Exam 3 study guide

Question 1

Define arteriole.

Answer 1

A small blood vessel that branches from an artery and leads to capillaries

Arterioles play a crucial role in regulating blood flow and pressure.

Question 2

What is the function of atrioventricular (AV) valves?

Answer 2

They prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during contraction

The AV valves include the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Question 3

What are the formed elements of blood?

Answer 3

• Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
• White blood cells (leukocytes)
• Platelets (thrombocytes)

These elements are crucial for oxygen transport, immune response, and clotting.

Question 4

What is diastole?

Answer 4

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and chambers fill with blood

Diastole occurs after systole.

Question 5

What is the largest chamber of the heart?

Answer 5

Left ventricle

It requires the most blood to pump to the systemic circulation.

Question 6

What is the path of blood in pulmonary circulation?

Answer 6

• Right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to lungs
• Blood is oxygenated in lungs
• Oxygenated blood returns to left atrium

This process is essential for gas exchange.

Question 7

How does systole relate to the heart?

Answer 7

It is the phase when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers

Systole occurs after diastole.

Question 8

What are the functions of the lymphatic system?

Answer 8

• Returns excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
• Transports dietary lipids
• Facilitates immune responses

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and immunity.

Question 9

How are arteries and veins different?

Answer 9

• Arteries carry blood away from the heart
• Veins carry blood to the heart
• Arteries have thicker walls than veins

These structural differences are crucial for their functions.

Question 10

What happens during swallowing to prevent choking?

Answer 10

The epiglottis covers the trachea to prevent food from entering the airway

This mechanism is essential for safe swallowing.

Question 11

What is active immunity?

Answer 11

Immunity that develops as a result of exposure to an antigen and the subsequent production of antibodies

This can occur through infection or vaccination.

Question 12

What is the role of helper T cells in the immune response?

Answer 12

They assist in activating B cells and cytotoxic T cells

Helper T cells are crucial for coordinating the immune response.

Question 13

What is neutralization in the context of antibodies?

Answer 13

The process by which antibodies bind to pathogens, blocking their ability to infect cells

This is a key function of antibodies in the immune response.

Question 14

What is emphysema?

Answer 14

A chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to damaged alveoli

Emphysema is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke.

Question 15

What happens to the breathing rate when the blood becomes acidic?

Answer 15

The breathing rate increases to expel more carbon dioxide

This response helps to restore normal blood pH levels.

Question 16

What is the function of amylase?

Answer 16

An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugars

Salivary amylase begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.

Question 17

What is BMI (body mass index) used for?

Answer 17

To assess body weight relative to height and categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese

BMI is a common tool for evaluating health risks associated with body weight.

Question 18

What is the role of the gallbladder in fat digestion?

Answer 18

It stores and concentrates bile, which emulsifies fats for digestion

If gallstones block the bile duct, fat digestion is impaired.

Question 19

What is peptic ulcer?

Answer 19

A sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine

Peptic ulcers can be caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs.