Ch. 2 Body Structures Terms

Plasma Membrane

outer layer of the cell, composed mainly of lipids and proteins. Encloses the cell contents.

Microvilli

short extensions of the cell membrane. Absorb material into the cell.

Nucleus

large, membrane-bound, dark-staining organelle near the center of the cell. Contains the chromosomes.

Nucleolus

small body in the nucleus. Makes ribosomes.

Cytoplasm

colloidal suspension that fills the cell from the nuclear membrane to the plasma membrane. Site of many cellular activities. Consists of cytosol and organelles.

Cytosol

fluid portion of the cytoplasm. Surrounds the organelles.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

network of membranes within the cytoplasm. Rough ER modifies, folds and sorts proteins. Smooth ER participates in lipid synthesis.

Ribosomes

small bodies free in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER, composed of RNA and protein. Manufacture proteins.

Golgi Apparatus

layers of membranes. Modifies proteins.

Mitochondria

large organelles with internal folded membranes. Convert energy from nutrients into ATP.

Lysosomes

small sacs of digestive enzymes. Digest substances within the cell.

Peroxisomes

membrane-enclosed organelles containing enzymes. Break down harmful substances.

Vesicles

small membrane-bound sacs in the cytoplasm. Store materials and move materials into or out of the cell in bulk.

Centrioles

rod-shaped bodies(usually two) near the nucleus. Help separate the chromosomes during cell division.

Surface Projections

structures that extend from the cell. Move the cell or the fluids around the cell.

Cilia

short, hair-like projections from the cell. Move the fluids around the cell.

Flagellum

long, whip-like extension from the cell. Moves the cell.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

the energy compound of the cell that stores energy needed for cell activities.

Carbohydrates

the category of organic compounds that includes sugars and starches.

Cell

the basic structural and functional unit of the living organism.

Chromosome

a thread-like body in a cell’s nucleus that contains genetic information.

Cytology

Study of cells

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

the genetic compound of the cell, makes up the genes.

Enzyme

an organic substance that speeds the rate of a metabolic reaction.

Gene

a hereditary unit composed of DNA and combined with other genes to form the chromosomes.

Glucose

a simple sugar that circulates in the blood.

Histology

Study of tissues

Homeostasis

a steady state

Lipid

a category of organic compounds that includes fats.

Membrane

a simple, very thin and pliable sheet of tissue that might cover an organ, line a cavity or separate structures.

Metabolism

the sum of all the physical and chemical reactions that occur within an organism

Mitosis

Cell division

Mucus

a thick fluid secreted by cells in membranes and glands that lubricates and protects tissues.

Organ

a part of the body with a specific function

Organelle

a specialized structure in the cytoplasm of a cell.

Protein

a category of organic compounds that includes structural materials, enzymes and some hormones.

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

an organic compound involved in the manufacture of proteins within cells.

Tissue

a group of cells that acts together for a specific purpose.

Polymorphous

having many forms

Cytologist

one who studies cells

Nuclear

pertaining to a nucleus.

Karyotype

picture of a cell’s chromosomes organized according to size.

Histocompatibility

tissue similarity that permits transplantation.

Fibrosis

abnormal formation of fibrous tissue.

Reticulum

a network

Adenoma

tumor of a gland

Papilla

projection that resembles a nipple

Myxadenitis

inflammation of a mucus-secreting gland

Mucorrhea

increased flow of mucus

Chromosome

small body that takes up color

Histioblast

a tissue-forming cell

Karyogenesis

formation of a nucleus

Autophagy

self destruction of a cell’s organelles

Basophilic

attracting basic stain

Hyperplasia

overdevelopment of an organ or tissue

Chronotropic

affecting rate or timing

Atrophy

tissue wasting

Lipase

enzyme that digests fat

Lactose

milk sugar

Hydration

addition of water

Glucogenesis

production of glucose

Normoglycemia

normal blood sugar level

Polysaccharide

compound containing many simple sugars

Amyloid

resembling starch

Lipophilic

attracting or absorbing lipids

Adiposuria

presence of fat in the urine

Steatorrhea

discharge of fatty stools

Protease

enzyme that digests protein

Anterior

toward of at the front of the body

Posterior

toward or at the back of the body

Medial

toward the midline of the body

Lateral

toward the side of the body, away from the midline

Proximal

nearer to the point of attachment of a limb

Distal

farther from the point of attachment of a limb

Superior

above, in a higher position

Inferior

below, in a lower position

Cranial

toward the head

Caudal

toward the lower end of the spine

Superficial

closer to the surface of the body

Deep

closer the the center of the body

Anatomic Position

standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, legs parallel

Decubitus Position

lying down, specifically according to the part of the body resting on a flat surface

Dorsal Recumbent Position

on back, with legs bent and separated, feet flat

Fowler Position

on back, head of bed raised about 18 inches, knees elevated

Jackknife Position

on back with shoulders elevated, legs flexed and thighs at right angles to the abdomen

Knee-chest position

on knees, head and upper chest on table, arms crossed above head

Lateral Recumbent Position

on the side with one leg flexed, common sleeping position

Lithotomy Position

on back, legs flexed on abdomen, thighs apart

Prone

lying face down

Prone Jackknife Position

on abdomen with bed bent so the body is in a V with the head and feet below the hips

Sims Position

on left side, right leg drawn up, left arm behind back, chest forward resting on bed

Supine

lying face up

Trendelenburg Position

on back with head lowered by tilting bed back at a 45-degree angle

Abdominal Cavity

the large ventral cavity below the diaphragm and above the pelvic cavity

Abdominopelvic Cavity

the large ventral cavity between the diaphragm and pelvis that includes the abdominal and pelvic cavities

Cranial Cavity

the dorsal cavity that contains the brain

Diaphragm

the muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavity

Frontal Plane

plane of section that separates the body into anterior and posterior portions

Pelvic Cavity

the ventral cavity that is below the abdominal cavity

Peritoneum

the large serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity