BIOL 2723: Cell Biology

Learn about the role of Erythropoietin (EPO), a natural kidney hormone, in controlling red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Discover how athletes misuse synthetic EPO for performance enhancement, despite the associated health risks.

Uncover the fascinating system that nourishes osteocytes in our bones: the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network. Learn how canaliculi connect these mature bone cells to vital nutrients, ensuring their health even at significant distances from blood vessels.

Explore the critical components of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), including nerves and ganglia. Understand the distinction between sensory and autonomic ganglia and the composition of nerves' layers. Learn why nerves and ganglia lack the protective meninges found in the CNS and how they facilitate essential signal transmission within the body.

Learn about the composition of arteries focusing on those closer to the heart. Understand the role of endothelium smooth muscle fibers elastic fibers and collagen in these arterial structures. Discover why arteries near the heart have a higher percentage of elastic fibers to withstand pressure changes effectively.

Explore the effects of isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions on plant and animal cells. Understand water movement, solute concentration dynamics, and the resulting cellular changes, including turgidity in plants and crenation or lysis in animals.

Learn about the path of blood flow in the mammalian heart and circulatory system. Discover how oxygen-rich blood from the lungs enters the left atrium and understand why other statements about blood flow are incorrect.