Human bio

Cells

Basic units of life; all organisms are made of cells.

Cell Theory

All organisms are made up of cells; cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; typically 1 micron in size.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; range from 10-100 microns.

Tissues

Complex organizational arrangements of cells that fulfill specific functions.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that lines organs, controlling the exchange of substances.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports and binds other tissues.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits signals and processes information.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment.

Negative Feedback Loop

A control mechanism that counteracts changes to maintain equilibrium.

Facilitated Diffusion

Process by which molecules pass through the cell membrane via transport proteins without energy.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Endocytosis

The process of taking substances into the cell through vesicles.

Exocytosis

The release of substances from a cell when vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane.

Glucose Transporters

Proteins that facilitate the transport of glucose into cells.

Insulin

A hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood by facilitating cellular uptake.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

Membrane Potential

The difference in electrical charge inside and outside a cell.

Action Potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along the axon.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build new bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue.

Hepcidin

A hormone that regulates iron levels in the bloodstream by controlling ferroportin.

Transferrin

A glycoprotein that transports iron in the blood.

Myelin

A fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers and increases the speed of nerve conduction.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Glutamate

A major excitatory neurotransmitter that facilitates communication between neurons.

GABA

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter that dampens nerve signals.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the body for proper physiological function.