Cell Biology and Human Body Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the history of microscopy, cell theory, organelle functions, cellular transport mechanisms, human tissue types, organ system interdependence, and factors influencing cell health.

Salvino D'Armate

An Italian figure in the 12th century who fitted a piece of glass over one eye, creating a magnification effect to examine objects closeup.

Galileo Galilei

The scientist who invented the first microscope in 1609.

Zacharias Janssen

The maker credited with constructing the first compound microscope in 1600.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek

A pioneer who built microscopes by grinding his own lenses.

Microscope

An optical device that magnifies (enlarges) the image of a small object.

Characteristics of Living Things

Key traits of living organisms: made up of 1 or more cells, require energy to live, grow/develop, excrete, respire, respond to stimuli, and reproduce.

Cell Theory

A foundational biological theory stating that the cell is the basic unit of life, all cells come from pre-existing cells, and all living things are made up of 1 or more cells.

Multicellular

Organisms made up of two or more cells, such as plants and animals.

Unicellular

Microscopic organisms made up of only a single cell.

Cytoplasm

The liquid-like substance contained in the cell that provides nutrients required by the cell.

Organelles

Small structures within cells containing a nucleus that perform specific functions for the cell.

Cell Wall

A cellular structure that provides protection and support to plant cells.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable boundary that controls what substances enter and exit the cell.

Vacuoles

Cell organelles that store food, water, and other materials for cells.

Nucleus

The organelle that directs the cell's activities.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert energy from food molecules into cellular energy.

Chloroplasts

Plant cell structures that capture the Sun's energy to produce food for the cell.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Selectively Permeable

A property of membranes (such as the cell membrane) allowing certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Osmosis

The movement of water particles through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Connective Tissue

Human tissue that supports other tissues and connects different parts of the body (e.g., blood, fat, bones, cartilage, tendons).

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers the surface and outside of the body, including the skin and the lining of internal passageways.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue located in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that carries messages to and from various parts of the body.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue specialized for contraction that enables body movement, pumps blood through the body, and pushes food through the intestines.

Interdependent

Depending on one another; refers to the concept that the body's organ systems rely on each other to function properly.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform a function (e.g., respiratory, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems).

Factors Affecting Cell Health

Elements that influence cellular health, including inherited conditions, bacterial/viral infections, physical/emotional/spiritual stress, and general body habits (diet, exercise, sleep, smoking).

Vaccines

A preventive method originating in the 1600s and 1700s against smallpox where individuals are injected with a similar, less dangerous disease to build protection against a more dangerous infection.

Antibiotics

Substances produced by microorganisms that can kill other microorganisms.