Flashcards: Fundamentals of Human Physiology — 24 cards

Synapse — definition?

Connection between neurons for signal transmission.

Neurotransmitter release — process?

Exocytosis of vesicles at presynaptic terminal.

Pathologies — hormone?

Chemical messengers secreted into blood affecting targets.

Steroid biosynthesis — defect?

Enzymatic defect impairs hormone production, causing disorders.

Amino acid hormones — examples?

Thyroid hormones, catecholamines, serotonin.

Hemoglobin — function?

Transport oxygen in red blood cells.

Red blood cells — shape?

Biconcave for flexibility and surface area.

Hemostasis — process?

Platelet aggregation and coagulation to stop bleeding.

ECG — P wave?

Atrial depolarization before contraction.

ECG — T wave?

Ventricular repolarization after contraction.

Ventilation — mechanism?

Muscle movements generate pressure changes for airflow.

Alveolo-capillary exchange — process?

Gas diffusion driven by pressure gradients.

Renal functions — processes?

Filtration, reabsorption, secretion, excretion.

Tubulo-glomerular feedback — role?

Regulates filtration based on NaCl detection.

Dehydration — mechanism?

Water loss exceeds intake, increasing osmolarity.

Dehydration — consequence?

Electrolyte imbalance, hypovolemia, increased osmolarity.

Female reproduction — key hormone?

Hormones regulate ovulation, cycle, and pregnancy.

SRY gene — location?

On Y chromosome, initiates male development.

Erythropoietin — function?

Stimulates red blood cell production.

Alveoli — location?

End of bronchial tree, site of gas exchange.

Lungs — ventilation?

Air movement driven by diaphragm and intercostals.

Gas exchange — law?

Fick's law: diffusion proportional to surface and pressure difference.

Kidney — excretion?

Final elimination of waste substances in urine.

Hormones — control?

Regulated by nervous and endocrine systems.