Lindsey Major

Mr. Newman
Forensic Science
12 January, 2015
Questions
Respiratory and Endocrine Systems
1. Why is it necessary for the trachea to have rings of cartilage in its
walls?
It is necessary for the trachea to have rings of cartilage in its walls so it
can prevent from crushing and choking.
2. What is the purpose of the hormone thyroxine, which is produced by
the thyroid gland?
The purpose of the hormone thyroxine is to control the rate of
metabolic processes in the body and to influence physical
development.
3. Why do the lungs have a large number of blood vessels?
Lungs have a large number of blood vessels because the lungs give
oxygen to the blood and removes CO2.
4. Explain what must happen for the lungs to expand, allowing you to
inhale.
In order for the lungs to expand, the diaphragm must relax.
5. Why is it necessary to close the opening of a puncture wound in the
chest?
It is necessary to close the opening of a puncture wound in the chest
so the blood and oxygen will escape from the body.
Circulatory System
6. What is the purpose of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart in
mammals?
The purpose of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart in
mammals is to reduce friction in tissues around the heart, and to
prevent inflammation which has inner and outer coats.

7. Why do arteries have an interior ring of smooth muscle?

Arteries have an interior ring of smooth muscle because the blood
helps move the blood along and maintain blood pressure.
8. Which arteries sometimes become blocked in a human and are then
bypassed by using veins from the patient's legs?
Cardiac arteries are sometimes blocked in a human and are then
bypassed by using veins from the patient's legs.
9. What are the two major veins of the pig's heart that return
deoxygenated blood from the body?
The two major veins of the pig's heart that return deoxygenated blood
from the body are anterior and posterior vena cavea.
10.Why is pulmonary circulation bypassed in the unborn fetal pig, and
how is it bypassed?
The pulmonary circulation is bypassed in the unborn fetal pig because
there is no need for the blood to go into the lungs and pickup blood
as the fetus is not breathing in the womb. Also it is bypassed by the
mother providing all of its oxygenation needs via umbilical artery.
Digestive System
11.What are the main functions of the liver in mammals?
The main functions of the liver in mammals are that it filters blood that
comes from the digestive track before moving it on to other parts of
the body, it makes proteins that help maintain the volume of blood, it
stores carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and turn them into glucose,
and it helps eliminate harmful by products of our bodily functions.
12.What is the stomach muscle that controls the passage of food into the
small intestine?
The stomach muscle that controls the passage of food into the small
intestine is the lower esophageal sphincter.
13.What is the purpose of the villi and microvilli of the small intestine?
The purpose of the villi and microvilli of the small intestine is to
increase the surface area in order to maximize the efficiency of
absorption.
14.What is the primary function of the large intestine?

The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and

electrolytes from digested wastes.
15.What is the purpose of rugae in the stomach lining, and what glands
are found between them?
The purpose of rugae in the stomach lining is to aid stomach
distension, while gradually smoothing out as the stomach fills. Also the
glands that are found between them are gastric pits, which opens to
the gastric glands.
Urogenital system
16. If a mammal drinks large amounts of saltwater, what will this do to
its urinary output?
Saltwater will try to get rid of the excess salt by excreting excess
water slowly dehydrates itself to death.
17. Why is there an advantage for female pigs to have long uterine
horns and a small uterine body, whereas in humans the situation is reversed?
The advantage for female pigs to have long uterine horns and a
small uterine body is so they can have more than one baby at a time.
18.Why is it important for the testes in pigs and other mammals to
completely descend into the scrotum?
It is important for the testes in pigs and other mammals to
completely descent into the scrotum because the production of sperm requires a
low temperature than body temperature therefore it is necessary for the tests to be
removed from the general mass of the body.
19.Explain the function of the nephrons in the pig kidneys.
The function of the nephrons in the pig kidneys is to remove
impurities and water in the blood.
20. What is the unique difference between female egg production and
male sperm production in mammals?
The difference is that the female egg production is mainly the
ovaries and the male sperm is mainly the testicles.