Nervous System Function: Autonomic Control & Neural Signals
Nervous System Organization
The Nervous System comprises two main parts:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord. It builds and maintains models of the environment, makes decisions, and processes sensory information. Grey matter contains dendrites and cell bodies, while white matter consists of myelinated axons. The blood-brain barrier tightly regulates substances entering the brain.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes all neural tissue outside the CNS, connecting
Fundamentals of Biology: Energy, Atoms, Molecules, and Systems
Energy and Its Forms
Energy is the ability to cause changes. There are two kinds:
- Potential Energy: Unactualized energy.
- Kinetic Energy: Active energy. Examples include heat, electricity, light, and movement. Potential energy includes gravity and chemical energy.
Atoms and Molecules
Atoms are the smallest unit of an element (e.g., Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Iron).
Subatomic Particles and Molecules
Subatomic Particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) together make up atoms, which form molecules.
Read MoreKey Biological Processes and Concepts Explained
Key Biological Processes
Transcription, Translation, and Translocation
Transcription: The process of RNA synthesis.
Translation: Amino acids are supplied by tRNA according to the message on mRNA. tRNA has an ‘anticodon’ with a complementary sequence to the codon on mRNA.
Translocation: The ribosome moves along the mRNA by the distance of one triplet codon.
Central Dogma: The process of protein synthesis from DNA through RNA.
Important Biological Molecules
NAD: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
FAD: Flavin
Read MoreUnderstanding the Excretory and Urinary Systems: Functions and Anatomy
The Excretory System: An Overview
The excretory system comprises the urinary system and other organs and systems that aid in waste product excretion.
Other Components of the Excretory System
- Respiratory System: Removes carbon dioxide from the blood and expels it from the body.
- Sweat Glands: Located in the skin, these glands produce sweat, which evaporates to cool the skin. Some excretory substances are also eliminated through sweat.
- Liver: Eliminates products from the breakdown of hemoglobin from old
Cilia: Structure, Function, and Movement Mechanisms
Cilia: Structure, Function, and Movement
Cilia are mobile cytoplasmic extensions, typically 5 to 10 μm in length and 0.2 μm thick. They contain an axoneme and project from the free surface of many cells. Cilia function to move crawling or rolling particles, agitate and circulate fluids across surface epithelia, such as in the respiratory tract and certain excretory tubes of the testis.
Cilia originate from basal corpuscles. Structurally, a cilium is composed of the axoneme and ciliary membrane,
Read MoreHuman Body Systems: Functions, Homeostasis, and Feedback
1. Fill in the Blank Spaces
- What is the smallest unit of life in the human body? Cell
- Cells group together to form tissue.
- Tissues are grouped together to form various organs.
- Organs work together as part of a system.
2. Match the System with its Function
| Human Body System | Function |
|---|---|
| Skeletal System | Support |
| Muscular System | Movement |
| Respiratory System | Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Exchange |
| Cardiovascular System | Transport |
| Excretory System | Waste Removal |
| Nervous System | Sends Chemical Messages |
| Lymphatic System | Returns Fluids |
| Integumentary |