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The primary function of the digestive system is to break down complex food into small molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body for energy.
Autotrophs are organisms that make their own food from inorganic molecules, using processes like photosynthesis.
Heterotrophs are organisms that must ingest organic materials present in their environment to obtain energy.
Ingestion is the process of taking in food through the mouth, which is the first step in the digestive process.
The large intestine stores indigestible waste until it is egested from the body and plays a role in water regulation via osmosis.
The stomach uses chemical gastric juices and mechanical churning to break down food, preparing it for further digestion in the small intestine.
Villi are small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
The heart has four main compartments: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers) that facilitate blood flow.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.
White blood cells are part of the immune system and are responsible for destroying pathogens and infectious agents.
Platelets are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting, helping to seal wounds and prevent excessive bleeding.
Pulmonary circulation is the movement of blood between the heart and the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
Systemic circulation carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the body, characterized by thick walls that can expand and contract.
Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels, one cell thick, where gas exchange occurs between blood and body tissues.
Veins carry deoxygenated blood from the capillaries back to the heart and contain valves to prevent backflow of blood.
The diaphragm is a muscle that controls breathing; it contracts to allow inhalation and relaxes to facilitate exhalation.
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells use oxygen to convert glucose into ATP, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath, reflecting the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after taking the deepest breath possible.
A congenital heart defect is a heart abnormality that develops before birth, which can include issues like holes in the heart or leaky valves.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder where red blood cells are abnormally shaped, leading to pain and increased risk of blood clots.
A widowmaker heart attack refers to a blockage in the left anterior descending artery, which can lead to severe heart damage or death.