Anatomy MSJC Final

Anatomy

The study of the structure of living things.

Physiology

The study of the function of body structures.

Biology

The broader study of living organisms, encompassing both anatomy and physiology.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Three Domains of Life

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

Development

The process from fertilized egg to old age, also known as ontogeny.

Evolution

The unifying theory of biology, explaining the diversity of life through natural selection and genetic change over time.

Scientific Method Steps

Observation, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, conclusion, and repeat.

Atoms vs. Molecules

Atoms are single elements; molecules are two or more atoms bonded together.

Major Organic Macromolecules

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, each with unique functions.

Plasma Membrane Structure

Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Mitosis

A process that produces identical cells.

Meiosis

A process that produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The physical trait of an organism.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a trait.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a trait.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross examining one trait.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross examining two traits.

Innate Immunity

The non-specific, fast immune response.

Acquired Immunity

The specific immune response that develops over time.

Digestive Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze digestion processes, such as amylase, protease, and lipase.

Urinary System Functions

Removes waste and regulates fluid balance in the body.

Cardiovascular System Functions

Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.

Respiratory System Functions

Facilitates gas exchange between the body and environment.

Endocrine Functions

Hormone production and regulation in the body.

Skeletal System Functions

Provides support, movement, protection, and blood cell production.

Muscle Types

Skeletal (voluntary), cardiac (involuntary), and smooth (involuntary).

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

Ligaments vs. Tendons

Ligaments connect bones; tendons connect muscles to bones.

Nondisjunction

An error in meiosis where chromosomes fail to separate properly.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an organism's chromosomes.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells.

Chromatid

Each half of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined.

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique used to amplify DNA.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments by size.

Biotechnological Tools

Methods and technologies used to manipulate biological systems, including CRISPR and cloning.

Health vs. Disease

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; disease is a disorder of a structure or function.

Colorblindness Probability

Colorblind male (XbY) × carrier female (XbXB): 50% chance of colorblind son.

Action Potential Steps

The sequence of depolarization, repolarization, and return to resting state in neurons.

Reflex Arc Components

Sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector.