma, which plays an important role in the regeneration of nerve fibers. In the
CNS, oligodendrocytes produce myelin, but there is no neurilemma, which is why fibers within the CNS do not
regenerate.
Functionally, neurons are classified as afferent, efferent, or interneurons (association neurons) according to the
direction in which they transmit impulses relative to the central nervous system. Afferent, or sensory, neurons carry
impulses from peripheral sense receptors to the CNS. They usually have long dendrites and relatively short axons.
Efferent, or motor, neurons transmit impulses from the CNS to effector organs such as muscles and glands.
Efferent neurons usually have short dendrites and long axons. Interneurons, or association neurons, are located
entirely within the CNS in which they form the connecting link between the afferent and efferent neurons. They have
short dendrites and may have either a short or long axon.
Neuroglia
Neuroglia cells do not conduct nerve impulses, but instead, they support, nourish, and protect the neurons. They
are far more numerous than neurons and, unlike neurons, are capable of mitosis.
Tumors
Schwannomas are benign tumors of the peripheral nervous system which commonly occur in their sporadic, solitary
form in otherwise normal individuals. Rarely, individuals develop multiple schwannomas arising from one or many
elements of the peripheral nervous system.
Commonly called a Morton's Neuroma, this problem is a fairly common benign nerve growth and begins when the
outer coating of a nerve in your foot thickens. This thickening is caused by irritation of branches of the medial and
lateral plantar nerves that results when two bones repeatedly rub together.
Meninges
There are three layers of meninges around the brain and spinal cord. The outer layer, the dura mater, is tough white
fibrous connective tissue. The middle layer of meninges is arachnoid, which resembles a cobweb in appearance, is
a thin layer with numerous threadlike strands that attach it to the innermost layer. The space under the arachnoid,
the subarachnoid space, is filled with cerebrospinal fluid and contains blood vessels. The pia mater is the innermost
layer of meninges. This thin, delicate membrane is tightly bound to the surface of the brain and spinal cord and
cannot be dissected away without damaging the surface.
Meningiomas are tumors of the nerve tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. Although meningiomas are usually
not likely to spread, physicians often treat them as though they were malignant to treat symptoms that may develop
when a tumor applies pressure to the brain.
Brain
The brain is divided into the cerebrum, diencephalons, brain stem, and cerebellum.
Cerebrum
The largest and most obvious portion of the brain is the cerebrum, which is divided by a deep longitudinal fissure
into two cerebral hemispheres. The two hemispheres are two separate entities but are connected by an arching
band of white fibers, called the corpus callosum that provides a communication pathway between the two halves.
Each cerebral hemisphere is divided into five lobes, four of which have the same name as the bone over them: the
fontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the occipital lobe, and the temporal lobe. A fifth lobe, the insula or Island of Reil, lies
deep within the lateral sulcus.
Diencephalon
The diencephalons is centrally located and is nearly surrounded by the cerebral hemispheres. It includes the
thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. The thalamus, about 80 percent of the diencephalons, consists of two
oval masses of gray matter that serve as relay stations for sensory impulses, except for the sense of smell, going to
the cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus is a small region below the thalamus, which plays a key role in maintaining
homeostasis because it regulates many visceral activities. The epithalamus is the most dorsal portion of the
diencephalons. This small gland is involved with the onset of puberty and rhythmic cycles in the body. It is like a
biological clock.
Brain Stem
The brain stem is the region between the diencephalons and the spinal cord. It consists of three parts: midbrain,
pons, and medulla oblongata. The midbrain is the most superior portion of the brain stem. The pons is the bulging
middle portion of the brain stem. This region primarily consists of nerve fibers that form conduction tracts between
the higher brain centers and spinal cord. The medulla oblongata, or simply medulla, extends inferiorly from the
pons. It is continuous with the spinal cord at the foramen magnum. All the ascending (sensory) and descending
(motor) nerve fibers connecting the brain and spinal cord pass through the medulla.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum, the second largest portion of the brain, is located below the occipital lobes of the cerebrum. Three
paired bundles of myelinated nerve fibers, called cerebellar peduncles, form communication pathways between the
cerebellum and other parts of the central nervous system.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum at the base of the skull to the level of the first lumbar vertebra.
The cord is continuous with the medulla oblongata at the foramen magnum. Like the brain, the spinal cord is
surrounded by bone, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.
The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments with each segment giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves. At the distal
end of the cord, many spinal nerves extend beyond the conus medullaris to form a collection that resembles a
horse's tail. This is the cauda equina. In cross section, the spinal cord appears oval in shape.
1. Serving as a conduction pathway for impulses going to and from the brain. Sensory impulses travel to the brain
on ascending tracts in the cord. Motor impulses travel on descending tracts.
2. Serving as a reflex center. The reflex arc is the functional unit of the nervous system. Reflexes are responses to
stimuli that do not require conscious thought and consequently, they occur more quickly than reactions that require
thought processes. For example, with the withdrawal reflex, the reflex action withdraws the affected part before you
are aware of the pain. Many reflexes are mediated in the spinal cord without going to the higher brain centers.
Brain Tumor
Glioma refers to tumors that arise from the support cells of the brain. These cells are called glial cells. These tumors
include the astrocytomas, ependymomas and oligodendrogliomas. These tumors are the most common primary
brain tumors.
Structure of a Nerve
A nerve contains bundles of nerve fibers, either axons or dendrites, surrounded by connective tissue. Sensory
nerves contain only afferent fibers, long dendrites of sensory neurons. Motor nerves have only efferent fibers, long
axons of motor neurons. Mixed nerves contain both types of fibers.
A connective tissue sheath called the epineurium surrounds each nerve. Each bundle of nerve fibers is called a
fasciculus and is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the perineurium. Within the fasciculus, each
individual nerve fiber, with its myelin and neurilemma, is surrounded by connective tissue called the endoneurium. A
nerve may also have blood vessels enclosed in its connective tissue wrappings.
Cranial Nerves
Twelve pairs of cranial nerves emerge from the inferior surface of the brain. All of these nerves, except the vagus
nerve, pass through foramina of the skull to innervate structures in the head, neck, and facial region.
The cranial nerves are designated both by name and by Roman numerals, according to the order in which they
appear on the inferior surface of the brain. Most of the nerves have both sensory and motor components. Three of
the nerves are associated with the special senses of smell, vision, hearing, and equilibrium and have only sensory
fibers. Five other nerves are primarily motor in function but do have some sensory fibers for proprioception. The
remaining four nerves consist of significant amounts of both sensory and motor fibers.
Acoustic neuromas are benign fibrous growths that arise from the balance nerve, also called the eighth cranial
nerve or vestibulocochlear nerve. These tumors are non-malignant, meaning that they do not spread or metastasize
to other parts of the body. The location of these tumors is deep inside the skull, adjacent to vital brain centers in the
brain stem. As the tumors enlarge, they involve surrounding structures which have to do with vital functions. In the
majority of cases, these tumors grow slowly over a period of years. In other cases, the growth rate is more rapid
and patients develop symptoms at a faster pace. Usually, the symptoms are mild and many patients are not
diagnosed until some time after their tumor has developed. Many patients also exhibit no tumor growth over a
number of years when followed by yearly MRI scans.
Spinal Nerves
Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves emerge laterally from the spinal cord. Each pair of nerves corresponds to a
segment of the cord and they are named accordingly. This means there are 8 cervical nerves, 12 thoracic nerves, 5
lumbar nerves, 5 sacral nerves, and 1 coccygeal nerve.
Each spinal nerve is connected to the spinal cord by a dorsal root and a ventral root. The cell bodies of the sensory
neurons are in the dorsal root ganglion, but the motor neuron cell bodies are in the gray matter. The two roots join
to form the spinal nerve just before the nerve leaves the vertebral column. Because all spinal nerves have both
sensory and motor components, they are all mixed nerves.
The autonomic nervous system has two parts, the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. Many
visceral organs are supplied with fibers from both divisions. In this case, one stimulates and the other inhibits. This
antagonistic functional relationship serves as a balance to help maintain homeostasis.
Learning Activities
I.
Choose the key responses that best correspond to the descriptions provided in the following statements. Insert the
appropriate letter or term in the answer blanks.
Key Choices
A. Autonomic nervous system C. Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
B. Central nervous system (CNS) D. Somatic nervous system
B. Central nervous system (CNS) 1. Nervous system subdivision that is composed of the brain and spinal cord.
D. Somatic nervous system 2. Subdivision of the PNS that controls voluntary activities such as the activation of
skeletal muscles.
C. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) 3. Nervous system subdivision that is composed of the cranial and spinal
nerves and ganglia.
A. Autonomic nervous system 4. Subdivision of the PNS that regulates the activities of the heart and smooth
muscle, and of glands; it is also called the involuntary nervous system.
B. Central nervous system (CNS) 5. A major subdivision of the nervous system that interprets incoming information
and issues orders.
C. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) 6. A major subdivision of the nervous system that serves as communication
lines, linking all parts of the body to the CNS.
II.
This exercise emphasizes the difference between neurons and neuroglia. Indicate which cell type is identified by
the following descriptions. Insert the appropriate letter or term in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
A. Neurons B. Neuroglia
III.
If a statement is true, write the letter T in the answer blank. If a statement is false, correct the underlined word(s)
and write the correct word(s) in the answer blank.
POSTCENTRAL 1. The primary somatosensory area of the cerebral hemisphere(s) is found in the precentral gyrus.
TEMPORAL 2. Cortical areas involved in audition are found in the occipital lobe.
FRONTAL 3. The primary motor area in the temporal lobe is involved in the initiation of voluntary
movements.
BROCA’S 4. The specialized motor speech area is located at the base of the precentral gyrus in an area called
Wernicke’s area.
LEFT 5. The right cerebral hemisphere receives sensory input from the right side of the body.
T 6. The pyramidal tract is the major descending voluntary motor tract.
PRECENTRAL 7. The primary motor cortex is located in the postcentral gyrus.
PREMOTOR 8. Centers for control of repetitious or stereotyped motor skills are found in the primary motor
cortex.
FINGERS 9. The largest parts of the motor homunculi are the lips, tongue, and toes.
GENERAL INTERPRETATION AREA10. Sensations such as touch and pain are integrated in the primary sensory
cortex.
OCCIPITAL 11. The primary visual cortex is in the frontal lobe of each cerebral hemisphere.
T 12. In most humans, the area that controls the comprehension of language is located in the left
cerebral hemisphere.
T 13. A flat electroencephalogram (EEG) is evidence of clinical death.
ALERT 14. Beta waves are recorded when an individual is awake
and relaxed.
Mastery Test
B 1. A neuron which has a single process from the cell body is:
A. multipolar C. bipolar
B. unipolar D. monopolar
B C 2. Which of the following skin cells would form a junction with a motor neuron?
A. Keratinocyte
B. Sudoriferous glandular epithelial cell
C. Arrector pili muscle cell
D. Fibroblast
A 3. A synapse between an axon terminal and a neuron cell body is called:
A. axodendritic C. axosomatic
B. axoaxonic D. axoneuronic
A 4. Which is an incorrect association of brain region and ventricle?
A. Mesencephalon—third ventricle
B. Cerebral hemispheres—lateral ventricles
C. Pons—fourth ventricle
D. Medulla—fourth ventricle
C 5. The pineal gland is located in the:
A. hypophysis cerebri
B. mesencephalon
C. epithalamus
D. corpus callosum
C 6. Which molecule enters the axon to cause depolarization?
A. Acetylcholine C. Sodium
B. Calcium D. Potassium
B 7. When neurons in Wernicke’s area send impulses to neurons in Broca’s area, the white matter
tracts utilized are:
A. commissural fibers
B. projection fibers
C. association fibers
D. anterior funiculus
D 8. Reflexes that regulate smooth muscle and glands are:
A. monosynaptic
B. somatic
C. voluntary
D. autonomic
A B C 9. Which structures are directly involved with formation, circulation, and drainage of CSF?
A. Ependymal cilia
B. Ventricular choroid plexuses
C. Arachnoid villi
D. Serous layers of the dura mater
C 10. Golgi tendon organs can be classified as:
A. visceroreceptors C. proprioreceptors
B. exteroreceptors D. mechanoreceptors
A C 11. Cranial nerves that have some function in vision include the:
A. trochlear C. abducens
B. trigeminal D. facial
A C D 12. Eating difficulties would result from damage to the:
A. mandibular division of trigeminal nerve
B. facial nerve
C. glossopharyngeal nerve
D. vagus nerve
B D 13. If the right trapezius and sternocleidomas- toid muscles were atrophied, you would suspect
damage to the:
A. vagus nerve
B. motor branches of the cervical plexus
C. facial nerve
D. accessory nerve
B 14. Which nerve stimulates muscles that flex the forearm?
A. Ulnar C. Radial
B. Musculocutaneous D. Median
A 15. Motor functions of arm, forearm, and fingers would be affected by damage to which one of
these nerves?
A. Radial C. Ulnar
B. Axillary D. Median
D 16. An inability to extend the leg would result from a loss of function of the:
A. lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
B. ilioinguinal nerve
C. saphenous branch of femoral nerve
D. femoral nerve
UNIT 6
The Cardiovascular System
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Complete the following statements by inserting your answers in the answer blanks.
The heart is a cone-shaped muscular organ located within the thorax. Its apex rests on the diaphragm, and its base
is at the level of the second rib. The coronary arteries that nourish the myocardium arise from the aorta. The
coronary sinus empties into the right atrium. Relative to the roles of the heart chambers, the atria are receiving
chambers, whereas the ventricles are discharging chambers. The membrane that lines the heart and also forms the
valve flaps is called the endocardium. The outermost layer of the heart is called the epicardium. The fluid that fills
the pericardial sac acts to decrease friction during heart activity. The heart muscle, or myocardium, is composed of
a specialized type of muscle tissue called cardiac.
Content
The cardiovascular system is sometimes called the blood-vascular, or simply the circulatory, system. It consists of
the heart, which is a muscular pumping device, and a closed system of vessels called arteries, veins, and
capillaries. As the name implies, blood contained in the circulatory system is pumped by the heart around a closed
circle or circuit of vessels as it passes again and again through the various "circulations" of the body.
As in the adult, survival of the developing embryo depends on the circulation of blood to maintain homeostasis and
a favorable cellular environment. In response to this need, the cardiovascular system makes its appearance early in
development and reaches a functional state long before any other major organ system. Incredible as it seems, the
primitive heart begins to beat regularly early in the fourth week following fertilization.
The vital role of the cardiovascular system in maintaining homeostasis depends on the continuous and controlled
movement of blood through the thousands of miles of capillaries that permeate every tissue and reach every cell in
the body. It is in the microscopic capillaries that blood performs its ultimate transport function. Nutrients and other
essential materials pass from capillary blood into fluids surrounding the cells as waste products are removed.
Numerous control mechanisms help to regulate and integrate the diverse functions and component parts of the
cardiovascular system in order to supply blood to specific body areas according to need. These mechanisms
ensure a constant internal environment surrounding each body cell regardless of differing demands for nutrients or
production of waste products.
Heart
The heart is a muscular pump that provides the force necessary to circulate the blood to all the tissues in the body.
Its function is vital because, to survive, the tissues need a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients, and metabolic
waste products have to be removed. Deprived of these necessities, cells soon undergo irreversible changes that
lead to death. While blood is the transport medium, the heart is the organ that keeps the blood moving through the
vessels. The normal adult heart pumps about 5 liters of blood every minute throughout life. If it loses its pumping
effectiveness for even a few minutes, the individual's life is jeopardized.
The heart is enclosed in a pericardial sac that is lined with the parietal layers of a serous membrane. The visceral
layer of the serous membrane forms the epicardium.
Right atrium
Right ventricle
Left atrium
Left ventricle
The two atria are thin-walled chambers that receive blood from the veins. The two ventricles are thick-walled
chambers that forcefully pump blood out of the heart.
Differences in thickness of the heart chamber walls are due to variations in the amount of myocardium present,
which reflects the amount of force each chamber is required to generate.
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from systemic veins; the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from
the pulmonary veins.
