BIO 168 Final Didactic Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from the BIO 168 Final Didactic Review lecture notes, covering key concepts in anatomy, physiology, and related systems.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of the function of bodily systems.

Homeostasis

The presence of a stable internal environment essential for health.

Negative feedback

A regulation mechanism in which the effector opposes or negates the original stimulus.

Positive feedback

A regulation mechanism that enhances the original change or stimulus.

Integumentary system

Protects the body from environmental hazards and helps control body temperature.

Skeletal system

Provides support, protects tissues, stores minerals, and forms blood cells.

Muscular system

Produces movement, provides support, and generates heat.

Cardiovascular system

Transports cells and dissolved materials, including nutrients and wastes throughout the body.

Digestive system

Processes food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary system

Eliminates excess water, salts, and wastes.

Reproductive system

Produces sex cells and hormones and supports embryonic development in females.

Neuron

A nerve cell specialized for intercellular communication.

Oligodendrocytes

CNS glial cells that provide structural framework and produce myelin.

Synaptic cleft

The space between the axon terminal and the target cell in a synapse.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that transmits signals across a synapse.

Organ systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Vestibular system

The system responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Photoreceptors

Specialized sensory neurons in the retina that respond to light.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Myofibrils

Cylindrical structures arranged parallel inside muscle fibers, crucial for contraction.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect and maintain neurons.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin comprised of epithelial cells.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for high-level functions.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of neurons that receive stimuli.

Homeostatic regulation

Physiological adjustments to preserve homeostasis in changing environments.

Respiratory system

Delivers air to alveoli, provides oxygen to the bloodstream, removes carbon dioxide from the bloodstream, and produces sound.

Endocrine system

Directs long-term changes in the activities of other organ systems and adjusts metabolic activity and energy use by the body and also controls many structural and functional changes during development.

Lymphatic system

Defends against infection and disease and returns tissue fluids to the bloodstream.

Levels of structural organization

A hierarchy that includes chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism levels.

Histology

The study of tissues.