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week 7-13
Learning Activity
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system? | The myelin sheath insulates axons and increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction through saltatory conduction. |
| What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system? | The sympathetic division prepares the body for “fight-or-flight” responses (increased heart rate, bronchodilation), whereas the parasympathetic division supports “rest-and-digest” functions (slowed heart rate, increased digestion). |
| Which endocrine gland controls most other endocrine glands and why is it often called the “master gland”? | The pituitary gland is called the master gland because its hormones (e.g., TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH) regulate the activity of other endocrine glands. |
| How does the hormone ADH help maintain water balance in the body? | ADH increases water reabsorption in the kidneys by inserting aquaporins into the collecting duct membrane, reducing urine output. |
| What is the main function of hemoglobin in red blood cells? | Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues, while also helping carry some carbon dioxide back to the lungs. |
| What is the difference between arteries and veins? | Arteries carry blood away from the heart under high pressure and have thicker walls, while veins carry blood toward the heart and have valves to prevent backflow. |
| What role do lymph nodes play in the lymphatic system? | Lymph nodes filter lymph, removing pathogens and debris, and house lymphocytes that help initiate immune responses. |
| How does gas exchange occur in the alveoli of the lungs? | Gas exchange occurs by diffusion: oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli. |
| What processes allow the kidneys to form urine? | Urine formation occurs through three steps: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion. |
| What is the primary buffer system that maintains blood pH, and how does it work? | The bicarbonate buffer system maintains blood pH by converting strong acids into weaker carbonic acid and strong bases into weaker bicarbonate, helping stabilize pH around 7.4. |