The right atrioventricular valve is the tricuspid valve. The left atrioventricular valve is the bicuspid, or mitral, valve.
The valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary trunk is the pulmonary semilunar valve. The valve between the
left ventricle and the aorta is the aortic semilunar valve.
When the ventricles contract, atrioventricular valves close to prevent blood from flowing back into the atria. When
the ventricles relax, semilunar valves close to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles.
The right and left coronary arteries, branches of the ascending aorta, supply blood to the walls of the myocardium.
After blood passes through the capillaries in the myocardium, it enters a system of cardiac (coronary) veins. Most of
the cardiac veins drain into the coronary sinus, which opens into the right atrium.
Cardiac Cycle
The cardiac cycle refers to the alternating contraction and relaxation of the myocardium in the walls of the heart
chambers, coordinated by the conduction system, during one
heartbeat. Systole is the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, and diastole is the relaxation phase. At a normal
heart rate, one cardiac cycle lasts for 0.8 second.
Heart Sounds
The sounds associated with the heartbeat are due to vibrations in the tissues and blood caused by closure of the
valves. Abnormal heart sounds are called murmurs.
Heart Rate
The sinoatrial node, acting alone, produces a constant rhythmic heart rate. Regulating factors are reliant on the
atrioventricular node to increase or decrease the heart rate to adjust cardiac output to meet the changing needs of
the body. Most changes in the heart rate are mediated through the cardiac center in the medulla oblongata of the
brain. The center has both sympathetic and parasympathetic components that adjust the heart rate to meet the
changing needs of the body.
Peripheral factors such as emotions, ion concentrations, and body temperature may affect heart rate. These are
usually mediated through the cardiac center.
Blood
Blood is the fluid of life, transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissue and carbon dioxide from body tissue to
the lungs. Blood is the fluid of growth, transporting nourishment from digestion and hormones from glands
throughout the body. Blood is the fluid of health, transporting disease-fighting substances to the tissue and waste to
the kidneys. Because it contains living cells, blood is alive. Red blood cells and white blood cells are responsible for
nourishing and cleansing the body.
Arteries
Arteries carry blood away from the heart. Pulmonary arteries transport blood that has a low oxygen content from the
right ventricle to the lungs. Systemic arteries transport oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body tissues.
Blood is pumped from the ventricles into large elastic arteries that branch repeatedly into smaller and smaller
arteries until the branching results in microscopic arteries called arterioles. The arterioles play a key role in
regulating blood flow into the tissue capillaries. About 10 percent of the total blood volume is in the systemic arterial
system at any given time.
The wall of an artery consists of three layers. The innermost layer, the tunica intima (also called tunica interna), is
simple squamous epithelium surrounded by a connective tissue basement membrane with elastic fibers. The middle
layer, the tunica media, is primarily smooth muscle and is usually the thickest layer. It not only provides support for
the vessel but also changes vessel diameter to regulate blood flow and blood pressure. The outermost layer, which
attaches the vessel to the surrounding tissue, is the tunica externa or tunica adventitia. This layer is connective
tissue with varying amounts of elastic and collagenous fibers. The connective tissue in this layer is quite dense
where it is adjacent to the tunic media, but it changes to loose connective tissue near the periphery of the vessel.
Capillaries
Capillaries, the smallest and most numerous of the blood vessels, form the connection between the vessels that
carry blood away from the heart (arteries) and the vessels that return blood to the heart (veins). The primary
function of capillaries is the exchange of materials between the blood and tissue cells.
Capillary distribution varies with the metabolic activity of body tissues. Tissues such as skeletal muscle, liver, and
kidney have extensive capillary networks because they are metabolically active and require an abundant supply of
oxygen and nutrients. Other tissues, such as connective tissue, have a less abundant supply of capillaries. The
epidermis of the skin and the lens and cornea of the eye completely lack a capillary network. About 5 percent of the
total blood volume is in the systemic capillaries at any given time. Another 10 percent is in the lungs.
Smooth muscle cells in the arterioles where they branch to form capillaries regulate blood flow from the arterioles
into the capillaries.
Veins
Veins carry blood toward the heart. After blood passes through the capillaries, it enters the smallest veins, called
venules. From the venules, it flows into progressively larger and larger veins until it reaches the heart. In the
pulmonary circuit, the pulmonary veins transport blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. This blood has
a high oxygen content because it has just been oxygenated in the lungs. Systemic veins transport blood from the
body tissue to the right atrium of the heart. This blood has a reduced oxygen content because the oxygen has been
used for metabolic activities in the tissue cells.
The walls of veins have the same three layers as the arteries. Although all the layers are present, there is less
smooth muscle and connective tissue. This makes the walls of veins thinner than those of arteries, which is related
to the fact that blood in the veins has less pressure than in the arteries. Because the walls of the veins are thinner
and less rigid than arteries, veins can hold more blood. Almost 70 percent of the total blood volume is in the veins at
any given time. Medium and large veins have venous valves, similar to the semilunar valves associated with the
heart, that help keep the blood flowing toward the heart. Venous valves are especially important in the arms and
legs, where they prevent the backflow of blood in response to the pull of gravity.
Physiology of Circulation
Roles of Capillaries
Illustration of capillary microcirculation
In addition to forming the connection between the arteries and veins, capillaries have a vital role in the exchange of
gases, nutrients, and metabolic waste products between the blood and the tissue cells. Substances pass through
the capillary wall by diffusion, filtration, and osmosis. Oxygen and carbon dioxide move across the capillary wall by
diffusion. Fluid movement across a capillary wall is determined by a combination of hydrostatic and osmotic
pressure. The net result of the capillary microcirculation created by hydrostatic and osmotic pressure is that
substances leave the blood at one end of the capillary and return at the other end.
Blood Flow
Blood flow refers to the movement of blood through the vessels from arteries to the capillaries and then into the
veins. Pressure is a measure of the force that the blood exerts against the vessel walls as it moves the blood
through the vessels. Like all fluids, blood flows from a high pressure area to a region with lower pressure. Blood
flows in the same direction as the decreasing pressure gradient: arteries to capillaries to veins.
The rate, or velocity, of blood flow varies inversely with the total cross-sectional area of the blood vessels. As the
total cross-sectional area of the vessels increases, the velocity of flow decreases. Blood flow is slowest in the
capillaries, which allows time for exchange of gases and nutrients.
Resistance is a force that opposes the flow of a fluid. In blood vessels, most of the resistance is due to vessel
diameter. As vessel diameter decreases, the resistance increases and blood flow decreases.
Very little pressure remains by the time blood leaves the capillaries and enters the venules. Blood flow through the
veins is not the direct result of ventricular contraction. Instead, venous return depends on skeletal muscle action,
respiratory movements, and constriction of smooth muscle in venous walls.
In common usage, the term blood pressure refers to arterial blood pressure, the pressure in the aorta and its
branches. Systolic pressure is due to ventricular contraction. Diastolic pressure occurs during cardiac relaxation.
Pulse pressure is the difference between
systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer and is recorded
as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. Four major factors interact to affect blood pressure: cardiac
output, blood volume, peripheral resistance, and viscosity. When these factors increase, blood pressure also
increases.
Arterial blood pressure is maintained within normal ranges by changes in cardiac output and peripheral resistance.
Pressure receptors (barareceptors), located in the walls of the large arteries in the thorax and neck, are important
for short-term blood pressure regulation.
Circulatory Pathways
The blood vessels of the body are functionally divided into two distinctive circuits: pulmonary circuit and systemic
circuit. The pump for the pulmonary circuit, which circulates blood through the lungs, is the right ventricle. The left
ventricle is the pump for the systemic circuit, which provides the blood supply for the tissue cells of the body.
Pulmonary Circuit
Pulmonary circulation transports oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, where blood picks up a
new blood supply. Then it returns the oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium.
Systemic Circuit
The systemic circulation provides the functional blood supply to all body tissue. It carries oxygen and nutrients to
the cells and picks up carbon dioxide and waste products. Systemic circulation carries oxygenated blood from the
left ventricle, through the arteries, to the capillaries in the tissues of the body. From the tissue capillaries, the
deoxygenated blood returns through a system of veins to the right atrium of the heart.
The coronary arteries are the only vessels that branch from the ascending aorta. The brachiocephalic, left common
carotid, and left subclavian arteries branch from the aortic arch. Blood supply for the brain is provided by the
internal carotid and vertebral arteries. The subclavian arteries provide the blood supply for the upper extremity. The
celiac, superior mesenteric, suprarenal, renal, gonadal, and inferior mesenteric arteries branch from the abdominal
aorta to supply the abdominal viscera. Lumbar arteries provide blood for the muscles and spinal cord. Branches of
the external iliac artery provide the blood supply for the lower extremity. The internal iliac artery supplies the pelvic
viscera.
Fetal Circulation
Most circulatory pathways in a fetus are like those in the adult but there are some notable differences because the
lungs, the gastrointestinal tract, and the kidneys are not functioning before birth. The fetus obtains its oxygen and
nutrients from the mother and also depends on maternal circulation to carry away the carbon dioxide and waste
products.
The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries to carry fetal blood to the placenta and one umbilical vein to carry
oxygen-and-nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus. The ductus venosus allows blood to bypass the
immature liver in fetal circulation. The foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus are modifications that permit blood to
bypass the lungs in fetal circulation.
Learning Activities
I.
The heart is called a double pump because it serves two circulations. Trace the flow of blood through the pulmonary
and systemic circulations by writing the missing terms in the answer blanks.
From the right atrium through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle, through the pulmonary semilunar valve to the
pulmonary trunk to the right and left pulmonary arteries, to the capillary beds of the lungs to the pulmonary veins to
the left atrium of the heart through the mitral (bicuspid) valve, to the left ventricle through the aortic semilunar valve,
to the aorta to the systemic arteries, to the capillary beds of the body tissues, to the systemic veins, to the superior
vena cava and inferior vena cava which enter the right atrium of the heart.
II.
Circle the term that does not belong in each of the following groupings.
III.
Indicate what effect the following factors have on blood pressure. Indicate an increase in pressure by I and a
decrease in pressure by D. Place the correct letter response in the answer blanks.
Mastery Test
ABCD 9. Which of the regulatory chemicals listed involve or target the kidneys?
A. Angiotensin C. ADH
B. Aldosterone D. ANP
B 22. A stroke that occludes a posterior cerebral artery will most likely affect:
A. hearing
B. vision
C. smell
D. higher thought processes
D 23. Tracing the drainage of the superficial venous blood from the leg, we find that blood enters the
great saphenous vein, femoral vein, inferior vena cava, and right atrium. Which veins are
missing from that sequence?
A. Coronary sinus and superior vena cava
B. Posterior tibial and popliteal
C. Fibular (peroneal) and popliteal
D. External and common iliacs
D 24. Tracing the drainage of venous blood from the small intestine, we find that blood enters the superior
mesenteric vein, hepatic vein, inferior vena cava, and right atrium. Which vessels are missing from
that sequence?
A. Coronary sinus and left atrium
B. Celiac and common hepatic veins
C. Internal and common iliac veins
D. Hepatic portal vein and liver sinusoids
UNIT 7
The Respiratory System
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Circle the term that does not belong in each of the following groupings.
1. Sphenoidal Maxillary Mandibular Ethmoidal Frontal
Content
When the respiratory system is mentioned, people generally think of breathing, but breathing is only one of the
activities of the respiratory system. The body cells need a continuous supply of oxygen for the metabolic processes
that are necessary to maintain life. The respiratory system works with the circulatory system to provide this oxygen
and to remove the waste products of metabolism. It also helps to regulate pH of the blood.
Respiration is the sequence of events that results in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the
atmosphere and the body cells. Every 3 to 5 seconds, nerve impulses stimulate the breathing process, or
ventilation, which moves air through a series of passages into and out of the lungs. After this, there is an exchange
of gases between the lungs and the blood. This is called external respiration. The blood transports the gases to and
from the tissue cells. The exchange of gases between the blood and tissue cells is internal respiration. Finally, the
cells utilize the oxygen for their specific activities: this is called cellular metabolism, or cellular respiration. Together,
these activities constitute respiration.
Mechanics of Ventilation
Ventilation, or breathing, is the movement of air through the conducting passages between the atmosphere and the
lungs. The air moves through the passages because of pressure gradients that are produced by contraction of the
diaphragm and thoracic muscles.
Pulmonary ventilation
Pulmonary ventilation is commonly referred to as breathing. It is the process of air flowing into the lungs during
inspiration (inhalation) and out of the lungs during expiration (exhalation). Air flows because of pressure differences
between the atmosphere and the gases inside the lungs.
Air, like other gases, flows from a region with higher pressure to a region with lower pressure. Muscular breathing
movements and recoil of elastic tissues create the changes in pressure that result in ventilation. Pulmonary
ventilation involves three different pressures:
Atmospheric pressure
Intraalveolar (intrapulmonary) pressure
Intrapleural pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure of the air outside the body. Intraalveolar pressure is the pressure inside the
alveoli of the lungs. Intrapleural pressure is the pressure within the pleural cavity. These three pressures are
responsible for pulmonary ventilation.
Inspiration
Inspiration (inhalation) is the process of taking air into the lungs. It is the active phase of ventilation because it is the
result of muscle contraction. During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and the thoracic cavity increases in
volume. This decreases the intraalveolar pressure so that air flows into the lungs. Inspiration draws air into the
lungs.
Expiration
Expiration (exhalation) is the process of letting air out of the lungs during the breathing cycle. During expiration, the
relaxation of the diaphragm and elastic recoil of tissue decreases the thoracic volume and increases the
intraalveolar pressure. Expiration pushes air out of the lungs.
An instrument called a spirometer is used to measure the volume of air that moves into and out of the lungs, and
the process of taking the measurements is called spirometry. Respiratory (pulmonary) volumes are an important
aspect of pulmonary function testing because they can provide information about the physical condition of the
lungs.
Factors such as age, sex, body build, and physical conditioning have an influence on lung volumes and capacities.
Lungs usually reach their maximumin capacity in early adulthood and decline with age after that.
Conducting Passages
Illustration of the conducting passages of the upper and lower respiratory tracts
The respiratory conducting passages are divided into the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The
upper respiratory tract includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx. The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea,
bronchial tree, and lungs. These tracts open to the outside and are lined with mucous membranes. In some regions,
the membrane has hairs that help filter the air. Other regions may have cilia to propel mucus.
Paranasal Sinuses
Paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the frontal, maxilae, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones. These sinuses, which
have the same names as the bones in which they are located, surround the nasal cavity and open into it. They
function to reduce the weight of the skull, to produce mucus, and to influence voice quality by acting as resonating
chambers.
Pharynx
The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the
sixth cervical vertebra. It serves both the respiratory and digestive systems by receiving air from the nasal cavity
and air, food, and water from the oral cavity. Inferiorly, it opens into the larynx and esophagus. The pharynx is
divided into three regions according to location: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx
(hypopharynx).
The nasopharynx is the portion of the pharynx that is posterior to the nasal cavity and extends inferiorly to the
uvula. The oropharynx is the portion of the pharynx that is posterior to the oral cavity. The most inferior portion of
the pharynx is the laryngopharynx that extends from the hyoid bone down to the lower margin of the larynx.
The upper part of the pharynx (throat) lets only air pass through. Lower parts permit air, foods, and fluids to pass.
The pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual tonsils are located in the pharynx. They are also called Waldereyer's Ring.
The retromolar trigone is the small area behind the wisdom teeth.
The larynx plays an essential role in human speech. During sound production, the vocal cords close together and
vibrate as air expelled from the lungs passes between them. The false vocal cords have no role in sound
production, but help close off the larynx when food is swallowed.
The thyroid cartilage is the Adam's apple. The epiglottis acts like a trap door to keep food and other particles from
entering the larynx.
Trachea
The trachea, commonly called the windpipe, is the main airway to the lungs. It divides into the right and left bronchi
at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra, channeling air to the right or left lung.
The hyaline cartilage in the tracheal wall provides support and keeps the trachea from collapsing. The posterior soft
tissue allows for expansion of the esophagus, which is immediately posterior to the trachea.
