Introduction to Human Physiology (BIO 32) Lecture 1

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to human physiology, focusing on foundational knowledge necessary for understanding bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis.

Human Physiology

The study of the functions and processes of the human body.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Immune System

A functional organ system involved in defending the body against pathogens.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that regulate physiological functions, often classified as negative or positive feedback.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism that counteracts a change to help maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that enhances or amplifies changes, often leading to a specific event.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A condition arising when homeostasis is disrupted, potentially leading to disease.

Structurally Dynamic

The concept that structure influences function in biological systems.

Chemical Elements

Basic substances that make up the body, primarily carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together; the smallest unit of a chemical compound.

Compound

A substance formed when two or more different elements combine chemically.

Macromolecules

Large molecules necessary for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Polymers

Large molecules composed of repeated subunits known as monomers.

Monomers

Small, basic units that can join together to form polymers.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that forms protective layers on surfaces and cavities.

Connective Tissue

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

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement, including skeletal, cardiac, and smooth types.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that makes up the nervous system, responsible for communication and control.

Organ System

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Oxygen

An essential element required for cellular respiration.

Glucose

A simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for cells.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body.

Anabolism

Metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units; requires energy.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units; releases energy.

Absorption

The process of taking in nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Excretion

The removal of waste products from the body.

Respiration

The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment.

Differentiation

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

Stimulus

Any change in the internal or external environment that causes a response.

Adaptation

The ability of the body to adjust to changes in the environment.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in the immune response.

Skeletal System

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

Muscular System

The system responsible for movement and generating body heat.

Nervous System

The system that coordinates and controls body activities through nerve impulses.

Digestive System

The system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary System

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

Endocrine System

The system that regulates bodily functions through hormones.

Cardiovascular System

The system responsible for transporting blood and nutrients throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

The system that supports immune function and helps maintain fluid balance.

Integumentary System

The system that protects the body and regulates temperature, including the skin.

Reproductive System

The system involved in producing offspring.

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by glands in the endocrine system.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the blood, essential for many cellular functions.

Blood Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, and waste products.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid that surrounds and bathes cells, allowing for nutrient exchange.

Cell Cycle

The life cycle of a cell, including mitosis and its preparatory phases.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in which a single organism divides to form two identical organisms.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy carrier in cells.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and its parts.

Physiology

The science of how the body and its parts function.

Skeletal Muscle

A type of striated muscle that is under voluntary control and enables movement.

Cardiac Muscle

The involuntary muscle found only in the heart.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in walls of hollow organs.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made of amino acids that perform a wide range of functions.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers essential for life, including DNA and RNA.

Lipids

Hydrophobic organic molecules including fats, oils, and hormones.

Compensation Mechanism

Processes that help restore homeostasis by compensating for disturbances.

Stimulus-Response Mechanism

The body's ability to detect and react to environmental changes.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature.

pH Homeostasis

The regulation of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an excessively acidic pH in the blood.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an excessively basic pH in the blood.

Eicosanoids

Signaling molecules derived from fatty acids that are important in inflammatory responses.