Human Anatomy & Physiology II Study Guide

Endocrine System: Hormones and Mechanisms of Action

Hormone classification, water-soluble vs lipid-soluble signaling, and receptor mechanisms essential for understanding systemic regulation.

Endocrine System: Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis and Feedback Loops

Master gland relationships, tropic hormones, thyroid/adrenal/gonadal axes, and negative feedback critical for clinical scenarios.

Cardiovascular System: Heart Anatomy and Electrical Conduction

Chamber structure, valves, coronary circulation, SA/AV nodes, Purkinje fibers, and ECG interpretation for cardiac assessment.

Cardiovascular System: Cardiac Output and Blood Pressure Regulation

Frank-Starling mechanism, preload/afterload, baroreceptors, RAAS pathway, and blood pressure homeostasis mechanisms.

Blood Composition and Hemostasis

Formed elements, plasma proteins, platelet plug formation, coagulation cascade, and clotting disorders for clinical application.

Lymphatic System and Innate Immunity

Lymphatic vessels/organs, physical barriers, phagocytes, inflammation, complement system, and interferons as first-line defenses.

Adaptive Immunity: Cellular and Humoral Responses

B cells, T cells, antibody classes, MHC/antigen presentation, clonal selection, and vaccine mechanisms.

Respiratory System: Anatomy and Ventilation Mechanics

Airway structures, alveoli, Boyle's law pressure gradients, compliance, surfactant function, and breathing mechanics.

Respiratory System: Gas Exchange and Transport

Partial pressures, oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve, Bohr effect, CO2 transport, and chemoreceptor regulation.

Digestive System: Mechanical and Chemical Processing

GI tract anatomy, motility, enzymes/substrates, accessory organ functions, absorption mechanisms, and hepatic portal circulation.

Urinary System and Fluid-Electrolyte-Acid-Base Balance

Nephron structure, GFR, tubular processing, countercurrent mechanism, ADH/aldosterone, pH regulation, and compensation mechanisms.

Reproductive System and Human Development

Male/female anatomy, spermatogenesis/oogenesis, hormonal regulation, menstrual cycle, fertilization, and early embryonic development.