The mucous membrane that lines the trachea is ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium similar to that in the
nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Goblet cells produce mucus that traps airborne particles and microorganisms, and
the cilia propel the mucus upward, where it is either swallowed or expelled.
The cartilage and mucous membrane of the primary bronchi are similar to that in the trachea. As the branching
continues through the bronchial tree, the amount of hyaline cartilage in the walls decreases until it is absent in the
smallest bronchioles. As the cartilage decreases, the amount of smooth muscle increases. The mucous membrane
also undergoes a transition from ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium to simple cuboidal epithelium to
simple squamous epithelium.
The alveolar ducts and alveoli consist primarily of simple squamous epithelium, which permits rapid diffusion of
oxygen and carbon dioxide. Exchange of gases between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries occurs
across the walls of the alveolar ducts and alveoli.
Lungs
The two lungs, which contain all the components of the bronchial tree beyond the primary bronchi, occupy most of
the space in the thoracic cavity. The lungs are soft and spongy because they are mostly air spaces surrounded by
the alveolar cells and elastic connective tissue. They are separated from each other by the mediastinum, which
contains the heart. The only point of attachment for each lung is at the hilum, or root, on the medial side. This is
where the bronchi, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves enter the lungs.
The right lung is shorter, broader, and has a greater volume than the left lung. It is divided into three lobes and each
lobe is supplied by one of the secondary bronchi. The left lung is longer and narrower than the right lung. It has an
indentation, called the cardiac notch, on its medial surface for the apex of the heart. The left lung has two lobes.
Each lung is enclosed by a double-layered serous membrane, called the pleura. The visceral pleura is firmly
attached to the surface of the lung. At the hilum, the visceral pleura is continuous with the parietal pleura that lines
the wall of the thorax. The small space between the visceral and parietal pleurae is the pleural cavity. It contains a
thin film of serous fluid that is produced by the pleura. The fluid acts as a lubricant to reduce friction as the two
layers slide against each other, and it helps to hold the two layers together as the lungs inflate and deflate.
Learning Activities
I.
Using the key choices, select the terms identified in the following descriptions by inserting the appropriate term or
letter in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
II.
Using the key choices, select the terms identified in the following descriptions by inserting the appropriate term or
letter in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
A. Atmospheric pressure B. Intrapulmonary pressure C. Intrapleural pressure
III.
Use the key choices to respond to the following descriptions. Insert the correct term or letter in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
A. External respiration C. Inspiration E. Ventilation (breathing)
B. Expiration D. Internal respiration
s
Mastery Test
B, D. 1. Structures that are part of the respiratory zone include:
A. terminal bronchioles
B. respiratory bronchioles
C. tertiary bronchi
D. alveolar ducts
D. 7. An examination of a lobe of the lung reveals many branches off the main
passageway.
These branches are:
A. main bronchi
C. tertiary bronchi
B. lobar bronchi
D. segmental bronchi
C. 16. Which of the following changes accompanies the loss of elasticity associated with
aging?
A. Increase in tidal volume
B. Increase in inspiratory reserve volume
C. Increase in residual volume
D. Increase in vital capacity
UNIT 8
The Digestive System
Learning Outcomes
describe the structure and function of the organs of the digestive system;
define the different process in the digestive system; and
explain the roles of enzymes and gastric secretions in digestion.
Pretest
Complete the following statements by inserting your answers in the answer blanks.
The digestive system is responsible for many body processes. Its functions begin when food is taken into the
mouth, or Oral cavity. The process called Digestion occurs as food is broken down both chemically and
mechanically. For the broken-down foods to be made available to the body cells, they must be absorbed through
the digestive system walls into the Blood. Undigestible food remains are removed, or Eliminated or excreted, from
the body in Feces. The organs forming a continuous tube from the mouth to the anus are collectively called the
Alimentary canal or GI tract. Organs located outside the digestive tract proper, which secrete their products into the
digestive tract, are referred to as Accessory digestive system organs.
Content
The digestive system includes the digestive tract and its accessory organs, which process food into molecules that
can be absorbed and utilized by the cells of the body. Food is broken down, bit by bit, until the molecules are small
enough to be absorbed and the waste products are eliminated. The digestive tract, also called the alimentary canal
or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, consists of a long continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It includes
the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The tongue and teeth are accessory
structures located in the mouth. The salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are major accessory organs
that have a role in digestion. These organs secrete fluids into the digestive tract.
Digestion
Absorption
Elimination
Digestion and absorption occur in the digestive tract. After the nutrients are absorbed, they are available to all cells
in the body and are utilized by the body cells in metabolism.
The digestive system prepares nutrients for utilization by body cells through six activities, or functions.
Ingestion
The first activity of the digestive system is to take in food through the mouth. This process, called ingestion, has to
take place before anything else can happen.
Mechanical Digestion
The large pieces of food that are ingested have to be broken into smaller particles that can be acted upon by
various enzymes. This is mechanical digestion, which begins in the mouth with chewing or mastication and
continues with churning and mixing actions in the stomach.
Chemical Digestion
The complex molecules of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are transformed by chemical digestion into smaller
molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the cells. Chemical digestion, through a process called hydrolysis,
uses water and digestive enzymes to break down the complex molecules. Digestive enzymes speed up the
hydrolysis process, which is otherwise very slow.
Movements
After ingestion and mastication, the food particles move from the mouth into the pharynx, then into the esophagus.
This movement is deglutition, or swallowing. Mixing movements occur in the stomach as a result of smooth muscle
contraction. These repetitive contractions usually occur in small segments of the digestive tract and mix the food
particles with enzymes and other fluids. The movements that propel the food particles through the digestive tract
are called peristalsis. These are rhythmic waves of contractions that move the food particles through the various
regions in which mechanical and chemical digestion takes place.
Absorption
The simple molecules that result from chemical digestion pass through cell membranes of the lining in the small
intestine into the blood or lymph capillaries. This process is called absorption.
Elimination
The food molecules that cannot be digested or absorbed need to be eliminated from the body. The removal of
indigestible wastes through the anus, in the form of feces, is defecation or elimination.
Mucosa
Submucosa
Muscular layer
Serous layer or serosa
The mucosa, or mucous membrane layer, is the innermost tunic of the wall. It lines the lumen of the digestive tract.
The mucosa consists of epithelium, an underlying loose connective tissue layer called lamina propria, and a thin
layer of smooth muscle called the muscularis mucosa. In certain regions, the mucosa develops folds that increase
the surface area. Certain cells in the mucosa secrete mucus, digestive enzymes, and hormones. Ducts from other
glands pass through the mucosa to the lumen. In the mouth and anus, where thickness for protection against
abrasion is needed, the epithelium is stratified squamous tissue. The stomach and intestines have a thin simple
columnar epithelial layer for secretion and absorption.
The submucosa is a thick layer of loose connective tissue that surrounds the mucosa. This layer also contains
blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Glands may be embedded in this layer.
The smooth muscle responsible for movements of the digestive tract is arranged in two layers, an inner circular
layer and an outer longitudinal layer. The myenteric plexus is between the two muscle layers.
Above the diaphragm, the outermost layer of the digestive tract is a connective tissue called adventitia. Below the
diaphragm, it is called serosa.
Regions of the digestive system can be divided into two main parts: the alimentary tract and accessory organs. The
alimentary tract of the digestive system is composed of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large
intestines, rectum and anus. Associated with the alimentary tract are the following accessory organs: salivary
glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Mouth
The mouth, or oral cavity, is the first part of the digestive tract. It is adapted to receive food by ingestion, break it
into small particles by mastication, and mix it with saliva. The lips, cheeks, and palate form the boundaries. The oral
cavity contains the teeth and tongue and receives the secretions from the salivary glands.
Lips and Cheeks
The lips and cheeks help hold food in the mouth and keep it in place for chewing. They are also used in the
formation of words for speech. The lips contain numerous sensory receptors that are useful for judging the
temperature and texture of foods.
Palate
The palate is the roof of the oral cavity. It separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. The anterior portion, the
hard palate, is supported by bone. The posterior portion, the soft palate, is skeletal muscle and connective tissue.
Posteriorly, the soft palate ends in a projection called the uvula. During swallowing, the soft palate and uvula move
upward to direct food away from the nasal cavity and into the oropharynx.
Tongue
The tongue manipulates food in the mouth and is used in speech. The surface is covered with papillae that provide
friction and contain the taste buds.
Teeth
A complete set of deciduous (primary) teeth contains 20 teeth. There are 32 teeth in a complete permanent
(secondary) set. The shape of each tooth type corresponds to the way it handles food.
Pharynx
Food is forced into the pharynx by the tongue. When food reaches the opening, sensory receptors around the
fauces respond and initiate an involuntary swallowing reflex. This reflex action has several parts. The uvula is
elevated to prevent food from entering the nasopharynx. The epiglottis drops downward to prevent food from
entering the larynx and trachea in order to direct the food into the esophagus. Peristaltic movements propel the food
from the pharynx into the esophagus.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a collapsible muscular tube that serves as a passageway between the pharynx and stomach. As
it descends, it is posterior to the trachea and anterior to the vertebral column. It passes through an opening in the
diaphragm, called the esophageal hiatus, and then empties into the stomach. The mucosa has glands that secrete
mucus to keep the lining moist and well lubricated to ease the passage of food. Upper and lower esophageal
sphincters control the movement of food into and out of the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter is
sometimes called the cardiac sphincter and resides at the esophagogastric junction.
Stomach
The stomach, which receives food from the esophagus, is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. The
stomach is divided into the fundic, cardiac, body, and pyloric regions. The lesser and greater curvatures are on the
right and left sides, respectively, of the stomach.
Gastric Secretions
The mucosal lining of the stomach is simple columnar epithelium with numerous tubular gastric glands. The gastric
glands open to the surface of the mucosa through tiny holes called gastric pits. Four different types of cells make up
the gastric glands:
Mucous cells
Parietal cells
Chief cells
Endocrine cells
The secretions of the exocrine gastric glands - composed of the mucous, parietal, and chief cells - make up the
gastric juice. The products of the endocrine cells are secreted directly into the bloodstream and are not a part of the
gastric juice. The endocrine cells secrete the hormone gastrin, which functions in the regulation of gastric activity.
Stomach Emptying
Relaxation of the pyloric sphincter allows chyme to pass from the stomach into the small intestine. The rate of which
this occurs depends on the nature of the chyme and the receptivity of the small intestine.
The small intestine is divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine follows the general
structure of the digestive tract in that the wall has a mucosa with simple columnar epithelium, submucosa, smooth
muscle with inner circular and outer longitudinal layers, and serosa. The absorptive surface area of the small
intestine is increased by plicae circulares, villi, and microvilli.
Exocrine cells in the mucosa of the small intestine secrete mucus, peptidase, sucrase, maltase, lactase, lipase, and
enterokinase. Endocrine cells secrete cholecystokinin and secretin.
The most important factor for regulating secretions in the small intestine is the presence of chyme. This is largely a
local reflex action in response to chemical and mechanical irritation from the chyme and in response to distention of
the intestinal wall. This is a direct reflex action, thus the greater the amount of chyme, the greater the secretion.
The large intestine is larger in diameter than the small intestine. It begins at the ileocecal junction, where the ileum
enters the large intestine, and ends at the anus. The large intestine consists of the colon, rectum, and anal canal.
The wall of the large intestine has the same types of tissue that are found in other parts of the digestive tract but
there are some distinguishing characteristics. The mucosa has a large number of goblet cells but does not have any
villi. The longitudinal muscle layer, although present, is incomplete. The longitudinal muscle is limited to three
distinct bands, called teniae coli, that run the entire length of the colon. Contraction of the teniae coli exerts
pressure on the wall and creates a series of pouches, called haustra, along the colon. Epiploic appendages, pieces
of fat-filled connective tissue, are attached to the outer surface of the colon.
Unlike the small intestine, the large intestine produces no digestive enzymes. Chemical digestion is completed in
the small intestine before the chyme reaches the large intestine. Functions of the large intestine include the
absorption of water and electrolytes and the elimination of feces.
The last 2 to 3 cm of the digestive tract is the anal canal, which continues from the rectum and opens to the outside
at the anus. The mucosa of the rectum is folded to form longitudinal anal columns. The smooth muscle layer is thick
and forms the internal anal sphincter at the superior end of the anal canal. This sphincter is under involuntary
control. There is an external anal sphincter at the inferior end of the anal canal. This sphincter is composed of
skeletal muscle and is under voluntary control.
The salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are not part of the digestive tract, but they have a role in
digestive activities and are considered accessory organs.
Salivary Glands
Three pairs of major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands) and numerous smaller ones
secrete saliva into the oral cavity, where it is mixed with food during mastication. Saliva contains water, mucus, and
enzyme amylase. Functions of saliva include the following:
Liver
The liver is located primarily in the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions of the abdomen, just beneath the
diaphragm. It is the largest gland in the body. On the surface, the liver is divided into two major lobes and two
smaller lobes. The functional units of the liver are lobules with sinusoids that carry blood from the periphery to the
central vein of the lobule.
The liver receives blood from two sources. Freshly oxygenated blood is brought to the liver by the common hepatic
artery, a branch of the celiac trunk from the abdominal aorta. Blood that is rich in nutrients from the digestive tract is
carried to the liver by the hepatic portal vein.
The liver has a wide variety of functions and many of these are vital to life. Hepatocytes perform most of the
functions attributed to the liver, but the phagocytic Kupffer cells that line the sinusoids are responsible for cleansing
the blood.
secretion
synthesis of bile salts
synthesis of plasma protein
storage
detoxification
excretion
carbohyrate metabolism
lipid metabolism
protein metabolism
filtering
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that is attached to the visceral surface of the liver by the cystic duct. The
principal function of the gallbladder is to serve as a storage reservoir for bile. Bile is a yellowish-green fluid
produced by liver cells. The main components of bile are water, bile salts, bile pigments, and cholesterol.
Bile salts act as emulsifying agents in the digestion and absorption of fats. Cholesterol and bile pigments from the
breakdown of hemoglobin are excreted from the body in the bile.
Pancreas
The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine portion consists of the scattered islets of
Langerhans, which secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood. The exocrine portion is the major part
of the gland. It consists of pancreatic acinar cells that secrete digestive enzymes into tiny ducts interwoven between
the cells. Pancreatic enzymes include anylase, trypsin, peptidase, and lipase. Pancreatic secretions are controlled
by the hormones secretin and cholecystokinin.
Learning Activities
I.
Various types of glands secrete substances into the alimentary tube. Match the glands listed in Column B to the
functions/locations described in Column A. Place the correct term or letter response in the answer blanks.
Column A Column B
II.
Using the key choices, select the terms identified in the following descriptions by inserting the appropriate term or
letter in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
J. Mesentery 1. Structure that suspends the small intestine from the posterior body wall
X. Villi 2. Finger-like extensions of the intestinal mucosa that increase the surface area
N. Peyer’s patches 3. Collections of lymphatic tissue found in the submucosa of the
small intestine
P. Plicae circulares 4. Folds of the small intestine wall
L. Oral cavity; U. Stomach 5. Two anatomical regions involved in the mechanical breakdown of food
V. Tongue 6. Organ that mixes food in the mouth
O. Pharynx 7. Common passage for food and air
I. Lesser omentum 8. Three extensions/modifications of the peritoneum
E. Greater omentum and J. Mesentery ,
D. Esophagus 9. Literally a food chute; has no digestive or absorptive role
R. Rugae 10. Folds of the stomach mucosa
G. Haustra 11. Saclike outpocketings of the large intestine wall
K. Microvilli 12. Projections of the plasma membrane of a cell that increase the cell’s
surface area
H. Ileocecal valve 13. Prevents food from moving back into the small intestine once it has entered the
large intestine
S. Small intestine 14. Organ responsible for most food and water absorption
C. Colon 15. Organ primarily involved in water absorption and feces formation
W. Vestibule 16. Area between the teeth and lips/cheeks
B. Appendix 17. Blind sac hanging from the initial part of the colon
U. Stomach 18. Organ in which protein digestion begins
I. Lesser omentum 19. Membrane attached to the lesser curvature of the stomach
S. Small intestine 20. Organ into which the stomach empties
Q. Pyloric sphincter (valve) 21. Sphincter controlling the movement of food from the stomach into the duodenum
T. Soft palate 22. Uvula hangs from its posterior edge
S. Small intestine 23. Organ that receives pancreatic juice and bile
M. Parietal peritoneum 24. Serosa of the abdominal cavity wall
A. Anal canal 25. Region, containing two sphincters, through which feces are
expelled from the body
F. Hard palate 26. Anterosuperior boundary of the oral cavity; supported by bone
Y. Visceral peritoneum 27. Serous membrane forming part of the wall of the small intestine
Mastery Test
UNIT 9
The Urinary System
Learning Outcomes
describe the parts of the urinary system and give the functions of each;
name the processes involved in urine formation; and
explain the significance of maintaining fluid and electrolyte balances.
