Anatomy, Physiology, and Cellular Biology Flashcards

A comprehensive vocabulary flashcard set covering core terminology from body systems and introductory physiology, cellular chemistry and organelles, and histology tissue types.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the human body.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body.

Pathology

The study of disease, defined as a deviation from normal functions.

Homeostasis

A dynamic equilibrium in which the internal environment is controlled by the function of cells, tissues, and organs organized by negative feedback loops.

Negative Feedback Loop

A regulatory mechanism that provides stability by returning the body to its normal setting, such as in regulating body temperature or heart rate.

Positive Feedback Loop

A regulatory mechanism that accelerates a process to completion, such as during childbirth or blood clotting.

Element

A substance made of only one kind of atom.

Ions

Charged atoms that have gained or lost electrons, categorized as cations or anions.

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions occurring in the body at a given moment.

Work

The movement of an object or a change in the physical structure of matter.

Energy

The capacity to perform work, existing as kinetic and potential energy.

Decomposition

A chemical reaction in which large molecules break down into smaller parts, represented as $AB \rightarrow A + B$.

Hydrolysis

A decomposition reaction involving water, represented as $AB + H_2O \rightarrow AH + BOH$.

Catabolism

The decomposition of the body's large molecules, which releases energy as represented by $CD \rightarrow C + D + \text{energy}$.

Synthesis

A chemical reaction where smaller molecules assemble into larger ones, represented as $A + B \rightarrow AB$.

Dehydration (Condensation)

A synthesis reaction that forms complex molecules by removing water, represented as $AH + BOH \rightarrow AB + H_2O$.

Anabolism

The synthesis of new molecules in the body, which requires energy.

Enzymes

Catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy ($AE$).

Electrolytes

An aqueous solution containing anions and cations that will conduct an electrical current.

Acids

Substances that donate $H^+$ ions, lowering pH.

Bases

Substances that receive $H^+$ ions, increasing pH.

Salts

Ionic compounds containing any cation except hydrogen and any anion except hydroxide.

Buffers

Compounds that stabilize the pH of a solution by removing or replacing hydrogen ions.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

A buffer system maintaining homeostatic blood stability (blood pH $7.35$ to $7.45$), represented by $CO_2 + H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-$.

ATPase

An enzyme that breaks down ATP to release energy via the reaction $\text{ATP} + H_2O \rightarrow \text{ADP} + P + \text{energy}$.

Ribosomes

The primary site of protein synthesis (translation) in all living cells.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

An intracellular membrane organelle that synthesizes phospholipids, cholesterol, steroid hormones, glycerides, and glycogen.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

A combination workshop and shipping warehouse where newly synthesized proteins are chemically modified before going to the Golgi apparatus.

Golgi Apparatus

The cellular packaging center that renews or modifies the plasma membrane, modifies and packages secretions, and packages special enzymes into lysosomes.

Lysosomes

Vesicles that isolate and protect the cell from toxic byproducts, destroy foreign material, and remove cellular debris.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce cellular energy through aerobic glycolysis and beta oxidation of fatty acids, featuring an inner membrane with folds called cristae and a matrix.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

A primary tissue type consisting of cellular layers that cover and protect exposed surfaces, line internal passageways and chambers, and produce glandular secretions.

Connective Tissue

A primary tissue type composed of specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and ground substance that fills internal spaces, provides structural support, and stores energy.

Areolar Tissue

The most common and least specialized loose connective tissue, serving as the packing material of the body.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood composed of formed elements, which are blood cells and platelets suspended in plasma.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells, which are the only cells found in the avascular cartilage matrix.

Hyaline Cartilage

Cartilage located between ribs and sternum, on bone joint surfaces, and in respiratory passageways that provides support and reduces friction.

Fibrocartilage

A durable cartilage containing densely interwoven collagen fibers that resists compression and limits relative movement, found in knee joints and intervertebral pads.

Osteocytes

Bone cells.

Canaliculi

Little canals in bone tissue that act as passageways to exchange materials.

Osteon

The functional unit of compact bone.

Periosteum

The outer sheath of bone tissue consisting of fibrous and cellular layers.

Mucous Membranes (Mucosae)

Tissue membranes that line passageways communicating with the exterior, remaining moist to facilitate absorption or secretion and reduce friction.

Serous Membranes (Serosae)

Delicate tissue membranes consisting of mesothelium supported by areolar tissue that never connect to the exterior and prevent friction.

Cutaneous Membrane

The waterproof membrane covering the surface of the body, composed of stratified squamous epithelium with a layer of areolar tissue.

Synovial Membrane

A membrane that lines freely moveable joint cavities.