Module 1

This flashcard set covers the fundamental themes of human biology, including structure-function relationships, hierarchical organization, homeostasis mechanisms, and the integration of organ systems.

Structure

Refers to something’s form, makeup, or arrangement.

Function

Refers to something’s job, role, task, or responsibility.

Determine

To cause, direct, or govern; used in the context that structure governs possible functions.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The study of the function of body structures.

Hierarchical Levels of Organization

The biological levels of the body, arranged from simplest to most complex: Atoms, Molecules, Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, and Organism.

Cell

The basic unit of all life and the first level of organization where life is observed.

Metabolism

The process by which matter and energy are transformed and transferred to build the organism and carry out the work of life.

Emergent Properties

New characteristics that appear at each new level of organization which were not present in the level below.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a relatively constant internal environment in the body despite changes in the external environment.

Sensor/Detector/Receptor

The component in homeostasis that monitors a variable and detects changes.

Control Center

The component that knows the set-point, interprets input, makes a decision, and sends a command.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to a command from the control center to change a variable.

Negative Feedback

The primary mechanism for homeostasis where the response counteracts the original stimulus to keep conditions near the set-point.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that reinforces or intensifies the original stimulus, leading to change in the same direction rather than a return to homeostasis.

Integration of Systems

The concept that body systems function together to accomplish tasks required to keep us alive, and no system can function in isolation.

Nervous System

A control system that acts as the control center for homeostasis, directs body movement, and allows communication between body parts.

Endocrine System

Regulates homeostasis by producing hormones that alter mood, sleep, metabolism, growth, and development.

Skeletal System

Provides a framework for the body, protects organs, stores minerals, and assists in movement with muscles.

Muscular System

Consists of $3$ types (skeletal, cardiac, smooth) and functions to move bones, the heart, and hollow organs while helping regulate body temperature.

Digestive System

Functions to break down food and absorb nutrients.

Respiratory System

Allows gas exchange by moving oxygen into and carbon dioxide out of the body, and helps regulate blood pH.

Cardiovascular System

Transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carries carbon dioxide and waste away; helps regulate fluid balance and temperature.

Urinary System

Filters blood to remove nitrogen-containing wastes and helps regulate blood volume and pH.

Immune & Lymphatic Systems

Systems that protect against pathogens, absorb/transport fats, and maintain fluid balance.

Integumentary System

Consists of skin and hair; protects against the outside world, eliminates metabolic waste, and regulates body temperature.

Reproductive Systems

Systems whose primary function is to produce offspring.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the brain during labor that causes the uterus to contract, representing a positive feedback mechanism.