Pretest
The kidney is referred to as an excretory organ because it excretes nitrogenous wastes. It is also a major
homeostatic organ because it maintains the electrolyte, water and acid-base balance of the blood. Urine is
continuously formed by the kidneys and is routed down the ureters by the mechanism of peristalsis to a storage
organ called the urinary bladder. Eventually the urine is conducted to the body exterior by the exterior. In males, this
tubelike structure is about 7.1 to 7.9 inches long; in females, it is approximately 1.5 inches long.
Content
The principal function of the urinary system is to maintain the volume and composition of body fluids within normal
limits. One aspect of this function is to rid the body of waste products that accumulate as a result of cellular
metabolism, and, because of this, it is sometimes referred to as the excretory system.
Although the urinary system has a major role in excretion, other organs contribute to the excretory function. The
lungs in the respiratory system excrete some waste products, such as carbon dioxide and water. The skin is
another excretory organ that rids the body of wastes through the sweat glands. The liver and intestines excrete bile
pigments that result from the destruction of hemoglobin. The major task of excretion still belongs to the urinary
system. If it fails the other organs cannot take over and compensate adequately.
The urinary system maintains an appropriate fluid volume by regulating the amount of water that is excreted in the
urine. Other aspects of its function include regulating the concentrations of various electrolytes in the body fluids
and maintaining normal pH of the blood.
In addition to maintaining fluid homeostasis in the body, the urinary system controls red blood cell production by
secreting the hormone erythropoietin. The urinary system also plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure by
secreting the enzyme renin.
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The kidneys form the urine and
account for the other functions attributed to the urinary system. The ureters carry the urine away from kidneys to the
urinary bladder, which is a temporary reservoir for the urine. The urethra is a tubular structure that carries the urine
from the urinary bladder to the outside.
Kidneys
Ureters
Urinary Bladder
Urethra
Kidneys
The kidneys are the primary organs of the urinary system. The kidneys are the organs that filter the blood, remove
the wastes, and excrete the wastes in the urine. They are the organs that perform the functions of the urinary
system. The other components are accessory structures to eliminate the urine from the body.
The paired kidneys are located between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae, one on each side of the
vertebral column. The right kidney usually is slightly lower than the left because the liver displaces it downward. The
kidneys, protected by the lower ribs, lie in shallow depressions against the posterior abdominal wall and behind the
parietal peritoneum. This means they are retroperitoneal. Each kidney is held in place by connective tissue, called
renal fascia, and is surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue, called perirenal fat, which helps to protect it. A
tough, fibrous, connective tissue renal capsule closely envelopes each kidney and provides support for the soft
tissue that is inside.
In the adult, each kidney is approximately 3 cm thick, 6 cm wide, and 12 cm long. It is roughly bean-shaped with an
indentation, called the hilum, on the medial side. The hilum leads to a large cavity, called the renal sinus, within the
kidney. The ureter and renal vein leave the kidney, and the renal artery enters the kidney at the hilum.
The outer, reddish region, next to the capsule, is the renal cortex. This surrounds a darker reddish-brown region
called the renal medulla. The renal medulla consists of a series of renal pyramids, which appear striated because
they contain straight tubular structures and blood vessels. The wide bases of the pyramids are adjacent to the
cortex and the pointed ends, called renal papillae, are directed toward the center of the kidney. Portions of the renal
cortex extend into the spaces between adjacent pyramids to form renal columns. The cortex and medulla make up
the parenchyma, or functional tissue, of the kidney.
The central region of the kidney contains the renal pelvis, which is located in the renal sinus, and is continuous with
the ureter. The renal pelvis is a large cavity that collects the urine as it is produced. The periphery of the renal pelvis
is interrupted by cuplike projections called calyces. A minor calyx surrounds the renal papillae of each pyramid and
collects urine from that pyramid. Several minor calyces converge to form a major calyx. From the major calyces, the
urine flows into the renal pelvis; and from there, it flows into the ureter.
Each kidney contains over a million functional units, called nephrons, in the parenchyma (cortex and medulla). A
nephron has two parts: a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.The renal corpuscle consists of a cluster of capillaries,
called the glomerulus, surrounded by a double-layered epithelial cup, called the glomerular capsule. An afferent
arteriole leads into the renal corpuscle and an efferent arteriole leaves the renal corpuscle. Urine passes from the
nephrons into collecting ducts then into the minor calyces.
The juxtaglomerular apparatus, which monitors blood pressure and secretes renin, is formed from modified cells in
the afferent arteriole and the ascending limb of the nephron loop.
Ureters
Each ureter is a small tube, about 25 cm long, that carries urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder. It
descends from the renal pelvis, along the posterior abdominal wall, which is behind the parietal peritoneum, and
enters the urinary bladder on the posterior inferior surface.
The wall of the ureter consists of three layers. The outer layer, the fibrous coat, is a supporting layer of fibrous
connective tissue. The middle layer, the muscular coat, consists of the inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth
muscle. The main function of this layer is peristalsis: to propel the urine. The inner layer, the mucosa, is transitional
epithelium that is continuous with the lining of the renal pelvis and the urinary bladder. This layer secretes mucus,
which coats and protects the surface of the cells.
Urinary Bladder
The urinary bladder is a temporary storage reservoir for urine. It is located in the pelvic cavity, posterior to the
symphysis pubis, and below the parietal peritoneum. The size and shape of the urinary bladder varies with the
amount of urine it contains and with the pressure it receives from surrounding organs.
The inner lining of the urinary bladder is a mucous membrane of transitional epithelium that is continuous with that
in the ureters. When the bladder is empty, the mucosa has numerous folds called rugae. The rugae and transitional
epithelium allow the bladder to expand as it fills.
The second layer in the walls is the submucosa, which supports the mucous membrane. It is composed of
connective tissue with elastic fibers.
The next layer is the muscularis, which is composed of smooth muscle. The smooth muscle fibers are interwoven in
all directions and, collectively, these are called the detrusor muscle. Contraction of this muscle expels urine from
the bladder. On the superior surface, the outer layer of the bladder wall is parietal peritoneum. In all other regions,
the outer layer is fibrous connective tissue.
There is a triangular area, called the trigone, formed by three openings in the floor of the urinary bladder. Two of the
openings are from the ureters and form the base of the trigone. Small flaps of mucosa cover these openings and
act as valves that allow urine to enter the bladder but prevent it from backing up from the bladder into the ureters.
The third opening, at the apex of the trigone, is the opening into the urethra. A band of the detrusor muscle
encircles this opening to form the internal urethral sphincter.
Urethra
The final passageway for the flow of urine is the urethra, a thin-walled tube that conveys urine from the floor of the
urinary bladder to the outside. The opening to the outside is the external urethral orifice. The mucosal lining of the
urethra is transitional epithelium. The wall also contains smooth muscle fibers and is supported by connective
tissue.
The internal urethral sphincter surrounds the beginning of the urethra, where it leaves the urinary bladder. This
sphincter is smooth (involuntary) muscle. Another sphincter, the external urethral sphincter, is skeletal (voluntary)
muscle and encircles the urethra where it goes through the pelvic floor. These two sphincters control the flow of
urine through the urethra.
In females, the urethra is short, only 3 to 4 cm (about 1.5 inches) long. The external urethral orifice opens to the
outside just anterior to the opening for the vagina.
In males, the urethra is much longer, about 20 cm (7 to 8 inches) in length, and transports both urine and semen.
The first part, next to the urinary bladder, passes through the prostate gland and is called the prostatic urethra. The
second part, a short region that penetrates the pelvic floor and enters the penis, is called the membranous urethra.
The third part, the spongy urethra, is the longest region. This portion of the urethra extends the entire length of the
penis, and the external urethral orifice opens to the outside at the tip of the penis.
Learning Activities
I.
Circle the term that does not belong in each of the following groupings.
II.
Circle the term that does not belong in each of the following groupings.
III.
Using the key choices, identify the structures that best fit the following descriptions. Insert the correct term(s) or
corresponding letter(s) in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
Mastery Test
A, D. 1. A radiologist is examining an X-ray of the lumbar region of a patient. Which of the following is
(are) indicative of normal posi- tioning of the right kidney?
A. Slightly lower than the left kidney
B. More medial than the left kidney
C. Closer to the inferior vena cava than the left kidney
D. Anterior to the 12th rib
_A. 2. Which of the following encloses both kidney and adrenal gland?
A. Renal fascia
B. Perirenal fat capsule
C. Fibrous capsule
D. Visceral peritoneum
D. 3. Microscopic examination of a section of the kidney shows a thick-walled vessel with renal
corpuscles scattered in the tissue on one side of the vessel but not on the other side. What vessel is
this?
A. Interlobar artery
B. Cortical radiate artery
C. Cortical radiate vein
D. Arcuate artery
B, C, D. 4. Structures that are at least partly composed of simple squamous epithelium include:
A. collecting ducts
B. glomerulus
C. glomerular capsule
D. nephron loop
C. 5. Where are glucose and amino acids reab-sorbed?
A. Descending limb of nephron loop
B. Glomerulus
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Distal convoluted tubule
C. 6. Which process is used to excrete sodium ions?
A. Osmosis
B. Facilitated diffusion
C. Active transport
D. Passive diffusion
C. 7. What is the function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
A. Detects fall in blood pressure
B. Releases angiotensin
C. Releases renin
D. Releases aldosterone
B, 8. Urine passes through the ureters by which mechanism?
A. Ciliary action
B. Peristalsis
C. Gravity alone
D. Suction
A, D. 9. Sodium deficiency hampers reabsorption of:
A. glucose
B. albumin
C. creatinine
D. water
D. 10. The main function of transitional epithelium in the ureter is:
A. protection against kidney stones
B. secretion of mucus
C. reabsorption
D. stretching
A.11. Jim was standing at a urinal in a crowded public restroom and a long line was forming behind
him. He became anxious (sym- pathetic response) and found he could not micturate no matter
how hard he tried. Use logic to deduce Jim’s problem.
A. His internal urethral sphincter was con- stricted and would not relax.
B. His external urethral sphincter was con- stricted and would not relax.
C. His detrusor muscle was contracting too hard.
D. He almost certainly had a burst bladder.
C. 12. What is the typical urine output per day?
A. 150 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 1500 mL
D. 3000 mL
1.001-1.030 13. What is the normal range for urine specific gravity?
A. 500–1000 mL
B. pH 6.0–7.2
C. 60–80
D. 1.001–1.035
A. 14. The urinary bladder:
A. is lined with transitional epithelium
B. has a thick, muscular wall
C. receives the ureteral orifices at its superior aspect
D. is innervated by the renal plexus
C, D. 15. Which of the following are controlled voluntarily?
A. Detrusor muscle
B. Internal urethral sphincter
C. External urethral sphincter
D. Levator ani muscle
A, B, C. 16. In movement between IF and ICF:
A. water flow is bidirectional
B. nutrient flow is unidirectional
C. ion flow is selectively permitted
D. ion fluxes are not permitted
A,B,D. 17. Loss of water from the body via the lungs is termed as:
A. respiratory water loss
B. insensible water loss
C. micturition
D. respiratory diuresis
C,D. 18. The smallest fluid compartment is the:
A. ICF C. plasma
B. ECF D. IF
B, D. 19. Which of the following are electrolytes?
A. Glucose
B. Lactic acid
C. Urea
D. Bicarbonate
B. 20. Chloride ion reabsorption:
A. exactly parallels sodium ion reabsorption
B. fluctuates according to blood pH
C. increases during acidosis
D. is controlled directly by aldosterone
A, B, C, D. 21. Respiratory acidosis occurs in:
A. asthma
B. emphysema
C. barbiturate overdose
D. cystic fibrosis
A, B, C, D. 22. Hyperkalemia:
A. triggers secretion of aldosterone
B. may result from severe alcoholism
C. disturbs acid-base balance
D. results from widespread tissue injury
A, B, D. 23. Renal tubular secretion of potassium is:
A. obligatory
B. increased by aldosterone
C. balanced by tubular reabsorption
D. increased in alkalosis
C, D. 24. Which buffer system(s) is (are) not important urine buffers?
A. Phosphate C. Protein
B. Ammonium D. Bicarbonate
UNIT 10
The Endocrine System
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Complete the following statements by choosing answers from the key choices. Record the answers in the answer
blanks.
Key Choices:
A. Cardiovascular system C. More rapid E. Nervous system
B. Hormones D. Nerve impulses F. Slower and more prolonged
The endocrine system is a major controlling system in the body. Its means of control, however, is much (1) F.
Slower and more prolonged than that of the (2) E. Nervous system, the other major body system that acts to
maintain homeostasis. Perhaps the reason for this is that the endocrine system uses chemical messengers, called
(3) B. Hormones, instead of (4) D. Nerve impulses. These chemical messengers enter the blood and are carried
throughout the body by the activity of the (5) A. Cardiovascular system.
Content
The endocrine system, along with the nervous system, functions in the regulation of body activities. The nervous
system acts through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters to cause muscle contraction and glandular secretion.
The effect is of short duration, measured in seconds, and localized. The endocrine system acts through chemical
messengers called hormones that influence growth, development, and metabolic activities. The action of the
endocrine system is measured in minutes, hours, or weeks and is more generalized than the action of the nervous
system.
There are two major categories of glands in the body - exocrine and endocrine.
Exocrine Glands
Exocrine glands have ducts that carry their secretory product to a surface. These glands include the sweat,
sebaceous, and mammary glands and, the glands that secrete digestive enzymes.
Endocrine Glands
The endocrine glands do not have ducts to carry their product to a surface. They are called ductless glands. The
word endocrine is derived from the Greek terms "endo," meaning within, and "krine," meaning to separate or
secrete. The secretory products of endocrine glands are called hormones and are secreted directly into the blood
and then carried throughout the body where they influence only those cells that have receptor sites for that
hormone.
Characteristics of Hormones
Mechanism of Hormone
Action Hormones are carried by the blood throughout the entire body, yet they affect only certain cells. The specific
cells that respond to a given hormone have receptor sites for that hormone. This is sort of a lock-and-key
mechanism. If the key fits the lock, then the door will open. If a hormone fits the receptor site, then there will be an
effect. If a hormone and a receptor site do not match, then there is no reaction. All the cells that have receptor sites
for a given hormone make up the target tissue for that hormone. In some cases, the target tissue is localized in a
single gland or organ. In other cases, the target tissue is diffuse and scattered throughout the body so that many
areas are affected. Hormones bring about their characteristic effects on target cells by modifying cellular activity.
Protein hormones react with receptors on the surface of the cell, and the sequence of events that results in
hormone action is relatively rapid. Steroid hormones typically react with receptor sites inside a cell. Because this
method of action actually involves synthesis of proteins, it is relatively slow.
Many hormones are controlled by some form of a negative feedback mechanism. In this type of system, a gland is
sensitive to the concentration of a substance that it regulates. A negative feedback system causes a reversal of
increases and decreases in body conditions in order to maintain a state of stability or homeostasis. Some endocrine
glands secrete hormones in response to other hormones. The hormones that cause secretion of other hormones
are called tropic hormones. A hormone from gland A causes gland B to secrete its hormone. A third method of
regulating hormone secretion is by direct nervous stimulation. A nerve stimulus causes gland A to secrete its
hormone.
