Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

What would happen if the phrenic nerve was injured?

Answer: Inability to control one's breathing

The phrenic nerve is crucial for respiration as it innervates the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It transmits motor commands that cause the diaphragm to contract and relax, facilitating inhalation and exhalation. Therefore, an injury to the phrenic nerve would impair or halt the diaphragm's function, leading to an inability to control one's breathing.

Which valve is in charge of stopping blood from flowing backward from the right ventricle to the right atrium?

Answer: Tricuspid valve

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. Its essential function is to prevent the backflow of deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium when the ventricle contracts. This ensures that blood flows in the correct direction towards the pulmonary artery.

Which kind of circulation is connected with the right side of the heart?

Answer: Pulmonary circulation

The right side of the heart is responsible for receiving deoxygenated blood from the body and pumping it to the lungs. This specific circulatory pathway, which involves the heart sending blood to the lungs for oxygenation and then receiving it back, is known as pulmonary circulation. Systemic circulation, conversely, involves the left side of the heart pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

Which of the following does the diaphragm perform during exhalation?

Answer: Relaxes and lifts

During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards, or lifts, into the thoracic cavity. This upward movement decreases the volume of the chest cavity, which in turn increases the pressure within the lungs, forcing air out. In contrast, during inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens.

A person with AB- blood should not receive blood from which other blood type?

Answer: AB+

A person with AB- blood has A and B antigens but lacks the Rh factor. They can safely receive blood from A-, B-, O-, and AB- donors. However, they cannot receive AB+ blood because it contains the Rh antigen, which their immune system would recognize as foreign and attack, leading to a severe transfusion reaction.

Which blood type is considered the universal donor?

Answer: O-

O- blood is considered the universal donor because its red blood cells lack A, B, and Rh antigens. This absence of antigens means that O- blood will not trigger an immune response in recipients of any other blood type. Consequently, it can be safely transfused to nearly anyone in emergency situations when there is no time to cross-match blood.

What is the only artery in the body to carry oxygen-poor blood?

Answer: Pulmonary Artery

The pulmonary artery is unique among arteries because it carries deoxygenated blood. It transports blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs, where the blood will pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. All other arteries in the systemic circulation carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Chocolate cysts of the ovaries are attributed to which of the following?

Answer: Endometriosis

Chocolate cysts, also known as endometriomas, are a common manifestation of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries. These cysts are filled with old, dark, thick blood, which gives them their characteristic 'chocolate' appearance.

Which of the following is not true of synovial joints?

Answer: They are found in the intervertebral discs of the spinal column.

Synovial joints are characterized by a fluid-filled capsule, articular cartilage, and are highly movable, such as the knee or shoulder. Intervertebral discs, however, are cartilaginous joints (specifically symphyses) that allow for limited movement and provide shock absorption between vertebrae. Therefore, synovial joints are not found in the intervertebral discs of the spinal column.

Ligaments connect which two structures?

Answer: Bone to bone

Ligaments are strong, fibrous bands of connective tissue that primarily connect bones to other bones. Their main function is to stabilize joints, limit excessive movement, and prevent dislocations. In contrast, tendons connect muscles to bones.

What is the longest muscle in the human body?

Answer: Sartorius

The sartorius muscle is indeed the longest muscle in the human body. It is a long, thin, superficial muscle that runs obliquely down the length of the thigh, from the hip to the medial side of the knee. It plays a role in various movements of the hip and knee, including flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation.

Where is the hyoid bone located?

Answer: Neck

The hyoid bone is a unique, U-shaped bone located in the anterior part of the neck, situated between the chin and the thyroid cartilage. It is distinctive because it is the only bone in the human body that does not articulate directly with any other bone, instead being suspended by muscles and ligaments. It plays a vital role in speech, swallowing, and supporting the tongue.

Which of the following is not true of epithelial tissue?

Answer: It is vascular

Epithelial tissue is avascular, meaning it does not have its own direct blood supply. Instead, it receives nutrients and oxygen by diffusion from the underlying connective tissue, which is vascular. Epithelial tissue does, however, line body cavities, form glands, and rests on a basement membrane.

Which of the following is not produced by an exocrine gland?

Answer: Adrenaline

Exocrine glands secrete their products, such as milk, digestive enzymes, or saliva, into ducts that lead to an external surface or internal cavity. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are endocrine glands. Endocrine glands release their secretions (hormones) directly into the bloodstream, without using ducts.

The imaginary line that separates the body into superior and inferior regions is called what?

Answer: Transverse plane

The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal or axial plane, is an imaginary line that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions. This plane runs perpendicular to the long axis of the body. Other planes, like the sagittal and coronal, divide the body differently.

Where is the pyloric sphincter located?

Answer: Between the stomach and small intestine

The pyloric sphincter is a ring of smooth muscle located at the distal end of the stomach, specifically at the junction where the stomach connects to the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Its primary function is to regulate the flow of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine, preventing rapid emptying and allowing for proper digestion.