| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Bones & Cartilage, Cytoplasm, Medulla, Pancreas, Vitamins |
Hard bones provide primary support for the endoskeleton while more flexible cartilage is found at the end of all bones, at the joints, and in the nose and ears. In addition to providing support and protecting bodily organs, bones also produce blood cells and store minerals like calcium.
The nucleus of a eukaryotic cell contains the genetic material of the cell and is surrounded by cytoplasm which contains many organelles. These include:
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| ribosomes | produce proteins |
| mitochondria | produce energy |
| endoplasmic reticulum | helps synthesize proteins and fats |
| Golgi apparatus | prepare proteins for use |
| lysosomes | help the cell manage waste |
| centrosomes | guide cell reproduction |
Part of the brainstem, the medulla is the connection between the brain and the spinal cord. It controls involuntary actions like breathing, swallowing, and heartbeat.
The acids produced by the pancreas contain several enzymes that aid in digestion. Lipase converts fat to glycerol and fatty acids. Pancreatic amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Trypsin converts polypeptides (the building blocks of protein) into amino acids.
Vitamins are necessary for a wide variety of bodily processes. Some vitamins like Vitamins A and C come from diet but others, like Vitamin D, are generated in response to sunlight.