The endocrine system is made up of the endocrine glands that secrete hormones. Although there are eight major
endocrine glands scattered throughout the body, they are still considered to be one system because they have
similar functions, similar mechanisms of influence, and many important interrelationships.
Some glands also have non-endocrine regions that have functions other than hormone secretion. For example, the
pancreas has a major exocrine portion that secretes digestive enzymes and an endocrine portion that secretes
hormones. The ovaries and testes secrete hormones and also produce the ova and sperm. Some organs, such as
the stomach, intestines, and heart, produce hormones, but their primary function is not hormone secretion.
Pituitary & Pineal Glands
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is a small gland about 1 centimeter in diameter or the size of a pea. It is nearly
surrounded by bone as it rests in the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone. The gland is connected to
the hypothalamus of the brain by a slender stalk called the infundibulum.
There are two distinct regions in the gland: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe
(neurohypophysis). The activity of the adenohypophysis is controlled by releasing hormones from the
hypothalamus. The neurohypophysis is controlled by nerve stimulation.
Hormones of the Anterior Lobe (Adenohypophysis)
Growth hormone is a protein that stimulates the growth of bones, muscles, and other organs by promoting protein
synthesis. This hormone drastically affects the appearance of an individual because it influences height. If there is
too little growth hormone in a child, that person may become a pituitary dwarf of normal proportions but small
stature. An excess of the hormone in a child results in an exaggerated bone growth, and the individual becomes
exceptionally tall or a giant.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or thyrotropin, causes the glandular cells of the thyroid to secrete thyroid hormone.
When there is a hypersecretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, the thyroid gland enlarges and secretes too much
thyroid hormone.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone reacts with receptor sites in the cortex of the adrenal gland to stimulate the secretion
of cortical hormones, particularly cortisol.
Gonadotropic hormones react with receptor sites in the gonads, or ovaries and testes, to regulate the development,
growth, and function of these organs.
Prolactin hormone promotes the development of glandular tissue in the female breast during pregnancy and
stimulates milk production after the birth of the infant.
The thyroid gland is a very vascular organ that is located in the neck. It consists of two lobes, one on each side of
the trachea, just below the larynx or voice box. The two lobes are connected by a narrow band of tissue called the
isthmus. Internally, the gland consists of follicles, which produce thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones. These
hormones contain iodine.
About 95 percent of the active thyroid hormone is thyroxine, and most of the remaining 5 percent is triiodothyronine.
Both of these require iodine for their synthesis. Thyroid hormone secretion is regulated by a negative feedback
mechanism that involves the amount of circulating hormone, hypothalamus, and adenohypophysis.
If there is an iodine deficiency, the thyroid cannot make sufficient hormone. This stimulates the anterior pituitary to
secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone, which causes the thyroid gland to increase in size in a vain attempt to produce
more hormones. But it cannot produce more hormones because it does not have the necessary raw material,
iodine. This type of thyroid enlargement is called simple goiter or iodine deficiency goiter.
Calcitonin is secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. This hormone opposes the action of the
parathyroid glands by reducing the calcium level in the blood. If blood calcium becomes too high, calcitonin is
secreted until calcium ion levels decrease to normal.
Parathyroid Gland
Four small masses of epithelial tissue are embedded in the connective tissue capsule on the posterior surface of
the thyroid glands. These are parathyroid glands, and they secrete parathyroid hormone or parathormone.
Parathyroid hormone is the most important regulator of blood calcium levels. The hormone is secreted in response
to low blood calcium levels, and its effect is to increase those levels.
Hypoparathyroidism, or insufficient secretion of parathyroid hormone, leads to increased nerve excitability. The low
blood calcium levels trigger spontaneous and continuous nerve impulses, which then stimulate muscle contraction.
Adrenal Gland
The adrenal, or suprarenal, gland is paired with one gland located near the upper portion of each kidney. Each
gland is divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex and medulla of the adrenal gland, like the
anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary, develop from different embryonic tissues and secrete different
hormones. The adrenal cortex is essential to life, but the medulla may be removed with no life-threatening effects.
The hypothalamus of the brain influences both portions of the adrenal gland but by different mechanisms. The
adrenal cortex is regulated by negative feedback involving the hypothalamus and adrenocorticotropic hormone; the
medulla is regulated by nerve impulses from the hypothalamus.
Hormones of the Adrenal Cortex
The adrenal cortex consists of three different regions, with each region producing a different group or type of
hormones. Chemically, all the cortical hormones are steroid.
Mineralocorticoids are secreted by the outermost region of the adrenal cortex. The principal mineralocorticoid is
aldosterone, which acts to conserve sodium ions and water in the body.
Glucocorticoids are secreted by the middle region of the adrenal cortex. The principal glucocorticoid is cortisol,
which increases blood glucose levels.
The third group of steroids secreted by the adrenal cortex is the gonadocorticoids, or sex hormones. These are
secreted by the innermost region. Male hormones, androgens, and female hormones, estrogens, are secreted in
minimal amounts in both sexes by the adrenal cortex, but their effect is usually masked by the hormones from the
testes and ovaries. In females, the masculinization effect of androgen secretion may become evident after
menopause, when estrogen levels from the ovaries decrease.
Pancreas—Islets of Langerhans
The pancreas is a long, soft organ that lies transversely along the posterior abdominal wall, posterior to the
stomach, and extends from the region of the duodenum to the spleen. This gland has an exocrine portion that
secretes digestive enzymes that are carried through a duct to the duodenum. The endocrine portion consists of the
pancreatic islets, which secrete glucagons and insulin.
Alpha cells in the pancreatic islets secrete the hormone glucagons in response to a low concentration of glucose in
the blood. Beta cells in the pancreatic islets secrete the hormone insulin in response to a high concentration of
glucose in the blood.
Gonads
The gonads, the primary reproductive organs, are the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female. These
organs are responsible for producing the sperm and ova, but they also secrete hormones and are considered to be
endocrine glands.
Testes
Male sex hormones, as a group, are called androgens. The principal androgen is testosterone, which is secreted by
the testes. A small amount is also produced by the adrenal cortex. Production of testosterone begins during fetal
development, continues for a short time after birth, nearly ceases during childhood, and then resumes at puberty.
This steroid hormone is responsible for:
Testosterone secretion is regulated by a negative feedback system that involves releasing hormones from the
hypothalamus and gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary.
Ovaries
Two groups of female sex hormones are produced in the ovaries, the estrogens and progesterone. These steroid
hormones contribute to the development and function of the female reproductive organs and sex characteristics. At
the onset of puberty, estrogens promotes:
Progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. Together, progesterone and
estrogens are responsible for the changes that occur in the uterus during the female menstrual cycle.
Thymosin, produced by the thymus gland, plays an important role in the development of the body's immune system.
The lining of the stomach, the gastric mucosa, produces a hormone, called gastrin, in response to the presence of
food in the stomach. This hormone stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin, which are
used in the digestion of food.
The mucosa of the small intestine secretes the hormones secretin and cholecystokinin. Secreting stimulates the
pancreas to produce a bicarbonate-rich fluid that neutralizes the stomach acid. Cholecystokinin stimulates
contraction of the gallbladder, which releases bile. It also stimulates the pancreas to secrete digestive enzyme.
The heart also acts as an endocrine organ in addition to its major role of pumping blood. Special cells in the wall of
the upper chambers of the heart, called atria, produce a hormone called atrial natriiuretic hormone, or atriopeptin.
The placenta develops in the pregnant female as a source of nourishment and gas exchange for the developing
fetus. It also serves as a temporary endocrine gland. One of the hormones it secretes is human chorionic
gonadotropin, which signals the mother's ovaries to secrete hormones to maintain the uterine lining so that it does
not degenerate and slough off in menstruation.
Learning Activities
I.
Name the hormone that best fits each of the following descriptions. Insert your responses in the answer blanks.
III.
Circle the term that does not belong in each of the following groupings.
1. Prolactin Growth hormone Oxytocin ACTH
Mastery Test
C. 8. ANP, the hormone secreted by the heart, has exactly the opposite function to this hormone
secreted by the adrenal cortex:
A. epinephrine C. aldosterone
B. cortisol D. testosterone
A, B, D. 9. Hormones that act directly or indirectly to elevate blood glucose include:
A. GH C. insulin
B. cortisol D. ACTH
A, B, C, D. 10. Hormones secreted by females include:
A. estrogens C. prolactin
B. progesterone D. testosterone
A, B, C, D. 11. Which of the following are direct or indirect effects of growth hormone?
A. Stimulates cells to take in amino acids and form proteins
B. Important in determining final body size
C. Increases blood levels of fatty acids
D. Decreases utilization of glucose by most body cells
A, C. 12. Hypothyroidism can cause:
A. myxedema C. cretinism
B. Cushing’s syndrome D. exophthalmos
UNIT 11
The Reproductive System
Learning Outcomes
Pretest
Using the following terms, trace the pathway of sperm from the testis to the urethra: rete testis, epididymis,
seminiferous tubule, ductus deferens.
List the terms in the proper order in the spaces provided.
Content
The major function of the reproductive system is to ensure survival of the species. Other systems in the body, such
as the endocrine and urinary systems, work continuously to maintain homeostasis for survival of the individual. An
individual may live a long, healthy, and happy life without producing offspring, but if the species is to continue, at
least some individuals must produce offspring.
Within the context of producing offspring, the reproductive system has four functions:
These functions are divided between the primary and secondary, or accessory, reproductive organs. The primary
reproductive organs, or gonads, consist of the ovaries and testes. These organs are responsible for producing the
egg and sperm cells gametes), and hormones. These hormones function in the maturation of the reproductive
system, the development of sexual characteristics, and regulation of the normal physiology of the reproductive
system. All other organs, ducts, and glands in the reproductive system are considered secondary, or accessory,
reproductive organs. These structures transport and sustain the gametes and nurture the developing offspring.
Testes
The male gonads, testes or testicles, begin their development high in the abdominal cavity, near the kidneys.
During the last two months before birth, or shortly after birth, they descend through the inguinal canal into the
scrotum, a pouch that extends below the abdomen, posterior to the penis. Although this location of the testes,
outside the abdominal cavity, may seem to make them vulnerable to injury, it provides a temperature about 3° C
below normal body temperature. This lower temperature is necessary for the production of viable sperm.
The scrotum consists of skin and subcutaneous tissue. A vertical septum, or partition, of subcutaneous tissue in the
center divides it into two parts, each containing one testis. Smooth muscle fibers, called the dartos muscle, in the
subcutaneous tissue contract to give the scrotum its wrinkled appearance. When these fibers are relaxed, the
scrotum is smooth. Another muscle, the cremaster muscle, consists of skeletal muscle fibers and controls the
position of the scrotum and testes. When it is cold or a man is sexually aroused, this muscle contracts to pull the
testes closer to the body for warmth.
Structure
Each testis is an oval structure about 5 cm long and 3 cm in diameter. A tough, white fibrous connective tissue
capsule, the tunica albuginea, surrounds each testis and extends inward to form septa that partition the organ into
lobules. There are about 250 lobules in each testis. Each lobule contains 1 to 4 highly coiled seminiferous tubules
that converge to form a single straight tubule, which leads into the rete testis. Short efferent ducts exit the testes.
Interstitial cells (cells of Leydig), which produce male sex hormones, are located between the seminiferous tubules
within a lobule.
Spermatogenesis
Sperm are produced by spermatogenesis within the seminiferous tubules. A transverse section of a seminiferous
tubule shows that it is packed with cells in various stages of development. Interspersed with these cells, there are
large cells that extend from the periphery of the tubule to the lumen. These large cells are the supporting, or
sustentacular cells (Sertoli's cells), which support and nourish the other cells.
Early in embryonic development, primordial germ cells enter the testes and differentiate into spermatogonia,
immature cells that remain dormant until puberty. Spermatogonia are diploid cells, each with 46 chromosomes (23
pairs) located around the periphery of the seminiferous tubules. At puberty, hormones stimulate these cells to begin
dividing by mitosis. Some of the daughter cells produced by mitosis remain at the periphery as spermatogonia.
Others are pushed toward the lumen, undergo some changes, and become primary spermatocytes. Because they
are produced by mitosis, primary spermatocytes, like spermatogonia, are diploid and have 46 chromosomes.
Each primary spermatocytes goes through the first meiotic division, meiosis I, to produce two secondary
spermatocytes, each with 23 chromosomes (haploid). Just prior to this division, the genetic material is replicated so
that each chromosome consists of two strands, called chromatids, that are joined by a centromere. During meiosis
I, one chromosome, consisting of two chromatids, goes to each secondary spermatocyte. In the second meiotic
division, meiosis II, each secondary spermatocyte divides to produce two spermatids. There is no replication of
genetic material in this division, but the centromere divides so that a single-stranded chromatid goes to each cell.
As a result of the two meiotic divisions, each primary spermatocyte produces four spermatids. During
spermatogenesis there are two cellular divisions, but only one replication of DNA so that each spermatid has 23
chromosomes (haploid), one from each pair in the original primary spermatocyte. Each successive stage in
spermatogenesis is pushed toward the center of the tubule so that the more immature cells are at the periphery and
the more differentiated cells are nearer the center.
Spermatogenesis (and oogenesis in the female) differs from mitosis because the resulting cells have only half the
number of chromosomes as the original cell. When the sperm cell nucleus unites with an egg cell nucleus, the full
number of chromosomes is restored. If sperm and egg cells were produced by mitosis, then each successive
generation would have twice the number of chromosomes as the preceding one.
The final step in the development of sperm is called spermiogenesis. In this process, the spermatids formed from
spermatogenesis become mature spermatozoa, or sperm. The mature sperm cell has a head, midpiece, and tail.
The head, also called the nuclear region, contains the 23 chromosomes surrounded by a nuclear membrane. The
tip of the head is covered by an acrosome, which contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the female
gamete. The midpiece, metabolic region, contains mitochondria that provide adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The tail
or locomotor region, uses a typical flagellum for locomotion. The sperm are released into the lumen of the
seminiferous tubule and leave the testes. They then enter the epididymis where they undergo their final maturation
and become capable of fertilizing a female gamete.
Sperm production begins at puberty and continues throughout the life of a male. The entire process, beginning with
a primary spermatocyte, takes about 74 days. After ejaculation, the sperm can live for about 48 hours in the female
reproductive tract.
Duct System
Sperm cells pass through a series of ducts to reach the outside of the body. After they leave the testes, the sperm
passes through the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.
Epididymis
Sperm leave the testes through a series of efferent ducts that enter the epididymis. Each epididymis is a long
(about 6 meters) tube that is tightly coiled to form a comma-shaped organ located along the superior and posterior
margins of the testes. When the sperm leave the testes, they are immature and incapable of fertilizing ova. They
complete their maturation process and become fertile as they move through the epididymis. Mature sperm are
stored in the lower portion, or tail, of the epididymis.
Ductus Deferens
The ductus deferens, also called vas deferens, is a fibromuscular tube that is continuous ( or contiguous) with the
epididymis. It begins at the bottom (tail) of the epididymis then turns sharply upward along the posterior margin of
the testes. The ductus deferens enters the abdominopelvic cavity through the inguinal canal and passes along the
lateral pelvic wall. It crosses over the ureter and posterior portion of the urinary bladder, and then descends along
the posterior wall of the bladder toward the prostate gland. Just before it reaches the prostate gland, each ductus
deferens enlarges to form an ampulla. Sperm are stored in the proximal portion of the ductus deferens, near the
epididymis, and peristaltic movements propel the sperm through the tube.
The proximal portion of the ductus deferens is a component of the spermatic cord, which contains vascular and
neural structures that supply the testes. The spermatic cord contains the ductus deferens, testicular artery and
veins, lymph vessels, testicular nerve, cremaster muscle that elevates the testes for warmth and at times of sexual
stimulation, and a connective tissue covering.
Ejaculatory Duct
Each ductus deferens, at the ampulla, joins the duct from the adjacent seminal vesicle (one of the accessory
glands) to form a short ejaculatory duct. Each ejaculatory duct passes through the prostate gland and empties into
the urethra.
