Biology of Humans Concepts, Applications, and Issues by Judith Goodenough and Betty McGuire
Judith Goodenough and Betty McGuire
6th Edition
About this book
Known for its unique “Special Topic” chapters and emphasis on everyday health concerns, the Sixth Edition helps learners apply course material to their everyday lives, making the science information more accessible as they build twenty-first century skills.
Questions & Answers from this book
Questions and answers are connected to the referenced book and its available source material.
Chapter 1a: SPECIAL TOPIC: Becoming a Patient: A Major Decision
Chapter 4: Body Organization and Homeostasis
Chapter 8: The Nervous System
How does the Reticular Activating System (RAS) influence consciousness according to the text?
The Reticular Activating System (RAS) influences consciousness by acting as a filter for sensory input and maintaining alertness in the cerebral cortex. It allows important stimuli to reach consciousness while filtering out trivial information. When the RAS is active, it keeps the cerebral cortex alert, but when inhibited, it leads to sleep.
What are the main functions of the somatic nervous system as described in the chapter?
The main functions of the somatic nervous system include carrying sensory information to the central nervous system and controlling voluntary movements. It provides conscious sensations such as light, sound, and touch, and enables actions like smiling or walking.
Chapter 8a: SPECIAL TOPIC: Drugs and the Mind
Chapter 12a: SPECIAL TOPIC: Cardiovascular Disease
Chapter 13a: SPECIAL TOPIC: Infectious Disease
Chapter 15: The Digestive System and Nutrition
How does peristalsis function in the esophagus according to the chapter?
Peristalsis in the esophagus functions through rhythmic waves of muscle contraction that push food from the pharynx to the stomach. The inner circular muscles contract to narrow the tube behind the food, while the outer longitudinal muscles contract to shorten the region in front of the food, facilitating its movement along the digestive tract.
What are the principal functions of the large intestine as described in the chapter?
The principal functions of the large intestine are to absorb most of the remaining water from indigestible food residue, store feces, and eliminate waste from the body.
Chapter 15a: SPECIAL TOPIC: The Obesity Epidemic
Chapter 17: Reproductive Systems
Describe the process that occurs in the oviduct after an egg is released from the ovary.
After an egg is released from the ovary, it enters the oviduct, where cilia and muscular contractions help transport it toward the uterus. If fertilization occurs, it typically takes place in the oviduct. The resulting zygote begins to develop into an embryo while being moved along the oviduct toward the uterus.
What are the main stages of spermatogenesis as described in the chapter?
The main stages of spermatogenesis include the development of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis to form secondary spermatocytes and then spermatids. Finally, spermatids mature into spermatozoa, which are the functional sperm cells.
Chapter 17a: SPECIAL TOPIC: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS
Chapter 19: Chromosomes and Cell Division
Chapter 19a: SPECIAL TOPIC: Stem Cells—A Repair Kit for the Body
Chapter 23: Ecology, the Environment, and Us
Chapter 24: Human Population, Limited Resources, and Pollution
What are the two direct benefits of maintaining biodiversity mentioned in the chapter?
The two direct benefits of maintaining biodiversity are the preservation of genetic diversity and the development of new medicines. Genetic diversity is crucial for crossbreeding and improving crop yields, while many known drugs are derived from plants found in biodiverse ecosystems.
What are the two main human activities that are altering the carbon cycle according to the chapter?
The two main human activities altering the carbon cycle are burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
How is the growth rate of the human population calculated based on birth and death rates as discussed in the chapter?
The growth rate of the human population is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate. This difference is expressed as a percentage of the population, typically reported as the number of births or deaths per 1000 individuals per year.