WGU D312| ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I WITH
LAB| LAB QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART 1:
SECTIONS 1 AND 2| UPDATE 2024
3 accessory organs of the digestive system - ANSthe liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
3 types of neurons - ANSsensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons
Abdominal - ANSBetween the chest and the pelvis
Abdominal cavity - ANSContains most of the digestive organs - stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines - and
some of the urinary structures - the kidney and the ureters. The upper boundary is the diaphragm and the
lower boundary is the brim of the pelvis (landmark of the pelvis bones)
Abdominopelvic cavity - ANSSince there is no anatomical division between the 2 cavities they are
occasionally referred to as 1 region
Abducens nerve - ANSmotor, eye movements
Accessory nerve - ANSmotor, swallowing, and head, neck, shoulder movement
action potential - ANSa short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly
rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory. Action potentials occur in several types of animal cells,
called excitable cells, which include neurons, muscle cells, and endocrine cells. Action potentials are
generated by special types of voltage-gated ion channels embedded in a cell's plasma membrane.[b]
These channels are shut when the membrane potential is near the resting potential of the cell, but they
rapidly begin to open if the membrane potential increases to a precisely defined threshold value. When
the channels open (in response to depolarization in transmembrane voltage[b]), they allow an inward flow
of sodium ions, which changes the electrochemical gradient, which in turn produces a further rise in the
membrane potential. This then causes more channels to open, producing a greater electric current across
the cell membrane, and so on. The process proceeds explosively until all of the available ion channels
are open, resulting in a large upswing in the membrane potential. The rapid influx of sodium ions causes
the polarity of the plasma membrane to reverse, and the ion channels then rapidly inactivate. As the
sodium channels close, sodium ions can no longer enter the neuron, and then they are actively
transported back out of the plasma membrane. Potassium channels are then activated, and there is an
outward current of potassium ions, returning the electrochemical gradient to the resting state.
Adrenal Gland Cortex - ANSProduces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) affects kidneys and promotes
water balance. Also produces Glucocorticoids (cortisol) affects Liver and promotes Immune function. Also
produces Macromolecule promotes metabolism.
Adrenal Gland Medulla - ANSProduces Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) affects various
tissues and stimulates the fight-or-flight response.
Adrenal glands - ANSProduce steroid hormones that regulate metabolic functions during stress, kidney
function and sexual function, also secrete epinephrine or adrenaline when stimulated
Alimentary canal, also called the gastrointestinal GI tract or gut - ANSa continuous muscular tube that
runs from the mouth to the anus
Alveoli - ANSTiny terminal air sac that consist of a single cell wall that allows passage of oxygen to blood
and diffuses carbon dioxide into the lungs to be exhaled
Amino Acid - ANSany of a class of organic compounds that contains at least one amino group, -NH 2,
and one carboxyl group, -COOH: the alpha-amino acids, RCH(NH 2)COOH, are the building blocks from
which proteins are constructed.
,WGU D312| ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I WITH
LAB| LAB QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART 1:
SECTIONS 1 AND 2| UPDATE 2024
Amylase - ANSenzyme that facilitates the breakdown of carbohydrates
Anaxonic neurons - ANSsmall, stellate star-shaped cells with processes that all look alike with no
apparent axon, can be found in the central nervous system, the retina, and in the adrenal medulla. Their
functions are not well understood.
Anterior horn - ANScontains the somatic motor neurons, and it sends efferent signals from the spinal cord
to the muscle cells it controls.
Anterior or ventral - ANSToward the front or toward the belly
Anterior Pituitary - ANSGrowth Hormone- affects all Tissues and promotes growth. Adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) affects the Adrenal Cortex and stimulates release of hormones from the adrenal cortex.
Gonadotropins affects the (Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing Hormone)
Apocrine glands - ANSSecretions moisten the skin during pain, fear, sexual arousal and emotional upset
Arachnoid mater - ANSnamed for the spider-web appearance acts like a cushion for the brain.