Urethra
The urethra extends from the urinary bladder to the external urethral orifice at the tip of the penis. It is a
passageway for sperm and fluids from the reproductive system and urine from the urinary system. While
reproductive fluids are passing through the urethra, sphincters contract tightly to keep urine from entering the
urethra.
The male urethra is divided into three regions. The prostatic urethra is the proximal portion that passes through the
prostate gland. It receives the ejaculatory duct, which contains sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, and
numerous ducts from the prostate glands. The next portion, the membranous urethra, is a short region that passes
through the pelvic floor. The longest portion is the penile urethra (also called spongy urethra or cavernous urethra),
which extends the length of the penis and opens to the outside at the external urethral orifice. The ducts from the
bulbourethral glands open into the penile urethra.
Accessory Glands
The accessory glands of the male reproductive system are the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and the
bulbourethral glands. These glands secrete fluids that enter the urethra.
Seminal Vesicles
The paired seminal vesicles are saccular glands posterior to the urinary bladder. Each gland has a short duct that
joins with the ductus deferens at the ampulla to form an ejaculatory duct, which then empties into the urethra. The
fluid from the seminal vesicles is viscous and contains fructose, which provides an energy source for the sperm;
prostaglandins, which contribute to the mobility and viability of the sperm; and proteins that cause slight coagulation
reactions in the semen after ejaculation.
Prostate
The prostate gland is a firm, dense structure that is located just inferior to the urinary bladder. It is about the size of
a walnut and encircles the urethra as it leaves the urinary bladder. Numerous short ducts from the substance of the
prostate gland empty into the prostatic urethra. The secretions of the prostate are thin, milky colored, and alkaline.
They function to enhance the motility of the sperm.
Bulbourethral Glands
The paired bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands are small, about the size of a pea, and located near the base of the
penis. A short duct from each gland enters the proximal end of the penile urethra. In response to sexual stimulation,
the bulbourethral glands secrete an alkaline mucus-like fluid. This fluid neutralizes the acidity of the urine residue in
the urethra, helps to neutralize the acidity of the vagina, and provides some lubrication for the tip of the penis during
intercourse.
Seminal Fluid
Seminal fluid, or semen, is a slightly alkaline mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the accessory glands.
Secretions from the seminal vesicles make up about 60 percent of the volume of the semen, with most of the
remainder coming from the prostate gland. The sperm and secretions from the bulbourethral gland contribute only a
small volume.
The volume of semen in a single ejaculation may vary from 1.5 to 6.0 ml. There are usually between 50 to 150
million sperm per milliliter of semen. Sperm counts below 10 to 20 million per milliliter usually present fertility
problems. Although only one sperm actually penetrates and fertilizes the ovum, it takes several million sperm in an
ejaculation to ensure that fertilization will take place.
Penis
The penis, the male copulatory organ, is a cylindrical pendant organ located anterior to the scrotum and functions to
transfer sperm to the vagina. The penis consists of three columns of erectile tissue that are wrapped in connective
tissue and covered with skin. The two dorsal columns are the corpora cavernosa. The single, midline ventral
column surrounds the urethra and is called the corpus spongiosum.
The penis has a root, body (shaft), and glans penis. The root of the penis attaches it to the pubic arch, and the body
is the visible, pendant portion. The corpus spongiosum expands at the distal end to form the glans penis. The
urethra, which extends throughout the length of the corpus spongiosum, opens through the external urethral orifice
at the tip of the glans penis. A loose fold of skin, called the prepuce, or foreskin, covers the glans penis.
Three hormones are the principle regulators of the male reproductive system: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
stimulates spermatogenesis; luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the production of testosterone; and testosterone
stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and spermatogenesis.
The organs of the female reproductive system produce and sustain the female sex cells (egg cells or ova), transport
these cells to a site where they may be fertilized by sperm, provide a favorable environment for the developing
fetus, move the fetus to the outside at the end of the development period, and produce the female sex hormones.
The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, accessory glands, and
external genital organs.
Ovaries
Genital Tract
External Genitalia
Female Sexual Response and Hormonal Control
Mammary Glands
Ovaries
The primary female reproductive organs, or gonads, are the two ovaries. Each ovary is a solid, ovoid structure
about the size and shape of an almond, about 3.5 cm in length, 2 cm wide, and 1 cm thick. The ovaries are located
in shallow depressions, called ovarian fossae, one on each side of the uterus, in the lateral walls of the pelvic
cavity. They are held loosely in place by peritoneal ligaments.
Structure
The ovaries are covered on the outside by a layer of simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal (ovarian)
epithelium. This is actually the visceral peritoneum that envelops the ovaries. Underneath this layer is a dense
connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea. The substance of the ovaries is distinctly divided into an outer
cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex appears more dense and granular due to the presence of numerous
ovarian follicles in various stages of development. Each of the follicles contains an oocyte, a female germ cell. The
medulla is a loose connective tissue with abundant blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibers.
Oogenesis
Female sex cells, or gametes, develop in the ovaries by a form of meiosis called oogenesis. The sequence of
events in oogenesis is similar to the sequence in spermatogenesis, but the timing and final result are different. Early
in fetal development, primitive germ cells in the ovaries differentiate into oogonia. These divide rapidly to form
thousands of cells, still called oogonia, which have a full complement of 46 (23 pairs) chromosomes. Oogonia then
enter a growth phase, enlarge, and become primary oocytes. The diploid (46 chromosomes) primary oocytes
replicate their DNA and begin the first meiotic division, but the process stops in prophase and the cells remain in
this suspended state until puberty. Many of the primary oocytes degenerate before birth, but even with this decline,
the two ovaries together contain approximately 700,000 oocytes at birth. This is the lifetime supply, and no more will
develop. This is quite different than the male in which spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes continue to be
produced throughout the reproductive lifetime. By puberty the number of primary oocytes has further declined to
about 400,000.
Beginning at puberty, under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, several primary oocytes start to grow
again each month. One of the primary oocytes seems to outgrow the others and it resumes meiosis I. The other
cells degenerate. The large cell undergoes an unequal division so that nearly all the cytoplasm, organelles, and half
the chromosomes go to one cell, which becomes a secondary oocyte. The remaining half of the chromosomes go
to a smaller cell called the first polar body. The secondary oocyte begins the second meiotic division, but the
process stops in metaphase. At this point ovulation occurs. If fertilization occurs, meiosis II continues. Again this is
an unequal division with all of the cytoplasm going to the ovum, which has 23 single-stranded chromosome. The
smaller cell from this division is a second polar body. The first polar body also usually divides in meiosis I to
produce two even smaller polar bodies. If fertilization does not occur, the second meiotic division is never
completed and the secondary oocyte degenerates. Here again there are obvious differences between the male and
female. In spermatogenesis, four functional sperm develop from each primary spermatocyte. In oogenesis, only one
functional fertilizable cell develops from a primary oocyte. The other three cells are polar bodies and they
degenerate.
Ovulation
Ovulation, prompted by luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary, occurs when the mature follicle at the
surface of the ovary ruptures and releases the secondary oocyte into the peritoneal cavity. The ovulated secondary
oocyte, ready for fertilization is still surrounded by the zona pellucida and a few layers of cells called the corona
radiata. If it is not fertilized, the secondary oocyte degenerates in a couple of days. If a sperm passes through the
corona radiata and zona pellucida and enters the cytoplasm of the secondary oocyte, the second meiotic division
resumes to form a polar body and a mature ovum
After ovulation and in response to luteinizing hormone, the portion of the follicle that remains in the ovary enlarges
and is transformed into a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a glandular structure that secretes progesterone and
some estrogen. Its fate depends on whether fertilization occurs. If fertilization does not take place, the corpus
luteum remains functional for about 10 days; then it begins to degenerate into a corpus albicans, which is primarily
scar tissue, and its hormone output ceases. If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum persists and continues its
hormone functions until the placenta develops sufficiently to secrete the necessary hormones. Again, the corpus
luteum ultimately degenerates into corpus albicans, but it remains functional for a longer period of time.
Genital Tract
Fallopian Tubes
There are two uterine tubes, also called Fallopian tubes or oviducts. There is one tube associated with each ovary.
The end of the tube near the ovary expands to form a funnel-shaped infundibulum, which is surrounded by
fingerlike extensions called fimbriae. Because there is no direct connection between the infundibulum and the
ovary, the oocyte enters the peritoneal cavity before it enters the Fallopian tube. At the time of ovulation, the
fimbriae increase their activity and create currents in the peritoneal fluid that help propel the oocyte into the
Fallopian tube. Once inside the Fallopian tube, the oocyte is moved along by the rhythmic beating of cilia on the
epithelial lining and by peristaltic action of the smooth muscle in the wall of the tube. The journey through the
Fallopian tube takes about 7 days. Because the oocyte is fertile for only 24 to 48 hours, fertilization usually occurs
in the Fallopian tube.
Uterus
The uterus is a muscular organ that receives the fertilized oocyte and provides an appropriate environment for the
developing fetus. Before the first pregnancy, the uterus is about the size and shape of a pear, with the narrow
portion directed inferiorly. After childbirth, the uterus is usually larger, then regresses after menopause.
The uterus is lined with the endometrium. The stratum functionale of the endometrium sloughs off during
menstruation. The deeper stratum basale provides the foundation for rebuilding the stratum functionale.
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tube, about 10 cm long, that extends from the cervix of the uterus to the outside. It is
located between the rectum and the urinary bladder. Because the vagina is tilted posteriorly as it ascends and the
cervix is tilted anteriorly, the cervix projects into the vagina at nearly a right angle. The vagina serves as a
passageway for menstrual flow, receives the erect penis during intercourse, and is the birth canal during childbirth.
External Genitalia
The external genitalia are the accessory structures of the female reproductive system that are external to the
vagina. They are also referred to as the vulva or pudendum. The external genitalia include the labia majora, mons
pubis, labia minora, clitoris, and glands within the vestibule.
The clitoris is an erectile organ, similar to the male penis, that responds to sexual stimulation. Posterior to the
clitoris, the urethra, vagina, paraurethral glands and greater vestibular glands open into the vestibule.
Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone have major roles in regulating the
functions of the female reproductive system.
At puberty, when the ovaries and uterus are mature enough to respond to hormonal stimulation, certain stimuli
cause the hypothalamus to start secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This hormone enters the blood and
goes to the anterior pituitary gland where it stimulates the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing
hormone. These hormones, in turn, affect the ovaries and uterus and the monthly cycles begin. A woman's
reproductive cycles last from menarche to menopause.
The monthly ovarian cycle begins with the follicle development during the follicular phase, continues with ovulation
during the ovulatory phase, and concludes with the development and regression of the corpus luteum during the
luteal phase.
The uterine cycle takes place simultaneously with the ovarian cycle. The uterine cycle begins with menstruation
during the menstrual phase, continues with repair of the endometrium during the proliferative phase, and ends with
the growth of glands and blood vessels during the secretory phase.
Menopause occurs when a woman's reproductive cycles stop. This period is marked by decreased levels of ovarian
hormones and increased levels of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The changing
hormone levels are responsible for the symptoms associated with menopause.
Mammary Glands
Functionally, the mammary glands produce milk; structurally, they are modified sweat glands. Mammary glands,
which are located in the breast overlying the pectoralis major muscles, are present in both sexes, but usually are
functional only in the female.
Externally, each breast has a raised nipple, which is surrounded by a circular pigmented area called the areola. The
nipples are sensitive to touch, due to the fact that they contain smooth muscle that contracts and causes them to
become erect in response to stimulation.
Internally, the adult female breast contains 15 to 20 lobes of glandular tissue that radiate around the nipple. The
lobes are separated by connective tissue and adipose. The connective tissue helps support the breast. Some
bands of connective tissue, called suspensory (Cooper's) ligaments, extend through the breast from the skin to the
underlying muscles. The amount and distribution of the adipose tissue determines the size and shape of the breast.
Each lobe consists of lobules that contain the glandular units. A lactiferous duct collects the milk from the lobules
within each lobe and carries it to the nipple. Just before the nipple, the lactiferous duct enlarges to form a lactiferous
sinus (ampulla), which serves as a reservoir for milk. After the sinus, the duct again narrows and each duct opens
independently on the surface of the nipple.
Mammary gland function is regulated by hormones. At puberty, increasing levels of estrogen stimulate the
development of glandular tissue in the female breast. Estrogen also causes the breast to increase in size through
the accumulation of adipose tissue. Progesterone stimulates the development of the duct system. During
pregnancy, these hormones enhance further development of the mammary glands. Prolactin from the anterior
pituitary stimulates the production of milk within the glandular tissue, and oxytocin causes the ejection of milk from
the glands.
Learning Activities
I.
How do the scrotal muscles help maintain temperature homeostasis of the testes?
When body temperature (or external temperature) is high, the scrotal muscles relax, allowing the testes to hang
lower and farther away from the warmth of the body wall. This causes testicular temperature to drop. When the
external temperature is cold, the scrotal muscles contract to draw the testes closer to the warmth of the body wall.
II.
Using the key choices, select the terms identified in the following descriptions. Insert the appropriate term(s) or
corresponding letter(s) in the answer blanks.
Key Choices:
III.
Identify the female structures described by inserting your responses in the answer blanks.
Uterus. 1. Chamber that houses the developing fetus
Vagina 2. Canal that receives the penis during sexual intercourse
Uterine, or fallopian, tube 3. Usual site of fertilization
Clitoris. 4. Erects during sexual stimulation
Uterine tube. 5. Duct through which the ovum travels to reach the uterus
Hymen. 6. Membrane that partially closes the vaginal canal
Ovary. 7. Primary female reproductive organ
Fimbriae. 8. Move to create fluid currents to draw the ovulated egg into
the uterine (fallopian) tube
Mastery Test
Superior (Cephalic or
Above; upper body part.
Cranial)
Caudal Toward the feet; near the sacral region of the spinal column.
Medial Near the middle of the body; divide into a right and left.
Proximal Nearer to the attachment of limb, nearer to the origination of the structure.
Largest organelle control center, the brain of cell controls all cellular activity (tells us
Nucleus
what to do). Contains the chromosomes. Genetic information.
Brain of the brain. Contains the RNA and protein to synthesizes(make) organelles
Nucleolus
such as Ribosomes.
Ribosomes Compose of RNA, also helps to synthesize(make) protein. Attached to the Ribosomes.
Smooth ER Synthesizes(make) lipid (fat, steroids) Does not have Ribosomes.
Organelles Little organ of the cell the subdivision within the cell.
Substances inside the cell, containing the liquid Cytosol and organelles. Maintain
Cytoplasm
growth.
Looks like a stack of pancakes It is to modify, package and transport protein (product
Golgi Apparatus
control) QC.
Microvilli Small and short extensions that move fluid(substances) around the cell.
Flagellum Tail like structure that propels(swims/moves) the cell Ex: sperm (only in human body).
Deoxyribonucleic Acid-Blue print inside the nucleus (ID) does transcribes but not in
DNA
translation.
Transcription To copy-transcribe the notes of the DNA strand onto the messenger RNA.
Messenger RNA Carries the message out of the nucleus into the Ribosomes and to the translation from
(mRNA) the DNA.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) Taking the code from RNA, brings amino acids to be made into proteins.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Makes up the Ribosomes. Synthesize protein, transport protein out of the cell.
Division of somatic cells. Cellular reproduction from mother cell to daughter cell
Mitosis
(exactly the same). One cell divides into two identical daughter cells
Daughter Cells Product of the cells in Mitosis. Exactly the same kind of DNA.
A new membrane appears and then separates(splits) chromosome forming two new
Telophase
nuclei.
Diffusion (Passive Constant movement of particles from high concentration to low concentration. No
Transport) energy needed; force. Ex. Exchange of O2 & CO2.
The movement of proteins from high concentration to low concentration with the use of
Facilitated Diffusion
an aid transporter.
Fluid flows in the opposite direction from high concentration to low concentration. This
Active Transport
requires energy ATP.
Phagocytosis "phago-
The "eating" of cell (Pac Man). Engulfing large particles.
eating"
Pinocytosis "pino-
The "drinking" of cells. Intake of fluid droplets.
drinking"
Endocytosis "endo-
Moves the bulk of substances inside of cell using vesicles.
inside"
Exit, moves substances out of cell, (removal of waste) using vesicles into the
Exocytosis "exo-exit"
Extracellular fluid.
