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Explore the building blocks of the human body through interactive diagrams and concept checks.
Identify key organelles and their functions
Every cell contains specialized structures called organelles that work together to maintain life. Understanding cell structure is the foundation for understanding how diseases affect the body at the cellular level.
Why This Matters for Nursing
When you learn pathophysiology, you'll trace disease mechanisms back to cellular dysfunction. For example, MI (heart attack) starts with ischemia → cellular hypoxia → mitochondrial failure → cell death.
The phospholipid bilayer forms a selectively permeable barrier with embedded integral proteins, channel proteins, and cholesterol. It controls ion and molecule transport through passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase). Glycoprotein receptors on the surface mediate cell signaling and immune recognition.
The command center of the cell, enclosed by a double nuclear envelope with nuclear pores that regulate macromolecule transport. Contains chromatin (DNA wound around histone proteins) that condenses into chromosomes during division. The nucleolus inside assembles ribosomal subunits from rRNA.
The powerhouse of the cell with a double membrane; the inner membrane folds into cristae to maximize surface area for the electron transport chain. Produces ~36 ATP per glucose molecule through oxidative phosphorylation. Contains its own circular mtDNA inherited exclusively from the mother.
An extensive folded membrane network studded with ribosomes, continuous with the nuclear envelope. Responsible for co-translational protein folding, N-linked glycosylation, and quality control of newly synthesized proteins. Especially prominent in cells with high secretory output like plasma cells and pancreatic acinar cells.
Stacked flattened membrane cisternae that receive proteins from the ER at the cis face and process them through post-translational modifications including glycosylation, phosphorylation, and sulfation. The trans face sorts and packages proteins into vesicles for secretion, lysosomal targeting, or membrane insertion.
Membrane-bound vesicles maintaining an acidic interior (pH ~5) filled with over 50 types of acid hydrolase enzymes. They digest materials from autophagy (recycling old organelles), phagocytosis (destroying pathogens), and endocytosis. Essential for cellular housekeeping and programmed cell death.
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How substances move in and out of cells
'Water chases salt': water moves toward areas of higher solute concentration through osmosis. This explains why IV normal saline stays in the vasculature while free water distributes across compartments.
No energy needed. Moves DOWN concentration gradient. Examples: diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion.
Requires ATP energy. Moves AGAINST concentration gradient. Example: Na+/K+ pump (3 Na+ out, 2 K+ in).
Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production?