Arteries - ANSCarry oxygenated blood from the heart to provide oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the
body. Branches are known as arterioles deliver blood to capillaries.
Astrocytes - ANSprovide a structurally supportive framework for neurons, help form protective blood-brain
barrier, maintain the concentration of chemicals in the extracellular space, react to neural tissue damage
by forming scar tissue in the damaged space.
Atom - ANSBasic unit of matter, consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons
Auricle of ear - ANSLocation: Head lateral. Description: Appendage of skin, cartilage, and connective
tissue, contains part of external acoustic meatus Also known as: External ear or pinna. Acts like a funnel
to collect and modify sound waves. Latin: auri = an ear
Autonomic nervous system or ANS - ANSSends signals from the CNS to the involuntary regions of the
PNS, is further subdivided into the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
Axon - ANSFunctions like a cable, relaying electrical signals away from the cell body towards other
neurons or other structures e.g. muscles, glands.
Basal cells - ANSThese are an example of tissue-specific stem cells, meaning they can turn into a variety
of cell types found in that tissue. Under normal conditions, daughter basal cells most commonly replace
lost keratinocytes.
Bipolar neurons - ANShave a single dendrite extending from one side of the cell body and a single axon
extending from the other side, found in the special sense organs for vision and olfaction.
Bladder - ANSUrinary or renal bladder stores the urine from the kidneys
Bones - ANSMajor structures of the skeletal system that contain living cells called osteocytes. Osteocytes
allow bones to sense and respond to stress. The inorganic matrix of the bone gives it rigidity and acts as
a storage deposit for calcium and phosphorus.
, WGU D312| ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I WITH
LAB| LAB QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART 1:
SECTIONS 1 AND 2| UPDATE 2024
Brachial - ANSArm
Brachial Plexus - ANSRuns from the spine, formed by the anterior rami of lower 4 cervical nerves and 1st
thoracic nerve C5-C8, T. It passes through the cervicoaxillary canal in the neck, over the first rib, and into
the axilla or armpit region, it innervates the upper limbs, neck and shoulder muscles.
Brainstem - ANSRelays messages between spinal cord and brain, from brainstem cranial nerves to
cerebrum. Helps control heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure. Involved with hearing, taste, other
senses. Medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, and reticular formation are part of the brainstem.
Bronchi - ANSLarger air containing compartments of the lung that bring air to alveoli
Buccal - ANSCheek
Capillaries - ANSVessels that have single layer walls that allow the exchange of gases and nutrients
Capillaries specifically Peritubular - ANSFunction is secretion, Epithelial cells actively secrete certain
substances from the blood into the tubular lumen.
Carbohydrates - ANSOrganic molecule that consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Primary source of energy in living systems. Simple carbs or sugars are made of only 1 or 2 sugar
monomers. Complex carbs are made of more than 2 sugar monomers covalently bonded.
Cardiac Muscle Cells - ANSInvoluntary, found only in the Heart, branching chains of cells connected by
porous intercalated discs, with single nucleus and striations. Striated: many myofibrils in orderly
arrangement. Self stimulating: impulse spreads from cell to cell. Under control of nervous and endocrine
systems and various chemicals. Intermediate energy requirement Intermediate speed of contraction yet
contraction spreads quickly through
tissue due to intercalated discs. Rhythmic contractions
Strength increases with stretching. Doesn't fatigue
Carpal - ANSWrist
Cartilage - ANSFirm, flexible and smooth connective tissue found at the end of bones. This tissue
protects bones and evenly distributed forces to the underlying bone.
Caudal - ANSToward the tail -same as inferior for a human
Cell - ANSFundamental unit of life, smallest and simplest entity that possesses all characteristics of life, 2
main types are prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Cell mediated immunity - ANSan immune response that does not involve antibodies, but rather involves
the activation of phagocytes, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various
cytokines in response to an antigen.