Isotonic Same concentration substance as of the fluid in the cell (cells remain the same)
Hypotonic Lower concentration substance of the fluid in the cell (Too much O2): may swell and
burst.
Hypertonic Higher concentration of the fluid in the cell (Not much O2): may crenation(shrink).
A process where the body is doing the it over and over again. Ex: Child birth, lactation,
Positive Feedback
and blood clotting.
Body trying to fix the problem to maintain homeostasis balance to the body. Ex: Blood
Negative Feedback
pressure.
Active Transport Pumps from low concentration to high concentration needs energy.
DNA-Gives traits,
identity Double helix Four nucleotides: Adenine(A)-Thymine(T) Guanine(G)-Cytosine(C).
strand
RNA-what reads it
Four nucleotides: Adenine(A)-Uracil(U) Guanine(G)-Cytosine(C).
Single strand
All life-sustaining reactions that occur within the body which include Catabolism and
Metabolism
Anabolism.
Digestive System The system that breaks down and absorbs food.
Cross section The section of how the penny-shaped slice of a banana is cut.
Stem Cells Cell that has the potential to develop in different types of cells.
Anatomic Position The body is upright and palms are facing forward.
Ventral Cavity Divided into 2 main cavities: Thoracic (chest), Abdominopelvic cavity(abdomen)
Abdominopelvic Inferior to the diaphragm. Divided into 2 regions: Abdominal, Pelvic Cavities.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane From left to right, dividing the body into anterior and posterior planes.
The ventral body cavity that contains the stomach, most of the intestine, the liver, and
Abdominal Cavity
the spleen.
Epigastric Region
The inferior of region closest to the sternum(breastbone).
(Inferior)
Is the space between the lungs. Separates the abdominopelvic cavity and thoracic
Diaphragm
cavity.
Nervous System Reception of stimuli and control of responses: brain, spinal cord and nerves: eyes,
ears, taste buds, and organs of smell. Receptors for pain, touch and sense, receive
stimuli.
Movement: attach to bones and body structure, protect the organs, and maintain
Muscular System
posture.
Contains the heart and blood vessels pumps blood to the tissues bringing nutrients,
Cardiovascular System
oxygen, needed substances. Can carry waste then discard them.
Involves in taking all the nutrients(food), for absorption: mouth, esophagus, stomach,
Digestive System
intestines, liver, pancreas.
Integumentary System A separate body system: skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands and oil glands.
Urinary System Elimination of waste excess water: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
Aids in circulation, immunity, and protect against disease from: tonsils, thymus gland,
Lymphatic System
and spleen.
Circulatory System The lymphatic and cardiovascular systems help make the....
Respiratory System Intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide. Designed for gas exchange.
Sagittal Plane From front to back, dividing the body into left and right parts.
Thoracic Cavity Divided by the diaphragm, contains heart and lungs, and mediastinum.
Pelvic Cavity Lower region containing reproductive organs, urinary bladder, and rectum.
Mediastinum Space between lungs and the organs contained in that space.
The level with the lumbar regions of the spine between the thoracic vertebrae and
Lumbar Region
sacrum.
Organs Work together for the same purpose to make up the body system.
Mutation Change in a gene or a chromosome. Usually harm the cell and cause cancer.
Microscope Magnifying instrument to examine structures not visible to the naked eye.
Scanning electron
Three-dimensional view.
Microscope
Compound light
Most common microscope magnifies up to 1,000 times.
Microscope
Distal Farther away from the attachment of limb, nearer to the origination of structure.
Medical Terminology
QUESTION ANSWER
cyt/o Cell Ex: Cytology-study of cells.
micr/o Small Ex: Microscopes are used to view structures too small to see with the naked eye.
bi- Two Ex: The lipid bilayer is a double layer of lipid molecules.
-some Body Ex: Ribosomes are small bodies in the cytoplasm that help make proteins.
chrom/o- Color Ex: Chromosomes are small, threadlike bodies that stain darkly with basic dyes.
end/o- In, within Ex: The endoplasmic reticulum is a membranous network within the cytoplasm.
inter- Between Ex: Interphase is the stage between one cell division(mitosis) and the next.
Change Ex: Metaphase is the second stage of mitosis when the chromosomes change
meta-
position and line up across the equator.
Upward, back again Ex: In the anaphase stage of mitosis, chromosomes move to opposite
ana-
sides of the cell.
semi- Partial, half Ex: A semipermeable membrane lets some molecules pass through but not others.
To eat, ingest Ex: In phagocytosis the plasma membrane engulfs large particles and moves
phag/o
them into the cell.
ex/o- Outside, out of, away from Ex: In exocytosis the cell moves material out in vesicles.
iso- Same, equal Ex: An isotonic solution has the same concentration as that of the cytoplasm.
Deficient, below, beneath Ex: A hypotonic solution has the same concentration as that of the
hypo-
cytoplasm.
Above, over, excessive Ex: a hypertonic solution's concentration is higher than that of the
hyper-
cytoplasm.
-tomy Cutting, incision of Ex: Anatomy can be revealed by making incisions in the body.
physi/o Nature, physical Ex: Physiology is the study of how the body functions.
cata- Down Ex: Catabolism is the breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones.
Upward, again, back Ex: Anabolixm is the building up of simple compounds into more complex
ana-
substances.
aden/o Gland
adip/o Fat
cepha/o Head
exo- Out of
hist/o Tissue
-ologist Specialist
-ology Study of
-plasia Formation
-stasis Control
abdomin/o Abdomen
pelv/o, pelv/i Pelvis
chondr/o,
Cartilage
chondr/i
gastr/o Stomach
peritone/o Peritoneum
-itis Inflammation
-gene Production
ana- Excessive, up
-trophy Development
carcin/o Cancerous
-oma Tumor
eti/o Cause
pan- Entire
lateral Toward the side of the body, away from the midline.
what are the 3 types of muscle tissue Smooth (Visceral), Skeletal, Cardiac
What does the Pelvic Cavity contain? urinary bladder and reproductive organs.
Contains the lungs, heart, aorta, esophagus, and trachea Thoracic Cavity
Below Inferior
Posterior Back
Front Anterior
Above Superior/Cranial/Cephalic
Connective Tissue supports and binds other body tissue and parts
Where is the Hypogastric region? Lower mid-section directly below Umbilical region.
Where is the Hypochondriac region? Top region R&L above lumbar regions.
pertaining to the surface of the body or near the
superficial
surface
umbilc/0 navel
cyt/o cell
anter/o front
hist/o tissue
inguin/o groin
ventr/o front
poster/o back
cervic/o neck
medi/o middle
inter- between
hypo- below
sub- below
poly- many
-itis inflammation
epi- upon
Physiology
QUESTION ANSWER
the act of taking the thumb away from the palm. Reposition:
this fluid surrounds the brain and the spinal cord cerebrospinal fluid
what are the 2 main divisions of the nervous system CNS PNS
NAME THE THREE CATEGORIES OF HORMONES STEROIDS, AMINO ACID DERIVATIVES, PROTEINS
Cells
QUESTION ANSWER
Primary Cell structure: Plasma membrane The boundary between the internal and external environment.
regulates what enters and leaves the cell. Primary Cell structure: Plasma membrane function
The membrane is fluid, and allowing to think pool filled with volleyballs....move them around but doesn't
move around. change the number of volleyballs, their structure, etc.
Tails of phospholipids inside cell water insoluble part of cell membrane lipid bilayer made of fatty
membrane acids- make them impearable to
What floats within the cell membrane? proteins and other molecules
Membrane Intercellular junctions: Network of proteins between cell that provide strength to tissues
desmosomes (they look like stitches)
Tubular transport system that participates ER- these molecules can leave the cell, or be used within the cell
in protein synthesis and lipid molecules for functions such as producing new ER
Smooth ER- What does it manufacture? Lipid and protein components of organelles
Rough ER -what substance does it Proteins are synthesized and then transfer to the golgi apparatus
synthesis? for further processing.
Rough ER - Where does protein synthesis it occurs via attached ribosomes which are the sites of protein
occur? synthesis.
What is the relationship of smooth er and Lipids are synthesized in the smooth ER and are added to the
rough er? proteins that were from the Rough ER.
Lysosomes Tiny membranous sacs known as the garbage disposal of the cell
Cilia are small hair like rods vs Flagella is single and longer than
Difference between flagella and cilia
cilium.
Route thru membrane: Lipid bi-layer for substances soluble in lipids (non-polar)
Cinamon gum example Cinamon oil is non polar which enabled for it to absorb into skin.
Tissues
TERM DEFINITION
Molecules that fill spaces between cells, consisting mostly of protein fiber
Extracellular matrix
networks.
Epithelial tissues Tissue type that covers all free body surfaces.
A single layer of thin, flattened cells. These cells fit tightly together, like floor
Simple squamous epithelium
tiles, and their nuclei are usually broad and thin.
Simple columnar epithelium These cells are elongated. They are longer than they are wide.
Pseudostratified columnar
These cells appear stratified or layered, but they are not.
epithelium
Stratified squamous epithelium The many cell layers make this tissue relatively thick.
Consists of several layers of cells. The superficial cells are columnar, whereas
Stratified columnar epithelium
basal layers consist of cuboidal cells.
Composed of cells that are specialized to produce and screte substances into
Glandular epithelium
ducts or into body fluids.
Glands that secrete their products into ducts that open onto surfaces, such as
Exocrine glands
the skin or lining of the digestive tract.
Endocrine glands Glands that secrete their products into tissue fluid or blood.
Apocrine glands Glands that lose small portions of their glandular cell bodies during secretion.
Holocrine glands Glands in which the entire cell lyses during secretion.
Ligaments A cord or sheet of connective tissue binding two or more bones at a joint.
Elastic fibers Stretchy yellow connective tissue fibers consisting of the protein elastin.
Consists of many closely packed, thick, collagenous fibers and fine network of
Dense connective tissue
elastic fibers.
The most common type, has a very fine collagenous fibers in its extracellular
Hyaline cartilage
matrix and looks somewhat like white glass.
Contains a dense network of elastic fibers and thus is more flexible that
Elastic cartilage
hyaline cartilage.
Osteon A cylinder-shaped unit including bone cells that surround a central canal.
Transports a variety of materials between interior body cells amd those that
Blood
exchange substances with the external environment.
Contractile tissue consisting of filaments of actin and myosin, which slide past
Muscle tissues
each other, shortening cells.
Skeletal muscle tissues Type of voluntary muscle tissue in muscles attached to bones.
Smooth muscle tissue Type of involuntary muscle tissue in teh walls of hollow viscera.
Cardiac muscle tissue Specialized muscle tissue found only in the heart.
Serous membranes Membrane that lines a cavity without opening to the outside.
Mucous membranes Line cavities and tubes that open to the outside of the body.
Synovial membrane Membrane that forms the inner lining of the capsule of a freely movable joint.
Consists of two or three layers of cuboidal cells that form the lining of the
Stratified cuboidal epithelium
lumen.
Body Cavities Spaces within the body that contain internal organs
Dorsal Body Cavity located near the posterior/dorsal (back) surface of the body
What is the dorsal body cavity composed of cranial cavity(contains the brain), vertebral/spinal canal (contains
composed of? the spinal cord and surrounded by sections of the backbone)
Ventral Body Cavity located on the anterior/ventral (belly) side of the body; contains the organs
called viscera
region between the lungs, includes the heart, esophagus, trachea and thymus
The Mediastinum
gland
contains the stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder and the small and large
Upper Abdominal Cavity
intestines
enclosed by the pelvic bones, terminal end of the large intestines, urinary
Lower Pelvic Cavity
bladder, and internal reproductive organs
thin, double layered membranes; lines the walls of cavities and folds back to
Serous Membranes
cover the organs; secretes a lubricating fluid called serous fluid
Parietal pleura line the walls of the right and left thoracic cavities (lungs)
Visceral pleura membranes that cover the lungs
Pleural cavity located between the parietal and visceral pleural membranes
Visceral pericardium
covers the heart surface
(epicardium)
Pericardial cavity located between the parietal and visceral pericardial membranes
Bones
QUESTION ANSWER
the 2 bones that form the lower sides & part of the
Temporal bones
base of the skull.
What do the temporal bones contain? The middle & inner ear structures,mastoid sinuses.
What are the 3 parts of the sternum? Manubrium, body, xiphoid process
Larger & stronger of the 2 lower leg bones. Tibia AKA shin bone located on big toe side
What is the purpose of the Patella? To cover and protect the knee.
Bones of the toes each toe has 3. The big toe has 2. phalanges
What is the Olecranon process ? Large projection on the end of the ulna forms the
point of the elbow.
MUSCLES
QUESTION ANSWER
Small sac that contains synovial fluid for lubricating the area @the joint
Bursa
WHERE FRICTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR. ex:knee, elbow,shoulder
Viscous sticky;gelatinous
muscle positioned on the front of the leg. responsible for turning foot
Tibialis Anterior
inward&for dorsiflexing the foot.
Main muscle of the Calf. Used in standing on tiptoes(plantar flexing foot) &
gastrocnemius
flexing toes.
Used for IM injection, smaller muscle located above the upper outer quadrant
gluteus medius
of the gluteus maximus. helps abduct thigh.
Forms most of the fleshy part of the buttock.Offers support when individual is
gluteus maximus
standing. extends thigh
Used for IM injections. Muscle that covers shoulder joint;originates from the
deltoid
clavicle & scapula,inserts on lateral side of humerus.
Osteoarthritis AKA Degenerative MOST COMMON FORM OF ARTHRITIS;results from wear and tear on the
Joint Disease joints, especially weight bearing joints such as knees and hipsl.
Inflammation of the nerve marked by pain & tenderness along the path of the
Sciatica
nerve through the thigh and leg
Surgical puncture of a joint w/a needle for the purpose of withdrawing fluid for
arthrocentesis
analysis.
Pectoralis Major Fan shaped muscle that crosses the upper part of the front of the chest.
Group of genetically transmitted disorders characterized by progressive
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) symmetrical wasting of skeletal muscles;no evidence of nerve or nerve
involvement or degeneration of nerve tissue.
Rotator cuff tear A tear in the muscles that form a "cuff" over the head of the humerus.
strains Injury to the body of the muscle or attachment of the tendon, resulting from
bunion Abnormal enlargment of the joint at the base of the great toe.
Kyphosis Humpback
ball-and-socket joint Joint that allows free movement in many directions around a central point.
