Anatomy and Physiology Science Olympiad 2025 Notes - Google Docs

Chemical Level

The simplest level of organization, involving atoms and molecules.

Cell Level

The functional units of the body; the smallest living units in the human body.

Tissue Level

A group of similar cells that perform a specific function, categorized into four types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Organ Level

Two or more types of tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ System Level

A group of organs that function together for a common purpose.

Organism Level

A complete living being that can function independently.

Superior (Rostral)

Refers to being above or higher in position.

Inferior (Caudal)

Refers to being below or lower in position.

Anterior (Ventral)

Refers to the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Refers to the back of the body.

Proximal

Refers to being nearest to a point of attachment.

Distal

Refers to being farthest from a point of attachment.

Medial

Refers to being towards the middle of the body.

Lateral

Refers to being away from the middle of the body.

Superficial

Refers to being near the surface of the body.

Deep

Refers to being away from the surface of the body.

Ipsilateral

Refers to being on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Refers to being on the opposite side of the body.

Diffusion

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

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell; they produce energy through cellular respiration.

Ribosomes

Organelles involved in protein synthesis; can be found free-floating or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down waste material and cellular debris.

Golgi Apparatus

Cell organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.

Osteoblasts

Cells that form new bone.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that help maintain bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in the heart, striated and branching.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in the walls of hollow organs, not striated.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to the skeleton, striated and responsible for movement.

Melanocytes

Cells in the skin that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates hair and skin.

Sudoriferous Glands

Glands that produce sweat, aiding in temperature regulation.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The inner layer of skin made up of connective tissue, containing blood vessels and nerve endings.

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer)

Layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the dermis that insulates and absorbs shock.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Glands that produce a watery sweat for temperature regulation, found all over the body.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Glands that secrete sweat in response to emotional stress found in specific areas like the armpits.