Tissues, Organs, and Homeostasis

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to tissues, organs, and homeostasis in animals.

Tissue

A group of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure formed from different tissues that performs a specific function.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers exposed surfaces and lines body cavities.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that is responsible for movement in the body.

Nerve Tissue

Tissue that transmits signals throughout the body.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found only in the heart, characterized by intercalated disks.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in walls of hollow organs.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle attached to bones.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that do not conduct impulses.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that counteracts a change in conditions to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that amplifies a response or stimulus.

Extracellular Matrix

A collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provide structural and biochemical support.

Fibroblasts

Cells in connective tissue that produce fibers and matrix components.

Adipose Tissue

Special connective tissue that stores fat.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body.

Bone

A rigid connective tissue consisting of cells embedded in a mineralized matrix.

Blood

Connective tissue with a liquid matrix (plasma) that transports nutrients, wastes, and gases.

Gland

An organ or tissue that produces and secretes substances.

Exocrine gland

A gland that secretes its products into ducts leading to target sites.

Endocrine gland

A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells.

Cuboidal Cells

Cube-shaped epithelial cells.

Columnar Cells

Column-shaped epithelial cells.

Squamous Cells

Flat, scale-like epithelial cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

A single layer of cells that appears stratified.

Polarity of Epithelium

Refers to different structures and functions at the basal and apical surfaces.

Basal Surface

The surface of epithelial cells that is attached to the underlying tissue.

Apical Surface

The surface of epithelial cells that faces the body cavity or the exterior.

Connective Tissue Proper

Tissues characterized by an abundant extracellular matrix.

Dense Connective Tissue

Tissue with a high concentration of collagen fibers.

Loose Connective Tissue

Tissue with a gel-like matrix and fewer collagen fibers.

Antagonistic effectors

Effectors that counterbalance each other's actions.

Set Point

The target level for a physiological parameter.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune functions.

Skeletal System

The organ system that provides structure and support to the body.

Muscular System

The organ system responsible for movement and posture.

Nervous System

The organ system that receives, processes, and responds to sensory information.

Endocrine System

The organ system of glands that secrete hormones.

Digestive System

The organ system that processes food and absorbs nutrients.

Circulatory System

The organ system that transports blood and nutrients throughout the body.

Respiratory System

The organ system responsible for gas exchange.

Urinary System

The organ system that removes waste from the body and regulates water balance.

Integumentary System

The organ system that protects the body and includes the skin.

Lymphatic System

The organ system that supports immune function and fluid balance.

Reproductive System

The organ system involved in producing offspring.

Size and Physiology

The relationship between an organism's size and its physiological function.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

A key factor affecting an organism's ability to exchange materials.

Development

The process by which organisms grow and mature.

Feedback Mechanism

Processes that help regulate physiological systems.

Tendons

Connective tissues that attach muscle to bone.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that connect bone to bone.

Intercalated Disks

Structures that connect cardiac muscle cells together.

Musculoskeletal System

The system that provides support, stability, and movement.

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that house organs.

Digestive Tract

The inner tube of vertebrates responsible for processing food.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A disruption of homeostasis that can lead to disease.

Antigen

Any substance that can trigger an immune response.

Hormone

A signaling molecule produced by glands in the endocrine system.

Immune Response

The body's defense mechanism against pathogens.

Tissue Repair

The process of healing and regeneration following injury.

Growth Factors

Proteins that stimulate tissue growth and healing.

Cellular Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

Embryonic Development

The process through which a zygote develops into a fetus.

Neuronal Communication

The process by which neurons transmit signals to other cells.

Feedback Loop

A system where outputs are circled back and used as inputs.

Ventricles

Lower chambers of the heart that pump blood.

Atria

Upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Valves

Structures that prevent backflow in the heart.

Respiratory Exchange

The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.

Gas Exchange

The process of obtaining oxygen from the environment and eliminating carbon dioxide.