Human Anatomy and Physiology: Key Concepts
Trachea and Cilia Function
What is the purpose of having C-shaped cartilages in the trachea? What about the cilia lining the inside of the tube?
C-shaped tracheal cartilages made of hyaline cartilage maintain the integrity of the airway. The inner lining of ciliated epithelium tissue reinforces the anterior and lateral sides of the trachea to protect and maintain the airway open. The cilia move back and forth to sweep the mucus upwards towards the throat.
Oxygen Transport: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
Write about the multi-system action of getting oxygen to our tissues. Include how the respiratory and circulatory systems play a role in this at the level of alveoli and capillaries. How do the thin walls of both structures aid in making gas exchange efficient?
Oxygen cannot get to tissues without the interplay of respiratory and circulatory systems. Vessels branch, increasing surface area while decreasing lumen. The pathway includes arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. Capillaries line alveolar sacs facilitating gas exchange through four processes:
- Ventilation
- External respiration
- Internal respiration
- Cellular respiration
Pulmonary vs. Systemic Circuits
Describe the differences between the pulmonary and systemic circuits. Which side of the heart pumps to which circuit? When is the blood oxygenated and deoxygenated? You may be asked to fill in a diagram with this information.
Left side of heart:
- Pumps oxygenated blood into systemic circulation
- Has larger cardiac muscle
Right side of heart:
- Pumps deoxygenated blood into pulmonary circulation to the alveoli
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood, while the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via four pulmonary veins.
Accessory Organs of the Digestive System
What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?
The accessory organs include teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Salivary Glands and Amylase
Identify the three salivary glands and know what salivary amylase does.
- Parotid gland
- Sublingual gland
- Submandibular gland
Amylase begins to break down starch.
GI Tract Passageway and Function
Know the passageway (organs) for food, bolus, and chyme through the GI tract. What role/function does each one play? (i.e. passageway, physical breakdown of food, chemical absorption…)
Smooth muscle performs:
- Peristalsis: propels food (bolus) forward and mixes contents in the stomach.
- Segmentation: mixes food and allows absorption in the small intestine.
Esophagus Function: Carries food and liquids from mouth to stomach.
Stomach Functions:
- Bulk storage of ingested food (chyme)
- Mechanical breakdown (muscle layers)
- Chemical breakdown of chyme
- Production of intrinsic factor
Digestion, Absorption, and Elimination
Where in the digestive system does: digestion / absorption / elimination occur?
Digestion and absorption primarily occur in the small intestine, while elimination and further absorption occur in the large intestine.
Largest Agricultural Producer
What country is the largest agriculture producer in the world?
The USA.
Maintaining Health on Large-Scale Farms
Identify the methods large-scale farms use to maintain the health of their “product”.
Methods include disinfectants, antimicrobial and antibacterial agents, hormones and vaccines, supplements, health inspections, and climate-controlled facilities.
Meat Eating and Antibiotic Resistance
In a short essay, explain the link between meat eating and antibiotic resistance in humans.
The use of antibiotics in beef, pork, and chicken production can lead to a higher risk of antibiotic-resistant illnesses worldwide. Some large-scale farms administer antibiotics not to cure illness but to accelerate growth and prevent diseases caused by overcrowding, stress, and poor conditions. Bacterial overexposure to antibiotics leads to resistance. Consumption of meat equals consumption of antibiotics. Almost 80% of all antibiotics in the US are NOT taken by people but given to livestock.