BIO 305 Exam 2 Study Guide - Advanced Endocrinology, Muscle Mechanics & Cardiac Physiology

BIO 305 Exam 2 Study Guide - Advanced Endocrinology, Muscle Mechanics & Cardiac PhysiologyMaster your BIO 305 Exam 2 with this highly organized, high-yield active recall study guide. This document condenses complex physiological systems, molecular mechanisms, and force equations into scannable charts, sequential pathways, and precise definition keys. Perfect for final pre-test cramming, filling out study blueprints, and mastering tricky mechanical curves! Comprehensive Topic Breakdown Included: • ENDOCRINE SIGNALING & HORMONE KINETICS: - Chemical classes: Steroids (cholesterol-derived), Amines, and Peptides. - Storage vs. On-Demand synthesis dynamics and plasma lifetimes. - Receptor mechanics: Nuclear receptors (gene transcription) vs. Cell Surface receptors. - Hormonal interactions explained: Synergism ($1+1=4$), Permissiveness, and Antagonism ($1+1=0$). • THE HPA AXIS, ADRENAL MEDULLA & STRESS: - Posterior Pituitary (neural origin, hypothalamus synthesis of Vasopressin/Oxytocin). - Anterior Pituitary (non-neural peptide regulators: GH, TSH, ACTH, LH/FSH). - Negative feedback loops, sympathetic nervous system traps, and baseline cortisol functions. - Adrenal Medulla morphology and sequential neurotransmitter release (ACh then Epinephrine). • SKELETAL MUSCLE CONTRACTION & FORCE MODULATION: - Complete 4-step Excitation-Contraction Coupling (ECC) and Cross-Bridge Cycle (CBC) sequence. - Role of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum, Troponin, Tropomyosin, Actin, and Myosin ATPase. - Muscle mechanics: Isometric vs. Concentric (accelerating) vs. Eccentric (decelerating) contractions. - Length-Tension relationships (active vs. passive tension curves) and Force-Velocity curves. - The 5 core mechanisms of Force Modulation and the strict size-principle fiber recruitment order (SO - FO - FG). • SMOOTH & CARDIAC MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY: - Smooth muscle mechanics: Dense bodies, varicosities, multiunit independence, and stretch-gated channels. - Smooth muscle ECC: Myosin light-chain phosphorylation vs. Striated Troponin-thin filament activation. - Cardiac conduction pathway: SA Node, AV Node delay mechanics, and ECG wave deflections (P, R, T). - Contractile vs. Autorhythmic action potential graphs (the prolonged Calcium plateau/shoulder). - The Frank-Starling Law of the Heart explained via End-Diastolic Volume and sub-optimal resting stretch. Why choose this guide? • Organized sequentially by question-and-answer concepts to mirror real exam structures. • Features high-yield summary tables comparing tissue types side-by-side for rapid memory retention. • Formatted cleanly to avoid dense walls of text, maximizing study efficiency under time pressure. Download this guide today to lock in your A on Exam 2!