Physiology

Functions of the nervous system: 1) Integration of body processes 2) Control of voluntary effectors (skeletal muscles), and mediation of voluntary reflexes. 3) Control of involuntary effectors (  smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands) and mediation of autonomic reflexes (heart rate, blood pressure, glandular secretion, etc.) 4) Response to stimuli 5) Responsible for conscious thought and perception, emotions, personality, the mind.…

Serum Lipids   LIPID Typical values (mg/dl) Desirable (mg/dl) Cholesterol (total) 170–210 <200 LDL cholesterol 60–140 <100 HDL cholesterol 35–85 >40 Triglycerides 40–160 <160 …

A rise in blood pressure stretches the atria of the heart. This triggers the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). ANP is a peptide of 28 amino acids. ANP lowers blood pressure by: relaxing arterioles inhibiting the secretion of renin and aldosterone inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium ions in the collecting ducts of the kidneys. The effects on the kidney reduce the reabsorption of water by them thus increasing the flow of urine and the amoun…

Water: comprises 60 - 90% of most living organisms (and cells) important because it serves as an excellent solvent & enters into many metabolic reactions Intracellular (inside cells) = ~ 34 liters Interstitial (outside cells) = ~ 13 liters Blood plasma = ~3 liters 40% of blood is red blood cells (RBCs) plasma is similar to interstitial fluid, but contains plasma proteins serum = plasma with clotting proteins removed intracellular fluid is…

Carbohydrates: about 3% of the dry mass of a typical cell composed of carbon, hydrogen, & oxygen atoms (e.g., glucose is C6H12O6) an important source of energy for cells types include: monosaccharide (e.g., glucose) - most contain 5 or 6 carbon atoms disaccharides 2 monosaccharides linked together Examples include sucrose (a common plant disaccharide is composed of the monosaccharides glucose and fructose) & lactose (or milk …