| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Cell Division, Cell Membrane, Medulla, Pulmonary Artery & Vein, Veins |
Cell division is the process by which cells replicate genetic material in the nucleus. Cell division consists of several phases:
| Phase | Major Process |
|---|---|
| interphase | chromosomes replicate into chromatids and the cell grows |
| prophase | chromatids pair up |
| metaphase | paired chromatids move to opposite sides of the cell |
| anaphase | cell elongates and nucleus begins to separate |
| telophase | separation of nucleus is complete resulting in two new nuclei |
| cytokinesis | cytoplasm and cell membranes complete their separation resulting in two separate cells |
Animal cells are surrounded by a semipermeable membrane which allows for the transfer of water and oxygen to and from the cell. In plant cells, the cell membrane is surrounded by a somewhat rigid cell wall which provides the cell structure and support.
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 two largest veins in the body, the venae cavae, pass blood to the right ventricle which pumps the blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. Blood picks up oxygen in the lungs and returns it to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein.
Veins carry blood back to the heart from the body. While arteries are thick-walled because they carry oxygenated blood at high pressure, veins are comparatively thin-walled as they carry low-pressure deoxygenated blood. Like the heart, veins contain valves to prevent blood backflow.