Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which organ is considered the largest organ of the human body?

Answer: Skin

The skin is the largest organ, covering the entire external surface of the body and accounting for about 16% of total body weight.

What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?

Answer: 60–100 beats per minute

A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute; rates outside this range may indicate bradycardia or tachycardia.

Which blood type is known as the universal donor for red blood cell transfusions?

Answer: O negative

Type O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it compatible with all blood types and safe for emergency transfusions.

The epiglottis serves which primary function during swallowing?

Answer: Covers the trachea to prevent aspiration

The epiglottis is a cartilaginous flap that folds over the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.

How many chambers does the human heart have?

Answer: Four

The heart has four chambers: the right atrium and right ventricle (pulmonary circuit) and the left atrium and left ventricle (systemic circuit).

Which process describes how cells produce identical daughter cells for growth and tissue repair?

Answer: Mitosis

Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells and is the basis of growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in somatic cells.

What is the normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest?

Answer: 12–20 breaths per minute

A normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute; rates above 20 may indicate tachypnea, while below 12 may indicate bradypnea.

Which organ's primary role is to filter blood, remove waste, and produce urine?

Answer: Kidney

The kidneys filter approximately 180 liters of blood per day, regulating fluid balance, electrolytes, and acid-base status while excreting waste as urine.

The femur bone is located in which region of the body?

Answer: Upper leg (thigh)

The femur is the thigh bone, connecting the hip at the acetabulum to the knee joint, and is the longest and strongest bone in the body.

Which vitamin is synthesized in the skin primarily through exposure to sunlight?

Answer: Vitamin D

UVB radiation from sunlight converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to Vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

What is the accepted normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult?

Answer: 120/80 mmHg

120/80 mmHg is the standard reference for normal blood pressure; readings at or above 130/80 mmHg are now classified as hypertension Stage 1 per current guidelines.

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for coordinating balance and fine motor movements?

Answer: Cerebellum

The cerebellum, located at the posterior of the brain, integrates sensory input to fine-tune voluntary movements and maintain posture and balance.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced in which location in healthy adults?

Answer: Red bone marrow

In adults, red blood cells are manufactured through erythropoiesis in red bone marrow, primarily found in flat bones such as the sternum, vertebrae, and iliac crest.

What is the normal oral body temperature for an adult in degrees Fahrenheit?

Answer: 98.6°F

98.6°F (37°C) is the widely accepted normal oral body temperature for adults; a reading at or above 100.4°F (38°C) typically indicates a fever.

Which body system is primarily responsible for defending the body against pathogens and foreign substances?

Answer: Immune system

The immune system, through white blood cells, antibodies, and lymphatic tissues, identifies and destroys pathogens, foreign cells, and abnormal cells.

The trachea is a component of which body system?

Answer: Respiratory system

The trachea (windpipe) is a cartilaginous tube in the respiratory system that conducts air from the larynx to the bronchi and into the lungs.

Insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels, is secreted by which organ?

Answer: Pancreas

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas and facilitates cellular uptake of glucose to lower blood sugar.

How many bones does the average adult human skeleton contain?

Answer: 206

The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones; infants begin with about 270–300 bones, many of which fuse together during childhood and adolescence.

Which type of muscle tissue is found exclusively in the heart?

Answer: Cardiac muscle

Cardiac muscle is involuntary, striated muscle found only in the myocardium; it contracts rhythmically and continuously without fatigue under normal conditions.

What is the normal pH range of human arterial blood?

Answer: 7.35–7.45

Normal arterial blood pH is 7.35–7.45; values below 7.35 indicate acidosis and values above 7.45 indicate alkalosis, both of which are life-threatening if severe.