Human Homeostasis: Regulating Blood Glucose and Body Temperature

Blood Glucose Regulation and Homeostasis

At 6:30 am, Alyssa’s blood glucose levels increased, likely because she ate breakfast, causing glucose from digested carbohydrates to enter her bloodstream. This rise in blood glucose is detected by the pancreas, which helps maintain stable internal conditions, a state known as homeostasis.

In response, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels. Insulin allows body cells to absorb glucose for energy and signals the liver to

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Fundamental Structures and Functions of the Human Body

Joints and Articulations

A joint, also known as an articulation, is the point where two or more bones meet. Joints allow for movement, flexibility, and support within the skeletal system.

Classification of Joints

Joints are classified into three main types based on their structure and function:

  1. Fibrous Joints (Synarthroses): Immovable or slightly movable joints connected by fibrous tissue. Examples include sutures in the skull.
  2. Cartilaginous Joints (Amphiarthroses): Slightly movable joints connected
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Human Anatomy and Physiology: Body Systems, Tissues & Cells

Major Body Systems

Cardiovascular System

Heart: Pumps blood. Arteries/Veins: Transport blood. Blood: Carries oxygen, CO₂, nutrients, waste, and immune components.

Respiratory System

Nasal cavity: Filters air. Larynx: Produces voice and protects the airway. Lungs: Gas exchange (O₂, CO₂).

Digestive System

Mouth: Begins breakdown of food. Stomach: Acid and enzymes. Small intestine: Absorbs nutrients. Large intestine: Removes water and stores waste.

Urinary System

Kidneys: Form urine, maintain pH balance,

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Human Digestive System: Processes, Organs, and Functions

The Human Digestive System and Nutrition

The digestive system is fundamentally responsible for nutrition. Its primary functions are threefold: to obtain essential nutrients from food, to facilitate their distribution throughout the body, and to eliminate waste products.

Nutrition and Interacting Systems

Effective nutrition requires the coordinated effort of several biological systems:

  • Digestive System: Obtains and processes nutrients.
  • Respiratory System: Obtains necessary oxygen.
  • Circulatory System: Transports
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Cellular Energy and Division: Key Biological Processes

Cellular Energy and Division Concepts

I. Energy Transformations: Photosynthesis and Respiration

Plant Mass Origin

  • Explain where plants get their mass: Air / carbon dioxide.

Complementary Pathways

  • Explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary pathways: The products of photosynthesis are the reactants of cellular respiration, and the products of cellular respiration are the reactants of photosynthesis. This forms a cycle.

Energy Carriers

  • List the energy carriers created and used in
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Mammalian Reproduction, Sensory Systems and Conservation Terms

Mammalian Reproduction, Sensory Systems & Conservation

Lecture 16 — Reproduction II

  • Immunorejection – Maternal immune system attacking the embryo because it is genetically half paternal.
  • Choriovitelline placenta – Marsupial yolk-sac placenta with weak attachment and low efficiency.
  • Embryonic diapause – Temporary pause in embryonic development before implantation.
  • Zona pellucida – Glycoprotein coat around an oocyte or blastocyst that prevents polyspermy and offers protection.
  • Delayed fertilization
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