[08] Physiological Gradients (Concentration, Electrical, Pressure)

Question 1

What is a “concentration gradient”?

Answer 1

A difference in concentration of a substance across a space or a membrane.

Question 2

What is the role of concentration gradients in the body?

Answer 2

They drive the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Question 3

What is “diffusion”?

Answer 3

The passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Question 4

What is an “electrical gradient”?

Answer 4

A difference in charge between two points that causes ions to move.

Question 5

What is the role of electrical gradients in the body?

Answer 5

They are crucial for nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Question 6

What is an “action potential”?

Answer 6

A rapid change in electrical potential on the surface of a neuron or muscle cell, either depolarization or repolarization.

Question 7

What is a “pressure gradient”?

Answer 7

A difference in pressure between two points that causes fluid or gases to flow.

Question 8

What is the role of pressure gradients in the body?

Answer 8

They are crucial for processes such as blood flow and breathing.

Question 9

How does blood flow relate to pressure gradients?

Answer 9

Blood flows from areas of high pressure (like the heart) to areas of low pressure (like the capillaries).

Question 10

How does breathing relate to pressure gradients?

Answer 10

Inhalation and exhalation are driven by changes in pressure within the lungs compared to atmospheric pressure.

Question 11

What is “osmosis”?

Answer 11

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Question 12

How does osmosis relate to concentration gradients?

Answer 12

Osmosis is driven by concentration gradients of the solute particles in the water.

Question 13

What is “active transport”?

Answer 13

The movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.

Question 14

How does active transport relate to concentration gradients?

Answer 14

Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradients, which requires energy.

Question 15

What is “resting membrane potential”?

Answer 15

The electrical charge of a neuron when it is not active.

Question 16

How does resting membrane potential relate to electrical gradients?

Answer 16

The resting membrane potential is maintained by the movement of ions across the cell membrane, creating an electrical gradient.