UPCAT Biology — Body SystemsFlash Cards

What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

The circulatory system transports gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), nutrients, waste products, hormones, and other various materials throughout the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, working together to deliver essential substances to cells and remove waste products.

Lymphatic System

A body system that protects the body from pathogens, maintains body fluid levels, absorbs digestive tract fats, and removes cellular waste. It works closely with the immune system to defend against diseases and includes lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and organs like the spleen and thymus.

How does the nervous system function in the body?

The nervous system receives stimuli from the environment and sends impulses from one part of the body to another. It controls voluntary and involuntary actions, processes information, and coordinates body functions through the brain, spinal cord, and network of nerves.

What are the two main functions of the skeletal system?

The skeletal system provides physical support and protection to the body. It supports body weight and maintains posture while protecting vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs from injury. It also produces blood cells and stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Muscular System

The body system responsible for locomotion and movements of internal organs. This includes voluntary movements like walking, as well as involuntary movements such as the beating of the heart, propulsion of blood through blood vessels, passage of food through the digestive tract, and passage of glandular and excretory products through ducts.

What is the role of the endocrine system in the body?

The endocrine system regulates all biological processes in the body through hormones. It controls growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and maintains homeostasis. Major glands include the pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenals, and reproductive organs.

Digestive System

The body system that breaks down complex molecules of food into simpler molecules that can be absorbed by the body. It includes organs like the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas, which work together to process nutrients for cellular use.

How does the respiratory system function?

The respiratory system transports air into the lungs and facilitates diffusion of oxygen into the bloodstream, while expelling carbon dioxide out of the body through exhalation. Key structures include the nose, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs.

What are the functions of the urinary system?

The urinary system is responsible for the production and excretion of urine. It filters waste products and excess water from the blood, maintains electrolyte balance, regulates blood pressure, and helps maintain proper pH levels in the body.

Integumentary System

The body system that protects the body from external threats. It includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. The skin serves as a barrier against pathogens, regulates body temperature, prevents water loss, and provides sensory information about the environment.

What hormone is produced by the pancreas and lowers blood glucose levels?

Insulin is produced by the pancreas and functions to lower blood glucose levels. It allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Insulin deficiency leads to diabetes mellitus.

Compare the functions of insulin and glucagon.

Insulin and glucagon are opposing hormones produced by the pancreas that regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake and storage, while glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating the release of stored glucose from the liver. Together, they maintain glucose homeostasis.

What is the function of oxytocin hormone?

Oxytocin is produced by the posterior pituitary and stimulates contraction of uterus and mammary gland cells. During childbirth, it causes uterine contractions, and during breastfeeding, it triggers milk ejection. It's also known as the 'bonding hormone' for its role in social relationships.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth. It promotes protein synthesis, increases bone and muscle growth, and affects metabolism. GH is essential during childhood and adolescence for proper development and continues to play roles in adult metabolism.

What does TSH stand for and what is its function?

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, produced by the anterior pituitary. Its function is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which regulate metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body.

Compare the functions of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Calcitonin and PTH have opposing effects on blood calcium levels. Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, lowers blood calcium levels by promoting calcium storage in bones. PTH, produced by parathyroid glands, raises blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines.

What are the functions of estrogen in the female body?

Estrogen, produced by the ovaries, has two main functions: it stimulates uterine lining growth during the menstrual cycle, and it promotes the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics such as breast development, wider hips, and female fat distribution patterns.

Testosterone

A hormone produced by the testes that supports sperm formation and promotes the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics. These characteristics include facial and body hair growth, deeper voice, increased muscle mass, and male body shape and structure.

A patient has high blood sugar levels. Which body system is primarily involved, and what hormone should be released?

The endocrine system is primarily involved, specifically the pancreas. When blood sugar levels are high, the pancreas should release insulin to lower glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake and storage. If this system fails to function properly, it can lead to diabetes mellitus.

How do the circulatory and respiratory systems work together?

The circulatory and respiratory systems work together to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The respiratory system brings oxygen into the lungs and expels CO2, while the circulatory system transports oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to body tissues and returns CO2-rich blood to the lungs for elimination. This cooperation is essential for cellular respiration.