Human Respiratory System: Function and Structure
The Respiratory System
For our cells to get energy from nutrients, they need to undergo a series of oxidation reactions that require oxygen (O2). As a result of these reactions, carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced. CO2 is a toxic gas that enters the blood and must be eliminated.
The respiratory system is responsible for taking oxygen from the outside air, transporting it to the blood, and removing carbon dioxide.
The respiratory system consists of the lungs and airways. The airways are pipes and chambers
Read MoreMendelian Genetics: Principles of Heredity
Throughout history, investigators have sought to understand the inheritance of hereditary characteristics. This understanding began with the work of Gregor Mendel.
Life of Mendel
Gregor Mendel was born on July 20, 1822, in the Czech Republic. His father was a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, and his mother was the daughter of a gardener. After a childhood marked by poverty, he entered the monastery in 1843, where he took the name Gregor and was ordained a priest in 1847. He lived in the Abbey of St.
Read MoreUnderstanding Sensation, Perception, and Sensory Processes
Sensation: The process by which sensory receptors capture, transduce, and transmit information to the brain.
Attention: The process by which individuals select certain stimuli.
Perception: The cognitive process by which individuals shape sensitive information into meaningful objects.
The Basic Processes:
- Receptor Cells: Specialized cells that respond to a particular type of energy (e.g., auditory, touch, smell, taste).
- Doctrines of Specific Nerve Energies: A one-to-one relationship between the stimulation
Interleukins: Functions and Types
- IL-1: Produced by macrophages and epithelial cells, it induces an acute phase response and activation and recognition by T cells and macrophages where the immune response develops. It works with TNF in innate immunity and inflammation.
- IL-2: Produced by Th1 cells, it stimulates the growth and differentiation of the T-lymphocyte response.
- IL-3: Produced by Th2 lymphocytes, it stimulates stem cells from bone marrow.
- IL-4: Related to the proliferation of B cells, mast cells, and T lymphocytes. It has
Molecular Diagrams: Amino Acids, Glucose, Ribose & Fatty Acids
Molecular Diagrams of Key Biochemicals
Drawing Molecular Diagrams
Skill: Drawing molecular diagrams of glucose, ribose, a saturated fatty acid, and a generalized amino acid.
Amino Acid
- Composed of an amine (NH2) group, a carboxyl (COOH) group, and an R group.
- 20 amino acids exist that compose all proteins.
- Each amino acid differs because the R groups are different.
Glucose
- Is a reducing sugar that contains C6H12O6.
- Most commonly found in a ringed structure and is the main product formed by photosynthesis.
Common Health Conditions: BPH, Cervical Cancer, AIDS & Pregnancy
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that causes thickening of the prostate gland, consequently narrowing the urethra. This process, which has a high incidence and prevalence, affects males starting around age 50 and can cause alterations in urination.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is an HPV-related cancer (human papillomavirus). It typically has a slow onset.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
AIDS is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome caused by the
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