Nutrition and Digestion: Key Concepts Explained
Regulatory Nutrients
These are compounds our bodies cannot produce themselves. They control the numerous chemical reactions in a cell.
Vitamins
We need vitamins because our body cannot synthesise them, so they need to be ingested with food.
Characteristics of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet must provide enough calories and the right amount of essential nutrients. Ideally, 55% of calories should come from carbohydrates, 30% from fats, and 15% from protein. Animal protein should not exceed 40% of the total
Read MoreUnderstanding Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth
Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth
Pregnancy is the time that elapses from the fertilization of the ovum until birth. It takes about 38-42 weeks in a normal position. At 9 weeks of gestation, it is called an embryo (4cm and 5g). From September, it is called a fetus.
Placenta
The placenta is the organ through which metabolic exchanges take place between the fetus and the mother. It acts as a source of nutrition and respiration and releases hormones for gestation.
Changes in Pregnant Women
- Menstruation
Diagnostic Tests and Imaging Methods for Disease Detection
Diagnostic Tests: Detecting Disease in the Body
Diagnostics play a crucial role in identifying diseases and monitoring their progression. Accurate diagnostic reports are essential for effective treatment. Diagnostic procedures include:
- Physical Examinations: Assessing vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and performing auscultation (listening to internal sounds).
- Blood Tests: Analyzing blood samples to detect infections (via leukocyte counts) and measure cholesterol, glucose
Human Nervous System: Brain, Senses, and Memory
The Human Nervous System: Structure and Function
1.1 The Nerve Pathway
The four elements of a simple nerve pathway are:
- Receptor: Detects a stimulus.
- Sensory Neuron: Transmits the signal to the central nervous system.
- Integration Center: (Usually the spinal cord or brain) Processes the signal.
- Motor Neuron: Transmits a signal to an effector.
- Effector: Carries out response.
1.2 The Spinal Cord
The spinal cord contains different types of neurons. If the spinal cord is severed, the body becomes paralyzed below
Read MoreUnderstanding the Dark Phase of Photosynthesis: Carbon Fixation
The Dark Phase of Photosynthesis: Carbon Fixation
Plant cells contain the enzymes necessary to reduce and assimilate nutrients, transforming them into biomolecules within living matter. The dark phase involves the transformation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds that can be incorporated into anabolic pathways.
Carbon Fixation
The photosynthetic fixation of CO2 occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts via the Calvin-Benson cycle. This cycle leads to the incorporation of CO2 to form organic compounds
Read MoreUnderstanding Human Biology: Cell Structure to Ecosystem Impacts
Cell Structure and Human Biology
Cell Structure
Plasma membrane, cytoplasm (ribosomes, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, lysosomes), nucleus (nuclear membrane, nucleoplasm, chromatin, nucleolus).
Tissues
- Epithelial: Lining epithelium (mucous membranes, endothelia, epidermis), gland (exocrine, endocrine, mixed)
- Connective: Connective tissue, adipose, cartilaginous, osseous
- Muscle: Smooth, striated, cardiac
- Nerves: Neurons, glial cells
Body Organization
Structures formed by various
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