Human Body Systems Review

These flashcards cover key terms related to the human body's systems, including blood, heart, immune response, respiratory function, digestive processes, and urinary system structures.

Blood

A connective tissue that carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and wastes throughout the body.

Extracellular Matrix

A non-cellular component present within all tissues and organs that provides essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Also known as erythrocytes, they are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide from the body back to the lungs.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Also known as leukocytes, they are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections.

Neutrophils

A type of granular leukocyte that fights infections by engulfing bacteria.

Eosinophils

A type of granular leukocyte that deals with parasitic infections and allergic reactions.

Basophils

Granular leukocytes that release histamine and play a role in inflammatory responses.

Lymphocytes

A type of agranular leukocyte that is part of the adaptive immune system.

Monocytes

Large agranular leukocytes that differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to help fight infections.

Platelets

Also known as thrombocytes, they are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

A protein in RBCs that binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells.

Pernicious Anemia

A type of anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12.

Heart Chambers

The four chambers of the heart include two atria (right and left) and two ventricles (right and left).

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart, responsible for pumping blood.

Endocardium

The smooth inner lining of the heart chambers.

Endocarditis

Inflammation of the endocardium.

Heart Valves

Structures in the heart that prevent the backflow of blood between the chambers.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles; include the tricuspid and mitral (bicuspid) valves.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located at the exits of the ventricles; include pulmonary and aortic valves.

Pulmonary Circulation

The circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs.

Systemic Circulation

The circulation of blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Sinoatrial Node

The pacemaker of the heart that initiates the heartbeat.

Atrioventricular Node

A node in the heart that serves as a relay point for electrical signals.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers that distribute the electrical impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract.

Tunica Intima

The innermost layer of a blood vessel, consisting of endothelial cells.

Tunica Media

The middle layer of a blood vessel, composed mainly of smooth muscle and elastic tissue.

Tunica Externa

The outer layer of a blood vessel that provides structure and support.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.

Lymphatic System

A network of organs and vessels that helps remove waste and toxins from the body.

Lymph Nodes

Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and are vital for immune function.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid that surrounds tissue cells and is involved in the exchange of materials between blood and cells.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Nonspecific Immunity

Also known as innate immunity, it is the body's immediate and generalized response to pathogens.

Inflammatory Response

The body's response to injury or infection, characterized by increased blood flow and immune cell recruitment.

Specific Immunity

Also known as adaptive immunity, it provides a targeted response to specific pathogens.

Natural Immunity

Immunity that occurs without deliberate exposure to an antigen.

Active Immunity

Immunity gained through exposure to a pathogen or vaccination.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from another individual.

Vaccination

A process that stimulates the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies in response to antigens.

T cells

A type of lymphocyte that plays a role in cell-mediated immunity.

Thymus Gland

An organ where T cells mature and differentiate.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

The exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Internal Respiration

The exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy from food.

Digestive System

System responsible for the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food.

Ingestion

The process of taking food into the gastrointestinal tract.

Digestion

The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components.

Mechanical Digestion

Physical breakdown of large food particles into smaller ones.

Chemical Digestion

The biochemical breakdown of food by enzymes.

Motility

The movement of the digestive tract that facilitates the passage of food.

Absorption

The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken into the blood or lymph.

Nutrition

The intake of food necessary for health and growth.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur in the body to maintain life.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones to release energy.

Anabolism

The construction of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Hypothalamic Centers

Regions in the brain that regulate various functions including hunger and satiety.

Urinary System

The organ system responsible for the elimination of waste and regulation of water balance.

Nephrons

The functional units of the kidney responsible for urine formation.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries involved in the filtration of blood in the kidney.

Renal Corpuscle

The structure in the kidney consisting of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Collecting Duct

The final part of the nephron that collects urine from multiple nephrons.

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.