What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
What does the Somatic Nervous System control?
It is a part of the Peripheral Nervous System responsible for conscious control of body movements.
What are the two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System?
These branches regulate involuntary body functions, including heart rate and digestion.
Define resting membrane potential.
The electrical potential difference across the membrane of a resting neuron
It is typically around -70 mV and is maintained by ion gradients.
What is the all or nothing principle in action potentials?
Once the threshold is reached, an action potential is generated fully or not at all
This principle ensures that action potentials are uniform in strength.
What are the steps involved in an action potential?
These steps describe the rapid changes in membrane potential during an action potential.
What is saltatory conduction?
The process by which action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to another
This increases the speed of neural conduction along myelinated fibers.
What is the effect of demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis?
Slowed or disrupted neural conduction
Demyelination affects the ability of neurons to transmit signals effectively.
What are the components of a motor unit?
Motor units are essential for muscle contraction and force generation.
What is the sliding filament theory?
The mechanism explaining muscle contraction through the sliding of actin and myosin filaments
This theory describes how muscle fibers shorten during contraction.
What are the characteristics of skeletal muscle fiber types?
Each type has distinct properties suited for different physical activities.
What is hypertrophy?
Increase in muscle size due to resistance training
It can be transient or chronic, depending on the training stimulus.
What is the central governor theory?
A model suggesting that the brain regulates exercise performance to prevent injury
This theory emphasizes the role of the central nervous system in fatigue.
What is delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)?
Muscle pain and stiffness that occurs after intense exercise
It typically arises 24-72 hours post-exercise and is linked to muscle damage.
What are the four processes that maintain blood glucose during exercise?
These processes ensure a stable supply of glucose for energy during physical activity.
What is the role of ATPase?
Enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP
This reaction releases energy for cellular processes.
What is the rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis?
Phosphofructokinase (PFK)
PFK controls the speed of the glycolytic pathway and is influenced by energy levels in the cell.
What happens to pyruvate when oxygen is not present?
It is converted to lactate
This process occurs during anaerobic metabolism and can lead to lactic acid accumulation.
What is the function of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)?
Regulates water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys
ADH is released in response to increased plasma osmolarity.
What stimulates the release of aldosterone?
Low blood sodium levels or high potassium levels
Aldosterone helps regulate electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
What are the three components of a system of circulation?
These components work together to facilitate circulation throughout the body.
What is the primary purpose of the cardiovascular system?
To transport O2 and nutrients to tissues, remove CO2 and waste from tissues, and regulate body temperature
These functions are essential for maintaining homeostasis.
Name the components of the cardiovascular system.
Each component plays a specific role in circulation and blood flow.
What are intercalated discs?
Structures in cardiac myocytes that facilitate communication and contraction
They contain desmosomes and gap junctions, which are crucial for synchronized heart contractions.