Human Physiology- Ch 31-34

Beginning at the presynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, describe

the physical and biochemical events involved in the contraction of a skeletal

muscle fiber. Include the structure of the fiber in your discussion.

Biological recognition is important in many processes at the molecular, cellular,

and organismal levels. Select three of the following, and for each of the three that

you have chosen, explain how the process of recognition occurs and give an

example.

a. Organisms recognize others as members of their own species.

b. Neurotransmitters are recognized in the synapse.

c. Antigens trigger antibody responses.

d. Nucleic acids are complementary.

e. Target cells respond to specific hormones.

Discuss how cellular structures, including the plasma membrane, specialized endoplasmic reticulum, cytoskeletal elements, and mitochondria, function together in the contraction of skeletal muscle cells.

The blood, lymph, and other internal fluids have often been referred to as the “internal environment” of the cells. Many parts of the body are involved in maintaining the constancy of this internal environment.

Discuss how 1) the kidneys and 2) the endocrine glands help to maintain the constancy of the internal environment.

In normal metabolism, the glucose concentration of the blood tends to remain

constant (within a range of 80 to 120 milligrams per hundred milliliters).

Discuss the role of each of the following in maintaining this homeostatic condition:

a. the kidneys

b. the islands of Langerhans

c. the pituitary gland

Structure and function are related in the various organ systems of animals.

Select two of the following four organ systems in vertebrates:

Respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous

For each of the two systems you choose, discuss the structure and function of two adaptations that aid in the transport or exchange of molecules (or ions). Be sure to related structure to function in each example.