Nervous System Cells: Neurons and Glia

The nervous system consists of two distinct cell types: neurons and glial cells. These cells differ morphologically and functionally.

Neurons

Neurons are responsible for conducting nerve impulses. They are highly specialized and cannot regenerate. Neurons transmit information to the dendrites of other neurons via their axons. Communication between neurons occurs at junctions called synapses. At the synapse, the axon terminals of one neuron release substances called neurotransmitters, which interact

Read More

Anthropometry, Physiology, and Nutrition

Anthropometric Measurements

Frankfort Plane

It is incorrect to state that the eye must be parallel to the pinna when measuring the height of the Frankfort plane.

Skinfold Measurements

Skinfold measurements, as described by Durnin and Womersley, include:

  • Triceps
  • Biceps
  • Subscapular
  • Suprailiac
  • Sural

For the subscapular skinfold, the most prominent point should be marked. For the medial calf, the knee should be at 90°.

Circumference Measurements

Hip circumference should be measured at the most prominent level

Read More

Metazoan, Plant, and Tissue Classification: A Concise Overview

Metazoans, Plants, and Epithelial Tissue Classification

Metazoans (Vertebrates):

  • Fish:
    • Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous skeleton, dermal denticles, heterocercal caudal fin, ventral mouth, no swim bladder, branchial arches, spiracles, e.g., shark)
    • Osteichthyes (Bony skeleton, scales, homocercal caudal fin, swim bladder with operculum, e.g., sardine)
  • Amphibians:
    • Anura (Frogs)
    • Urodeles (Salamanders)
  • Reptiles:
    • Chelonians (Turtles)
    • Lizards
    • Crocodilians
    • Snakes
  • Birds:
    • Ratites (Ostrich)
    • Gallinaceous (Chicken)
    • Noctua (Hawk
Read More

Organic Molecules, Cells, and Cellular Structures

Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are those consisting essentially of carbon atoms linked by covalent bonds.

  • Fabrics: Clusters of specialized cells that perform the same function and have one origin.
  • Organs: The structural and functional units of higher living beings. They consist of several different tissues and perform a specific action.
  • Systems: Clusters of similar bodies that perform independent actions. For example, the nervous system, bone, muscle, or endocrine system.
  • Apparatus: Sets of organs
Read More

Cellular Respiration: ATP Production and Energy Release

Cell Respiration: ATP Production and Energy Release

Understanding Cell Respiration

Cell respiration is the controlled release of energy from organic compounds to produce ATP.

  • Organic compounds from the food we eat, such as glucose, contain stored energy within their covalent bonds.
  • All living organisms carry out cell respiration in order to convert stored energy into a form that can be used by the cell.
  • When organic molecules are broken down, the energy released is eventually stored in a high-energy
Read More

Cell Structures: Organelles, Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi

Cell Structures and Components

Nuclear membrane: A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus of the cell. It contains small pores that allow communication between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Chromosomes: Immersed in the nuclear fluid, they become visible only when the cell begins to divide. Chromosomes are carriers of genes, the factors responsible for the transmission of hereditary traits. Their number varies across different cell types and species. Generally shaped like elongated filaments,

Read More