Cellular respiration - ANSUses oxygen to release energy from nutrients like glucose
Central nervous system or CNS - ANSProcesses incoming information and initiates a response and is
comprised of the brain and spinal cord
Cephalic - ANSHead
LAB| LAB QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART 1:
SECTIONS 1 AND 2| UPDATE 2024
3 accessory organs of the digestive system - ANSthe liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
3 types of neurons - ANSsensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons
Abdominal - ANSBetween the chest and the pelvis
Abdominal cavity - ANSContains most of the digestive organs - stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines - and
some of the urinary structures - the kidney and the ureters. The upper boundary is the diaphragm and the
lower boundary is the brim of the pelvis (landmark of the pelvis bones)
Abdominopelvic cavity - ANSSince there is no anatomical division between the 2 cavities they are
occasionally referred to as 1 region
Abducens nerve - ANSmotor, eye movements
Accessory nerve - ANSmotor, swallowing, and head, neck, shoulder movement
action potential - ANSa short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly
rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory. Action potentials occur in several types of animal cells,
called excitable cells, which include neurons, muscle cells, and endocrine cells. Action potentials are
generated by special types of voltage-gated ion channels embedded in a cell's plasma membrane.[b]
These channels are shut when the membrane potential is near the resting potential of the cell, but they
rapidly begin to open if the membrane potential increases to a precisely defined threshold value. When
the channels open (in response to depolarization in transmembrane voltage[b]), they allow an inward flow
of sodium ions, which changes the electrochemical gradient, which in turn produces a further rise in the
membrane potential. This then causes more channels to open, producing a greater electric current across
the cell membrane, and so on. The process proceeds explosively until all of the available ion channels
are open, resulting in a large upswing in the membrane potential. The rapid influx of sodium ions causes
the polarity of the plasma membrane to reverse, and the ion channels then rapidly inactivate. As the
sodium channels close, sodium ions can no longer enter the neuron, and then they are actively
transported back out of the plasma membrane. Potassium channels are then activated, and there is an
outward current of potassium ions, returning the electrochemical gradient to the resting state.
Adrenal Gland Cortex - ANSProduces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) affects kidneys and promotes
water balance. Also produces Glucocorticoids (cortisol) affects Liver and promotes Immune function. Also
produces Macromolecule promotes metabolism.
Adrenal Gland Medulla - ANSProduces Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) affects various
tissues and stimulates the fight-or-flight response.
Adrenal glands - ANSProduce steroid hormones that regulate metabolic functions during stress, kidney
function and sexual function, also secrete epinephrine or adrenaline when stimulated
Alimentary canal, also called the gastrointestinal GI tract or gut - ANSa continuous muscular tube that
runs from the mouth to the anus
Alveoli - ANSTiny terminal air sac that consist of a single cell wall that allows passage of oxygen to blood
and diffuses carbon dioxide into the lungs to be exhaled
Amino Acid - ANSany of a class of organic compounds that contains at least one amino group, -NH 2,
and one carboxyl group, -COOH: the alpha-amino acids, RCH(NH 2)COOH, are the building blocks from
which proteins are constructed.
,WGU D312| ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I WITH
LAB| LAB QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART 1:
SECTIONS 1 AND 2| UPDATE 2024
Amylase - ANSenzyme that facilitates the breakdown of carbohydrates
Anaxonic neurons - ANSsmall, stellate star-shaped cells with processes that all look alike with no
apparent axon, can be found in the central nervous system, the retina, and in the adrenal medulla. Their
functions are not well understood.
Anterior horn - ANScontains the somatic motor neurons, and it sends efferent signals from the spinal cord
to the muscle cells it controls.
Anterior or ventral - ANSToward the front or toward the belly
Anterior Pituitary - ANSGrowth Hormone- affects all Tissues and promotes growth. Adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) affects the Adrenal Cortex and stimulates release of hormones from the adrenal cortex.
Gonadotropins affects the (Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing Hormone)
Apocrine glands - ANSSecretions moisten the skin during pain, fear, sexual arousal and emotional upset
Arachnoid mater - ANSnamed for the spider-web appearance acts like a cushion for the brain.
Arteries - ANSCarry oxygenated blood from the heart to provide oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the
body. Branches are known as arterioles deliver blood to capillaries.
