Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

What is the primary function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

Answer: Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and transports it to body tissues, while also carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for balance, posture, and coordination of voluntary movements?

Answer: Cerebellum

The cerebellum, located at the posterior base of the brain, coordinates voluntary movements, maintains balance, and regulates muscle tone.

Which of the following is a primary function of the liver?

Answer: Detoxifies blood and metabolizes drugs

The liver detoxifies the blood by filtering and metabolizing drugs, alcohol, and other toxins, and also produces bile for fat digestion.

Which body system is responsible for transporting lymph fluid and plays a central role in immune defense?

Answer: Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system collects and filters lymph fluid, houses immune cells, and returns fluid to the bloodstream while defending against pathogens.

What type of muscle tissue lines the walls of the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels?

Answer: Smooth muscle

Smooth muscle is involuntary, non-striated muscle found in the walls of hollow visceral organs such as the intestines, stomach, and blood vessels.

Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, primarily regulates metabolic rate?

Answer: Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are produced by the thyroid gland and regulate metabolism, energy production, and growth.

The nephron is best defined as:

Answer: The basic structural and functional unit of the kidney

The nephron is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney that filters blood, reabsorbs nutrients, and produces urine.