Nursing Blueprint: Anatomy, Physiology, and Homeostasis

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering human organ systems, the concept of homeostasis, and the structures and functions of animal cell organelles.

Organ

A unique anatomic structure consisting of groups of tissues that work in concert to perform specific functions.

Integumentary System

An organ system comprising the skin, hair, and subcutaneous tissue that acts as a barrier to invading organisms and regulates temperature.

Skeletal System

An organ system consisting of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and bone marrow that supports the body, protects organs, and is responsible for blood formation and mineral storage.

Muscular System

An organ system including muscles and tendons used for locomotion and heat production.

Nervous System

The system including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, eyes, and ears that coordinates activities and responds to sensations.

Endocrine System

The system that regulates body functions via chemicals called hormones, involving glands such as the parathyroid, adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid.

Cardiovascular System

An organ system that transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removes waste products through the heart, blood, and blood vessels.

Lymphatic System

An organ system that returns tissue fluid to the blood and defends against foreign organisms using the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus.

Respiratory System

The organ system responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, containing the lungs, trachea, and larynx.

Digestive System

An organ system that processes food and absorbs nutrients, consisting of the stomach, intestinal tract, liver, and pancreas.

Urinary System

An organ system that eliminates wastes and regulates the pH and volume of blood through the kidneys and bladder.

Reproductive System

An organ system that produces germ cells (eggs and sperm) and provides the environment for fetus growth in females.

Homeostasis

The auto-regulation of a biological system that maintains equilibrium and stable internal conditions even when the outside world changes.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism used by most body systems where the body detects a change and tries to reverse it to restore balance.

Cell

The basic living unit of the body and the building blocks of life in animals.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that contains DNA and directs all cellular activities.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane surrounding the nucleus that protects DNA and regulates transport via nuclear pores.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomal RNA ($rRNA$) and assembles ribosomes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

An organelle with ribosomes on its surface that makes and transports proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

An organelle that synthesizes lipids, detoxifies drugs, and stores calcium.

Ribosomes

Tiny protein factories that build proteins.

Mitochondrion

The organelle that produces energy ($ATP$) for the cell through cellular respiration.

Cell Membrane

A thin, flexible barrier that surrounds the cell and controls what enters and exits.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste and old cell parts.

Peroxisome

An organelle that breaks down fatty acids and neutralizes harmful substances.

Centrosome

An organelle that organizes microtubules and helps in cell division, containing centrioles.

Microtubules

Long fibers that maintain cell shape and assist in transport and cell movement.

Microvilli

Tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area of a cell for absorption.

Secretory Vesicles

Small sacs that store and transport substances for secretion.