Astrocytes - ANSprovide a structurally supportive framework for neurons, help form protective blood-brain
barrier, maintain the concentration of chemicals in the extracellular space, react to neural tissue damage
by forming scar tissue in the damaged space.
Atom - ANSBasic unit of matter, consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons
Auricle of ear - ANSLocation: Head lateral. Description: Appendage of skin, cartilage, and connective
tissue, contains part of external acoustic meatus Also known as: External ear or pinna. Acts like a funnel
to collect and modify sound waves. Latin: auri = an ear
Autonomic nervous system or ANS - ANSSends signals from the CNS to the involuntary regions of the
PNS, is further subdivided into the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
Axon - ANSFunctions like a cable, relaying electrical signals away from the cell body towards other
neurons or other structures e.g. muscles, glands.
Basal cells - ANSThese are an example of tissue-specific stem cells, meaning they can turn into a variety
of cell types found in that tissue. Under normal conditions, daughter basal cells most commonly replace
lost keratinocytes.
Bipolar neurons - ANShave a single dendrite extending from one side of the cell body and a single axon
extending from the other side, found in the special sense organs for vision and olfaction.
Bladder - ANSUrinary or renal bladder stores the urine from the kidneys
Bones - ANSMajor structures of the skeletal system that contain living cells called osteocytes. Osteocytes
allow bones to sense and respond to stress. The inorganic matrix of the bone gives it rigidity and acts as
a storage deposit for calcium and phosphorus.
, WGU D312| ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I WITH
LAB| LAB QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART 1:
SECTIONS 1 AND 2| UPDATE 2024
Brachial - ANSArm
Brachial Plexus - ANSRuns from the spine, formed by the anterior rami of lower 4 cervical nerves and 1st
thoracic nerve C5-C8, T. It passes through the cervicoaxillary canal in the neck, over the first rib, and into
the axilla or armpit region, it innervates the upper limbs, neck and shoulder muscles.
Brainstem - ANSRelays messages between spinal cord and brain, from brainstem cranial nerves to
cerebrum. Helps control heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure. Involved with hearing, taste, other
senses. Medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, and reticular formation are part of the brainstem.
Bronchi - ANSLarger air containing compartments of the lung that bring air to alveoli
Buccal - ANSCheek
Capillaries - ANSVessels that have single layer walls that allow the exchange of gases and nutrients
Capillaries specifically Peritubular - ANSFunction is secretion, Epithelial cells actively secrete certain
substances from the blood into the tubular lumen.
Carbohydrates - ANSOrganic molecule that consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Primary source of energy in living systems. Simple carbs or sugars are made of only 1 or 2 sugar
monomers. Complex carbs are made of more than 2 sugar monomers covalently bonded.
Cardiac Muscle Cells - ANSInvoluntary, found only in the Heart, branching chains of cells connected by
porous intercalated discs, with single nucleus and striations. Striated: many myofibrils in orderly
arrangement. Self stimulating: impulse spreads from cell to cell. Under control of nervous and endocrine
systems and various chemicals. Intermediate energy requirement Intermediate speed of contraction yet
contraction spreads quickly through
tissue due to intercalated discs. Rhythmic contractions
Strength increases with stretching. Doesn't fatigue
Carpal - ANSWrist
Cartilage - ANSFirm, flexible and smooth connective tissue found at the end of bones. This tissue
protects bones and evenly distributed forces to the underlying bone.
Caudal - ANSToward the tail -same as inferior for a human
Cell - ANSFundamental unit of life, smallest and simplest entity that possesses all characteristics of life, 2
main types are prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Cell mediated immunity - ANSan immune response that does not involve antibodies, but rather involves
the activation of phagocytes, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various
cytokines in response to an antigen.
Cellular respiration - ANSUses oxygen to release energy from nutrients like glucose
Central nervous system or CNS - ANSProcesses incoming information and initiates a response and is
comprised of the brain and spinal cord
Cephalic - ANSHead
