Anatomy and Physiology Key Concepts

Sep 2, 2024

Lecture Notes on Anatomy and Physiology Review

Introduction

  • Purpose of the review: fill in blanks and discuss answers.
  • Importance of using earbuds or adjusting volume for clear audio.

Key Concepts

Structure and Function

  • Structure complements function: Anatomy complements physiology.
  • Important relationship: Form and function relationship is crucial.
  • Questions to consider: What is it? What does it do?

Levels of Structural Complexity

  • Basic level: Atoms (non-living)
    • Atoms form molecules through chemical reactions.
  • Molecule Sizes:
    • Monomers: Small molecules
    • Polymers or Macromolecules: Large molecules
  • Macromolecules Categories:
    • Carbohydrates
    • Lipids
    • Proteins
    • Nucleic Acids
  • Organelles: Inside cells, made from macromolecules.
  • Cells: Living units
    • Everything below the cellular level is non-living.
  • Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing the same function.
  • Organs: Composed of different tissues (e.g., heart tissues).
  • Organ Systems: Educational purpose, not actual systems.
    • Aim to see the body as a whole organism.
  • Organism: Top level of structural complexity.

Key Processes and Definitions

Cells

  • Smallest structure considered alive.

Organs

  • Composed of two or more types of tissues.

Assimilation

  • Process of incorporating nutrients into body tissues.
  • "You are what you eat" concept.

Secretion

  • Release of substances like vitamins, hormones.
  • Excretion: Removal of waste products.
  • Ingestion: Acquiring nutrients.
  • Egestion: Voiding undigested materials (e.g., fiber).

Respiration

  • Chemical breakdown of molecules for energy.
  • Chemical energy release and ATP production.

Atomic and Chemical Concepts

Law of Conservation

  • Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Atomic Number

  • Indicates number of protons.
  • Electrical balance: Equal protons and electrons.

Ions

  • Charged atoms due to electron loss or gain.
  • Also known as electrolytes, salts, minerals.

Radioactive Isotopes

  • Used in medical sciences (e.g., tracers, PET scans).

Chemical Bonding

  • Ionic Bonds: Transfer of electrons.
  • Covalent Bonds: Sharing of electrons.
  • Hydrogen Bonds: Weak bonds between molecules like water.

Chemical Reactions

  • Endergonic: Absorbs energy.
  • Exergonic: Releases energy.
  • Influenced by catalysts, temperature, concentration.

Biochemistry Concepts

Carbohydrates

  • Monosaccharides to Polysaccharides: Synthesis reactions.

Lipids

  • Saturated vs. Unsaturated based on bonds and hydrogen content.

Proteins

  • Importance in body structure and function (enzymes).
  • Polypeptides: Chains of amino acids.
  • Protein Structure Levels: Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.

Nucleic Acids

  • DNA and RNA differences: Structure, bases, and functions.

Cellular Processes

Membrane Dynamics

  • Phospholipid Arrangement: Hydrophobic tails, hydrophilic heads.
  • Functions of Membrane Proteins: Channels, carriers, enzymes, etc.

Solutions and Osmosis

  • Hypertonic, Hypotonic, Isotonic Solutions: Effects on cells.
  • IV solutions are isotonic to body fluids.

Transport Mechanisms

  • Diffusion: Passive spread of molecules.
  • Active Transport: Requires ATP.
  • Endocytosis/Exocytosis: Vesicular transport processes.

Protein Synthesis

  • Role of mRNA (messenger), rRNA (ribosomal), and tRNA (transfer).
  • Translation and Transcription: DNA to RNA to protein process.

Genetic Concepts

Mutations

  • Point Mutation: Change in a single nucleotide.

Gene Function

  • Genes as recipes for proteins.

Cell Theory

  • All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Final Notes

  • Ensure understanding of protein synthesis and cell review.
  • Watch supplementary videos for complex processes.

This summary captures the essential concepts and detailed explanations provided in the lecture, serving as a basis for further study and review in anatomy and physiology.