ALHS 1011 Study Guide Exam 1

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Anatomy, Physiology, Homeostasis, cellular organelles, chemistry basics, mitosis, and tissue types from the ALHS 1011 Study Guide.

Homeostasis

The process by which the body regulates and maintains a stable internal environment.

Anterior

A directional term referring to the front of the body or a structure.

Superior

A directional term referring to a position above or higher than another part of the body.

Frontal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides.

Thoracic Cavity

The body cavity located in the chest area that contains the heart and lungs.

Pelvic Cavity

The body cavity located within the bones of the pelvis that contains the reproductive organs and urinary bladder.

$\text{ATP}$ (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy currency of the cell used to power biological processes.

$\text{ATP}$ Synthesis

The process of generating adenosine triphosphate, which occurs primarily in the mitochondria.

Atomic Number

The number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom, identifying the element.

Proton

A subatomic particle with a positive electrical charge found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A subatomic particle with no electrical charge found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A subatomic particle with a negative electrical charge that orbits the nucleus.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Water ($H_2O$)

The most abundant inorganic compound in the human body.

Nucleus

The cell organelle that contains DNA and acts as the control center of the cell.

Ribosomes

Organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that contain enzymes to detoxify harmful substances and break down fatty acids.

Mitochondria

The organelles responsible for $ATP$ synthesis, often called the powerhouse of the cell.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures involved in cell division and the organization of the spindle fibers.

Cytosol

The jelly-like fluid portion of the cytoplasm in which organelles are suspended.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in the production of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid located inside the cells.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid located outside the cells, including interstitial fluid and plasma.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Colloidal suspension

A mixture where microscopic particles are dispersed through another substance but are not dissolved.

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell takes in materials from the outside by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Exocytosis

The process by which a cell releases substances to the outside by fusing a vesicle with the plasma membrane.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis commonly known as cellular eating, where the cell ingests large particles.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis commonly known as cellular drinking, where the cell ingests extracellular fluid.

Membrane Potential

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and the outside of a cell membrane.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and DNA replication takes place.

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telephase

The final phase of mitosis where two new nuclear envelopes form around the separated chromosomes.

Metaphase

The phase of mitosis where chromosomes align along the center of the cell.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells typically found in glandular tissues and kidney tubules.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Voluntary muscle tissue attached to bones that facilitates body movement.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Involuntary muscle tissue found exclusively in the heart.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach and blood vessels.

Serous Membrane

A membrane that lines closed internal body cavities and secretes a lubricating fluid.

Mucous Membrane

A membrane that lines body cavities open to the exterior and secretes mucus.

Synovial Membrane

A membrane that lines the cavities of freely movable joints.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

Meninges

The three membranes that line the skull and vertebral canal and enclose the brain and spinal cord.

Goblet cells

Specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus.

Cilia

Small hair-like projections on the cell surface used for movement or moving substances across the cell surface.

Adipose Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue specialized for the storage of fat.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting electrical signals.

Axon

The long, threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells.

Myelin

An insulating layer or sheath that forms around nerves and allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly.

Neuroglia

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Collagen

The main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues.

Fibroblasts

Cells in connective tissue that produce collagen and other fibers.