Science: Human Body Systems and Anatomy Flashcards
36 cards from real TEAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Science: Human Body Systems and Anatomy flashcards as text
Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body's systemic circulation?
Answer: Left ventricle
The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood received from the left atrium out through the aorta to the systemic circulation.
What is the primary function of the nephron in the kidney?
Answer: Filtering blood and forming urine
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing nutrients, and excreting waste as urine.
Which type of muscle tissue is found in the walls of the digestive tract and blood vessels?
Answer: Smooth muscle
Smooth muscle is involuntary and non-striated, found in hollow organs such as the digestive tract, bladder, and blood vessels.
The sinoatrial (SA) node is best described as the heart's:
Answer: Natural pacemaker
The SA node is the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating the electrical impulse that triggers each heartbeat.
Which organ system is primarily responsible for regulating body temperature through sweating and shivering?
Answer: Nervous system and integumentary system
The nervous system detects temperature changes and coordinates responses like sweating (via sweat glands in the skin/integumentary system) and shivering (via muscles).
Where does gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) occur in the lungs?
Answer: Alveoli
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs with thin walls surrounded by capillaries, allowing efficient diffusion of O2 and CO2.
Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and balance?
Answer: Cerebellum
The cerebellum coordinates smooth voluntary movements, balance, and fine motor control.
The large intestine's primary function is to:
Answer: Absorb water and form feces
The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible material and consolidates it into feces for elimination.
Which gland produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels?
Answer: Pancreas
The pancreas has endocrine cells (islets of Langerhans) that secrete insulin (lowers blood glucose) and glucagon (raises blood glucose).
The mitral (bicuspid) valve is located between which two heart chambers?
Answer: Left atrium and left ventricle
The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle, preventing backflow when the ventricle contracts.
Which type of joint allows the greatest range of motion?
Answer: Ball-and-socket joint
Ball-and-socket joints (like the hip and shoulder) allow movement in all planes including rotation, providing the greatest range of motion.
The lymphatic system plays a critical role in:
Answer: Immune defense and returning interstitial fluid to circulation
The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid, filters it through lymph nodes, and returns it to the bloodstream while also transporting immune cells.
Which hormone is produced by the adrenal medulla in response to stress?
Answer: Epinephrine (adrenaline)
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine as part of the 'fight-or-flight' stress response.
The process by which bone tissue is broken down and rebuilt throughout life is called:
Answer: Bone remodeling
Bone remodeling is the continuous process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts.
Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons?
Answer: Dendrite
Dendrites are the branched extensions of a neuron that receive incoming signals (synaptic inputs) from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body.
The skin's outermost layer, which acts as a barrier against pathogens and water loss, is the:
Answer: Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, composed mainly of keratinocytes, providing a waterproof barrier.
Which part of the brain controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure?
Answer: Medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, contains autonomic control centers for breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are produced in the:
Answer: Red bone marrow
Red blood cells are produced through erythropoiesis in the red bone marrow, stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin from the kidneys.
The function of the epiglottis is to:
Answer: Prevent food from entering the airway during swallowing
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing, directing food into the esophagus and preventing aspiration.
Which structure connects a muscle to a bone?
Answer: Tendon
Tendons are fibrous connective tissue structures that attach muscle to bone, transmitting the force of muscle contraction to move bones.