Cellular Structures and the Circulatory System
Cellular Organization and Function
The cell is the basic unit of living matter. Depending on their structure and organization, cells are classified into different types of living organisms.
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells lack a distinct nucleus; their genetic material is located freely in the cytoplasm, along with the enzymes necessary for their maintenance and reproduction.
Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells possess a distinct nucleus, where the genetic material is enclosed by a membrane, separating
Read MoreUnderstanding Ecology: Habitats, Ecosystems, and Biotic Factors
Ecology is the science that studies the relationships and networks of interdependencies between living beings and the environment in which they live.
What is the Environment?
The environment of a being is formed by the combination of living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) elements that surround them.
Defining Habitat
A habitat is the ideal place for an organism, and is inhabited by mainly ideal conditions to live and reproduce.
Biotope Explained
The biotope consists of non-living elements. It is a particular
Read MorePostmortem Changes: Factors Influencing Decomposition
Constitutional and Pathological Influences on Postmortem Changes
Constitutional Factors
*Physical Constitution*
Obese individuals decompose faster than lean individuals.
*Age*
Putrefaction is more rapid in children and slower in the elderly, with adults experiencing an intermediate rate.
Pathological Influences
The evolution of putrefaction can be accelerated or delayed depending on pre-existing pathological conditions. Generally, the intensity of putrefaction correlates with its onset.
*Conditions Accelerating
Read MoreEssential Concepts in Molecular Biology and Cell Division
Key Terms
- Codon: The amino acid coding unit in DNA or messenger RNA. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, and the string of codons in mRNA specifies the order of amino acids in the encoded protein.
- Nucleic Acid: Naturally occurring chemical compound that is capable of being broken down to yield phosphoric acid, sugars, and a mixture of organic bases. The two main classes of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
- Nucleotide: The basic building block of
Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Anatomy and Function
Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
- Structure: Peritoneum and tunica albuginea; ovarian cortex, medulla, follicles.
- Features: Produce and release eggs.
- Production:
- Estrogens (Graafian Follicle)
- Progesterone (Corpus luteum)
- Ovulation: Approximately 14 days after the Graafian follicle migrates to the surface, it opens and releases the egg into the abdominal cavity. The egg is actively taken up by the tube that carries it slowly into the uterus.
- The egg is either fertilized and implanted in the uterine lining
Muscular, Reproductive, and Digestive Systems: Functions and Organs
Muscular System: Functions and Purpose
Each muscle type in the muscular system has a specific purpose. You are able to walk because of your skeletal muscles. You can digest because of your smooth muscles. And your heart beats because of your cardiac muscle.
The different muscle types also work together to make these functions possible. For instance, when you run (skeletal muscles), your heart pumps harder (cardiac muscle), and causes you to breathe heavier (smooth muscles).