Cells, Microscopy, Anatomical Terms, and Organ Systems Review

Flashcards covering cell definitions, structural hierarchy, body regions and cavities, major organ systems, anatomical terminology (location, direction, and planes), and components of a compound light microscope.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

It is a selectively permeable barrier controlling entry and exit, made of phospholipid bilayer with proteins.

What is the cytoplasm?

A jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended and many reactions occur.

Which organelle serves as the control center of the cell, storing DNA and directing activities?

The nucleus.

What is the nuclear membrane?

A double-layered membrane around the nucleus that contains pores for transport.

What is chromatin?

Loosely packed DNA and proteins that condenses to chromosomes during cell division.

What is the function of the nucleolus?

It is a dense body in the nucleus that makes rRNA and assembles ribosomes.

What are ribosomes?

Protein factories, either free in the cytoplasm or bound to the ER.

What is the function of the Rough ER?

It has ribosomes and modifies and transports proteins.

What is the function of the Smooth ER?

It has no ribosomes, synthesizes lipids, and detoxifies substances.

What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?

It is a stack of sacs that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

What is a vesicle?

A transport or storage sac.

What is the function of a lysosome?

It digests waste and old organelles.

What is the function of a vacuole?

Storage of water, nutrients, or waste.

What are centrioles?

Cylinder-shaped structures that help organize spindle fibers in cell division.

Which organelle is considered the powerhouse of the cell and produces ATP by respiration?

The mitochondrion.

What is the function of a peroxisome?

It breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances.

What constitutes the chemical level of structural hierarchy?

Atoms and molecules (e.g., water, proteins, DNA) that form the building blocks of life.

What is the basic structural and functional unit of life, and the smallest living unit?

The cell.

What are tissues?

Groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

What are organs?

Structures composed of two or more tissue types that work together for specific functions (e.g., heart, lungs).

What is a system in the context of structural hierarchy?

Groups of organs that work closely together to accomplish a common purpose (e.g., digestive system).

What is the highest level of organization where all systems function together to sustain life?

The organismic level.

Which body region includes the skull and face?

Head.

Which body region connects the head to the trunk?

Neck.

What is the thorax?

The chest cavity.

What is the abdomen?

The area below the thorax and above the pelvis.

What body regions are referred to as extremities?

Arms and legs.

Which body cavity contains the lungs and heart?

Thoracic cavity.

Which body cavity contains the digestive organs?

Abdominal cavity.

Which body cavity contains the urinary bladder and reproductive organs?

Pelvic cavity.

Which body cavity contains the brain?

Cranial cavity.

Which body cavity contains the spinal cord?

Spinal (vertebral) cavity.

What is the main function of the Cardiovascular system?

Transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and wastes.

What is the main function of the Digestive system?

Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.

What is the main function of the Endocrine system?

Hormone production and regulation of body functions.

What is the main function of the Integumentary system?

Protection and temperature regulation (skin, hair, nails).

What is the main function of the Lymphatic system?

Returns fluid to blood and immune defense.

What is the main function of the Muscular system?

Produces movement and generates heat.

What is the main function of the Nervous system?

Detects stimuli and controls responses.

What is the main function of the Reproductive system?

Produces gametes and hormones.

What is the main function of the Respiratory system?

Gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).

What is the main function of the Skeletal system?

Protects organs, supports the body, and makes blood cells.

What is the main function of the Urinary system?

Removes waste and maintains water/electrolyte balance.

In anatomical terms, what does "anterior" mean?

Front of body.

In anatomical terms, what does "posterior" mean?

Back of body.

In anatomical terms, what does "superior" mean?

Above.

In anatomical terms, what does "inferior" mean?

Below.

In anatomical terms, what does "superficial" mean?

Toward the surface.

In anatomical terms, what does "deep" mean?

Away from the surface.

In anatomical terms, what does "internal" mean?

Inside.

In anatomical terms, what does "external" mean?

Outside.

In anatomical terms, what does "proximal" mean?

Closer to the point of attachment.

In anatomical terms, what does "distal" mean?

Farther from the point of attachment.

In anatomical terms, what does "medial" mean?

Toward the midline.

In anatomical terms, what does "lateral" mean?

Away from the midline.

In directional anatomical terms, what does "cranial" mean?

Toward the head.

In directional anatomical terms, what does "cephalad" mean?

Toward the head.

In directional anatomical terms, what does "mesiad" mean?

Toward the midline.

In directional anatomical terms, what does "caudad" mean?

Toward the tail/lower part.

In directional anatomical terms, what does "laterad" mean?

Toward the side.

Which body plane divides the body into right and left halves?

Sagittal (mid or para) plane.

Which body plane divides the body into top and bottom sections?

Transverse (cross) plane.

Which body plane divides the body into front and back sections?

Coronal plane.

What is the function of the ocular (eyepiece) on a compound light microscope?

It is the lens for viewing, typically with 10x magnification.

What part of the compound light microscope holds the objectives and rotates to change magnification?

The revolving nosepiece.

What is the function of the mechanical stage on a compound light microscope?

It is the platform for the slide and has clips to hold it in place.

What is the illuminator on a compound light microscope?

The light source.

What part of the compound light microscope provides bottom support?

The base.

Which knob on a compound light microscope is used for precise focusing?

The fine adjustment knob.

Which knob on a compound light microscope is used for initial focusing?

The coarse adjustment knob.