Anatomy unit 6-10

Anatomy

Study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts.

Gross anatomy

Study of large structures that are easily observable.

Microscopic anatomy

Study of structures too small to be seen with the naked eye; requires a microscope.

Physiology

Study of how the body and its parts work or function.

Structural organization levels

Includes atoms, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Integumentary system

Forms the external body covering; includes skin, hair, and nails.

Skeletal system

Consists of bones, cartilages, ligaments, and joints; protects vital organs.

Muscular system

Skeletal muscles contract to produce movement.

Nervous system

Fast-acting control system that responds to internal and external stimuli.

Central nervous system

Assesses information and activates effectors (muscles and glands).

Endocrine system

Secretes hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and nutrient use.

Cardiovascular system

Includes heart and blood vessels; transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones.

Lymphatic system

Returns leaked fluids to the bloodstream and is involved in immunity.

Respiratory system

Exchanges gases with the blood; supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive system

Breaks down food for nutrient absorption and eliminates indigestible waste.

Urinary system

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates water and electrolyte balance.

Reproductive system

Produces gametes and provides site for embryo development.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions; necessary for life.

Cell

Basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.

Prokaryotic cells

Simple cells without a nucleus; examples include bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic cells

Complex cells with a nucleus; examples include plant and animal cells.

Plasma membrane

Flexible boundary that controls movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell that contains genetic material (DNA).

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis in the cell; can float freely or be attached to the rough ER.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, packages, and transports proteins and lipids.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; generates ATP through cellular respiration.

Lysosomes

Contain digestive enzymes; break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers that provide structural support and facilitate movement.

Centrioles

Help in cell division by directing the formation of mitotic spindle.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles; large central in plant cells and small in animal cells.

Chloroplasts

Contain chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

Tissues

Groups of cells with similar structure and function; four primary types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Epithelial tissue

Covers body surfaces and lines cavities; functions in protection, absorption, and secretion.

Connective tissue

Supports, protects, and binds other tissues; includes various types.

Muscle tissue

Contracts to produce movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Nervous tissue

Receives and conducts electrochemical impulses; includes neurons and neuroglia.

Bone

Dense connective tissue that forms the skeleton.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body.

Synovial joint

Freely movable joint with a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid.

Fibrous joint

Immovable joints connected by fibrous tissue.

Cartilaginous joint

Joints connected by cartilage; can be immovable or slightly movable.

Muscle contraction

Generated by interaction of actin and myosin filaments within muscle fibers.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter that stimulates skeletal muscle contraction.

Action potential

Electrical impulse that travels along the muscle fiber and triggers contraction.

Cell Membrane

A barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling passage of substances in and out.

Nucleolus

Structure within the nucleus responsible for ribosome production.

Chromatin

Substance within the nucleus consisting of DNA and proteins; condenses to form chromosomes.

Centrosome

Organizes microtubules and is involved in cell division.

Peroxisomes

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

Plasma Proteins

Proteins found in blood plasma that perform various functions, including transport and immune responses.

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.

Neuron

The fundamental unit of nervous tissue; specialized for transmitting signals.

Muscle Fiber

Long, cylindrical cells that make up muscle tissue, capable of contraction.

Myofibrils

Threadlike structures within muscle fibers composed of actin and myosin.