Closed Reduction or
Manual forcing of a joint back into it's original psition without surgery
Manipulation
located in the posterior part of the thigh are hamstring muscles which are
Hamstring muscles
responsible for flexing the leg on the thigh
muscles that attach to the bones of the skeleton; also known as striated
Skeletal muscles
muscle. Skeletal muscles act voluntarily
muscles found in the walls of hollow organs and tubes such as the stomach,
Smooth muscle intestines, respiratory passageways, and blood vessels; also known as
visceral muscles. Smooth muscles act involuntarily
the surfaces of the bones fit closely together and are held together by fibrous
Fibrous joint
connective tissue
Synovial joint the bones have a space between them called the joint cavity
Hinge joint allows movement in one direction-a back-and-forth type of motion
Dorsiflexion the foot narrows the angle between the leg and the top of the foot
Bunion abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the great toe
is the displacement of a bone from its normal location within a joint, causing
Dislocation
loss of functionof the joint
is the rupture of the central portion, or nucleus, of the disk throuh the disk wall
Herniated disk
and into the spinal canal
is an injury involving the ligaments that surround and support a joint, caused
Sprains
by a wrenching or twisting motion
test is a blood test that measures the presence of unusual antibodies that
Rheumatoid factor develop in a number of connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid
arthritis
Nervous System
QUESTION ANSWER
What makes up the central nervous system brain and spinal cord
What makes up the peripheral nervous system "everything else" -anything that comes off the CNS
What does the autonomic nervous system control involuntary activities (automatic)
What are the two pathways off the brain and spinal cord sensory and motor pathways
What are the two systems that come off the motor
autonomic nervous system, somatic nervous system
pathways
What are the three components of the neuron cell body, dendrites, axons
What are the examples of unipolar (pseudounipolar) sensory neurons in the PNS, spinal, and cranial nerve
neurons ganglia
What do the peripheral axon terminals connect to the next cell body
Found in the PNS but function similarly to the astrocytes satellite cellls
Taste and smell are more ___ than ___ visceral, sensation
What three systems is the autonomic nervous system sympathetic division, parasympathetic division, enteric
divided up into division
What two neurons does the autonomic nervous system preganglionic (presynaptic) fibers, postganglionic
consist of (postsynaptic) fibers
What is the lateral horn also known as the interomediolateral gray column
What are the three things that preganglionic fibers can ventral roots, spinal nerves, white rami
pass through communicantes
Name the four things that happen in fight or flight increase heart rate, inhibit GI motility & secretions,
response dilate pupils, increase respiration
What is the nickname for the parasympathetic system rest and digest
What are the two main actions of the parasympathetic decrease heart rate, increase GI motility and
system secretions
Where does the vagus stop innervating, and what takes left colic flexure, sacral nerves take over at the distal
over and where large intesting
What organ parts do the sacral nerves supply distal large intestine, rectum, bladder, penis, clitoris
What are the four ganglions involved in parasympathetic ciliary ganglion, pterygopalatine ganglion, otic
system ganglion, submandibular ganglion
What does the enteric nervous system consist of enteric ganglia, plexus of the GI tract
What are the two plexi that are responsible for control of myenteric (auerbach's) plexus, submucosal
the motility and secretions of the GI tract in the enteric (meissner's) plexus
nervous system
A hole drilled into the skull using a form of drill burr hole
headache cephalgia
The fluid flowing through the brain and around the spinal cerebrospinal fluid
cord that protects them from physical blow or impact.
blockage occlusion
soothing palliative
Fainting syncope
Stroke CVA
Cardiovascular System
QUESTION ANSWER
aorta Largest artery of the body; vessel through which oxygenated blood exits the heart
A thick-walled blood vessel that, in systemic circulation, carries oxygenated blood away
Artery
from the heart
bundle of fibers in the interventricular septum that transfers charges in the hearts
Atrioventricular bundle
conduction system; also called the bundle of His
essential fluid made up of plasma and other elements that circulates throughout the
blood
body; delivers nutrients to and removes waste from the body's cells
blood pressure measure of the force of blood surging against the walls of the arteries
the smallest blood vessel that forms the exchange point between the arterial and venous
capillary
vessels
carotid artery artery that transports oxygenated blood to the head and neck
Structure in the fetal circulatory system through which blood flows to bypass the fetus's
Ductus arteriosus
nonfunctioning lungs
membranous lining of the chambers and valves of the heart; the innermost layer of heart
endocardium
tissue
heart muscular organ that receives blood from the veins and sends it into the arteries
inferior vena cava large vein that draws blood from the lower part of the body to the right atrium
popliteal artery an artery that supplies blood to the cells of the area behind the knee
pulmonary artery one of two arteries that carry blood that is low in oxygen from the heart to the lungs
pulmonary vein one of four veins that bring oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium
septum partition between the left and right chambers of the heart
superior vena cava large vein that transports blood collected from the upper part of the body to the heart
aort(o) aorta
arteri(o) artery
atri(o) atrium
cardi(o) heart
phleb(o) vein
Ven(o) vein
aden(o) gland
ech(o) sound
hem(o) blood
electr(o) electric
AV atrioventricular
BP blood pressure
echocardiography use of sound waves to produce images showing the stucture and motion of the heart
sonography production of images based on the echoes of sound waves against structures
test that measures heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions while the patient
stress test
is exercising on a treadmill
angina pectoris chest pain, usually caused by a lowered oxygen or blood supply to the heart
aortic regurgitation backward flow or leakage of blood through a faulty aortic valve
claudication limping caused by inadequate blood supply during activity; usually subsides during rest
congestive heart inability of the heart to pump enough blood out during the cardiac cycle; collection of
failure fluid in the lungs results
coronary artery
condition that reduces the flow of blood and nutrients through the arteries of the heart
disease
deep vein thrombosis formation of a thrombus (clot) in a deep vein, such as a femoral vein
infarct area of necrosis caused by a sudden drop in the supply of arerial or venous blood
sudden drop in the supply of blood to an area of the heart muscle, usually due to a
myocardial infarction
blockage in a coronary artery
perfusion deficit lack of flow through a blood vessel, usually caused by an occlusion
rub frictional sound heard between heartbeats, usually indicating a percardial murmur
stationary blood clot in the cardiovascular system, usually formed from matter found in
thrombus
the blood
balloon catheter insertion of a balloon catheter into a blood vessel to open the passage so blood can flow
dilation freely
a structure (usually a vein graft) that creates a new passage for blood to flow from one
bypass artery to another artery or port of an artery; used to create a detour around blockages in
arteries
embolectomy surgical removal of an embolus
stent surgically implanted device used to hold something (as a blood vessel) open
venipuncture small puncture into a vein, usually to draw blood or inject a solution
agent that lowers blood pressure by reducing contraction strength of the heart muscle;
beta blocker
slows heartbeat
characterized by fatty deposits building up within the inner layers of the walls of larger
atherosclerosis
arteries
an abnormal sound or murmur heard when listening to a carotid artery, organ, or gland
bruit
with a stethoscope
cramp-like pains in the calves of the legs caused by poor circulation to the muscles of the
claudication
legs
one of a pair of arteries that branch from the aorta; supply blood and oxygen to the heart
coronary artery
muscle
cusp any one of the small flaps on the valves of the heart
a fluid accumulation in the tissues influenced by gravity; usually greater in the lower
dependent edema
extremities than in tissue levels above the level of the heart
the localized or generalized collection of fluid within the body tissues, causing the area to
edema
swell
localized area of necrosis in tissue, a vessel, an organ. or a part resulting from lack of
infarction
oxygen due to interrupted blood flow to the area
the area between the lungs in the chest cavity that contains the heart, aorta, trachea,
mediastinum
esophagus, and bronchi
a pounding or racing of the heart, associated with normal emotional responses or with
palpitation
heart disorders
swelling, usually of the skin of the extremities, that when pressed firmly with a finger will
pitting edema
maintain the dent produced by the finger
pulmonary
from the heart, to the lungs, back to the heart
circulation
the circulation of blood from the left ventricle of the heart, throughout the body, and back to
systemic circulation
the right atrium of the heart
a local or generalized condition in which the body tissues contain an excessive amount of
edema
tissue fluid; swelling
fatigue a feeling of tiredness or weariness; state of exhaustion
a diffuse pain in different portions of the head and not confined to any nerve distribution
headache
area
severe pain and constriction about the heart, usually radiating to the left shoulder and
angina pectoris
down the left arm- creating a feeling of pressure in the anterior chest
disease of the heart itself; noninflammatory disease of the heart results in enlargement of
cardiomyopathy
the heart
coronary artery the narrowing of the coronary arteries to the extent that adequate blood supply to the
disease myocardium is prevented
inflammation of the membrane lining of the valves and chamber of the heart caused by
endocarditis
direct invasion of bacteria or other organisms and leading to deformity of the valve cusps
mitral valve drooping of one or both cusps of the mitral valve back into the left atrium during ventricular
prolapse systole resulting in incomplete closure of the valve and mitral insufficiency
myocardial
heart attack: a condition caused by occlusion of one or more of the coronary arteries
infarction
inflammation of the myocardium; may be caused by viral or bacterial infections may also
myocarditis
be caused by fungal infections
Raynaud's intermittent attacks of vasoconstriction of the arterioles, followed by cyanosis and then
phenomenon redness before returning to normal color
varicose veins enlarged, superficial veins; a twisted, dilated vein with incompetent valves
ventricular
condition which results in rapid, tremulous and ineffectual contractions of the ventricles
fibrillation
x-ray visualization of the internal anatomy of the heart and blood vessels after introducing
angiography
a radiopaque substance
cardiac a diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is introduced into a large vein or artery and
catheterization then threaded through the circulatory system to the heart
cardiac enzymes blood contained by venipuncture to determine the presence of damage to the myocardial
test muscle
echocardiography diagnostic procedure for studying the structure and motion of the heart
similar to the Holter monitor in that it also records the electrical activity of the heart while
event monitor
the patient goes about usual daily activities (usually a month)
exercise stress means of assessing cardiac function, by subjecting the patient to the carefully controlled
testing amounts of physical stress
one of several nuclear stress tests, is a combination of exercise stress testing with thallium
thallium stress test
imaging to assess changes in coronary blood flow during exercise
Respiratory System
QUESTION ANSWER
Hoarseness dysphonia
Nostrils Nares
Throat Pharynx
pharynx throat
air or gas in the intestine that is passed through the rectum flatulence
swallowing deglutition
chewing mastication
passage of digested food molecules into intestinal cells absorption
emesis vomiting
gingiva gums
Urinary System
QUESTION ANSWER
ball shaped collection of very tiny coiled and intertwined capillaries located in the
glomerulus
cortex of the kidney
vesicoureteral reflux abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the ureters
distension of the pelvis and calyces of the kidney caused by urine that cannot flow past
hydronephrosis
an obstruction of the ureter
glomerular filtrate substances that filter out of the blood through the thin walls of the glomeruli
Bowman's Capsule the cup shaped end of the renal tubule containing or surrounding a glomerulus
a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells
erythropoietin
within the bone
uremia excessive amounts of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood
cystoscope instrument used to view the interior of the bladder, ureter, or kidney
intravenous pyelogram
x-ray of the renal pelvis using contrast dye in the vein
(IVP)
voiding
x-ray of the bladder and urethra while voiding
cystourethrogram
first voided specimen of the day, kept refrigerated and taken to the lab or medical office
first-voided specimen
upon opening
solution which contains water and electrolytes that passes through the artificial kidney
dialysate
to remove excess fluids and wastes form the blood
dialysis process of removing waste products from the blood when the kidneys are unable
dwell time length of time dialysis solution stays in the peritoneal cavity during peritoneal dialysis
this collection is used to avoid contamination of the urine specimen from the
clean-catch specimen
microorganisms normally present on the external genitalia
a collection of all the urine excreted by the individual over a 24-hour period. The urine
24-hour urine specimen
is collected in one large container.
hilum the depression, or pit, of an organ where the vessels and nerves enter
an opening or tunnel through any part of the body, as in the urinary meatus, which is
meatus
the external opening of the urethra
the central collecting part of the kidney that narrows into the large upper end of the
renal pelvis
ureter. It receives urine through the calyces and drains it into the ureters
toxic poisonous
ureter one of the pair of tubes that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder
urethra a small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body
the fluid released by the kidneys, transported by the ureters, retained in the bladder,
urine
and eliminated through the urethra
frequency the number of repetitions of any phenomenon within a fixed period of time
a vague feeling of bodily weakness or discomfort, often marking the onset of disease
malaise
or infection
renal failure, chronic progressively slow development of kidney failure occurring over a period of years
Endocrine System
QUESTION ANSWER
dwarfism growth retardation due to human growth hormone deficiency before puberty
simple, non-toxic goiter hyperplasia of the thyroid gland due to deficient iodine in the diet
adrenal condition with these symptoms; obesity "moon" face, edema, hypertension,
cushing's syndrome
muscle weakness, poor wound healing, low potassium, and emotional changes
life-threatening adrenal cortex disease, symptoms; low blood glucose and sodium,
addison's disease weight loss, dehydration, G.I. disturbances, increased pigmentation of skin, cold
intolerance, anxiety, and depression
endocrine gland ductless gland; produces hormone secreted directly into the blood stream
glycogenesis conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver as needed
metabolism sum of all physical and chemical processes that take place in the body
blood tests that measure the amount of glucose in the blood at the time the sample
serum glucose tests
was drawn
A physician who specializes in the medical practice of treating the diseases and
endocrinologist
disorders of the endocrine system
one of the female hormones that promotes the development of female secondary
estrogen
sex characteristics
glucogenesis The formation of glycogon from fatty acids and proteins instead of carbohydrates
a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that regulates the cellular
somatotropic hormone
processes necessary for normal body growth, also called the growth hormone
a blood test that shows the average level of glucose in an individual's blood during
hemoglobin A1C test
the last 3 months.
thyroid function tests tests that measure the blood levels of the hormones T3, T4, and TSH.
thyroid-stimulating hormone
a test that measures the concentration of TSH in the blood
(TSH) blood test
Reproductive System
QUESTION ANSWER
What is mitosis? Process by which a single cell duplicates its genetic material
Name the 3 parts of the spermatozoa? 1. The head 2. The midpiece 3. The flagellum(tail)
The head of each spermatozoa contains? Chromosomes
Identify the function of the flagellum? Propel spermatozoa up the female reproductive tract
What is the role of the ejaculatory ducts? Expulsion of the spermatozoa into the urethra
A male is considered sterile if? The number of spermatozoa falls below 20 million
How long can spermatozoa live inside the
Approximately 48-72 hours
female reproductive tract once ejaculated?
why are large numbers of spermatozoa The ovum has a protective membrane that must be broken down by
required to fertilize an ovum? an enzyme secreted from the head of each spermatozoon
What is the purpose of seminalplasmin in Protect the spermatozoa by destroying certain bacteria found in the
semen? vaginal tract and semen(like an Abx)
Paired glands the size of peas and are located just inferior to the
What are the Bulbourethral Glands?
prostate
Why does the scrotum lie outside of the Spermatozoa and testosterone production requires a temp 3
body? degrees lower than normal body temp
Name the 3 parts that the male urethra is 1. Prostatic Urethra 2. Membranous Urethra 3.
subdivided into? Spongy(cavernous)Urethra
The Spongy Urethra terminates where? At the male urethral orifice (meatus,os)
The penis is designed to do what? Introduce spermatozoa into the female reproductive tract
Internally, the penis is composed of what? 3 cylindrical masses of spongy tissue containing blood sinuses
What does sexual stimulation do to the Causes them to dilate allowing large quantities of blood to enter the
penile arteries? penis
What causes an erection? 1.Dilation of the penile arteries 2.Compression of the penile veins
An erection is lost when? The penile veins drain the blood(from the penis)
What is the utero-ovarian ligament? A structure that attaches an ovary to the uterus
What functions are the ovaries 1. Oogenesis(creation of ova) 2. Production of female sex
responsible for? hormones(estrogen and progesterone)
What occurance can result in When the ovaries ovulate at the same time and the two ova are
fraternal(dizygotic)twins? fertilized
What occurance can result in When a fertilized ovum splits it's genetic material(DNA)into two
identical(monozygotic)twins? separate ova
Identify the secondary female sexual 1. Menstruation(menses) 2. Breast Development 3. Pubic, Body,
characteristics developed by release of and Axillary Hair 4. Pelvic bones widen 5. Fat deposits(adipose
estrogen during puberty? tissue)in the skin cause a "soft look"
The uterus is located? In the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder and the rectum
The uterus is where the fertilized ovum 1. implant 2. Develop into a zygote,embryo,and fetus 3. Be expelled
will? during labor
Identify the phases of the menstrual 1. Menstrual phase: Days 1-5 2. Pre-Ovulatory phase: Days 6-13 3.
cycle? Ovulatory phase: Day 14 4. Post-Ovulatory phase: Days 15-28
What does the post-ovulatory phase 1. Endometrial hypertrophy in preparation to receive the fertilized
involve? ovum 2. Endometrial atrophy in preparation for the menstrual phase
The tissue that will form a connection between the maternal and
What is the placenta?
fetal blood supplies
What is HCG(Human Chorionic A hormone produced by the placenta that will support the
Gonadotropin)? developing pregnancy
The lips of the vaginal orifice are called? Labia majora(outer lips) and Labia minora(inner lips)
A thin fold of tissue that partially closes the distal end of the vagina
What is the hymen?
located within the vestibule
How does milk travel from the alveoli to Through the lactiferous ducts
the lactiferous sinuses?
What are Fertility Drugs? Medications designed to stimulate the ovaries to ovulate