Cellular Biology & Neurological System Vocabulary

Flashcards for Cellular Biology & Neurological System focusing on vocabulary

What is Movement?

Muscle cells generate forces producing motion; muscles attached to bones produce limb movements; muscles enclosing hollow tubes move or empty.

What is Conductivity?

Conduction as a response to a stimulus is manifested by a wave of excitation, an electrical potential that passes along the surface of the cell.

What is Metabolic absorption?

All cells can take in and use nutrients and other substances from their surroundings.

What is Secretion?

Certain cells can synthesize new substances from substances they absorb and then secrete them elsewhere.

What is Excretion?

All cells can rid themselves of waste products resulting from the metabolic breakdown of nutrients.

What is Respiration?

Cells absorb oxygen, which is used to transform nutrients into energy (ATP).

What is Reproduction?

Tissue growth occurs as cells enlarge and reproduce.

What is Communication?

Vital for cells to survive; allows maintenance of a dynamic steady state.

What are Tissues?

Composed of cells that have a common structure and function (Muscle, Neural, Epithelial, Connective).

What are Organs?

Different types of tissues that perform a specific function as tracts or systems (heart, brain, kidneys, liver, lungs).

What are Plasma Membranes?

Defines cell boundaries, allows or excludes molecules, influences metabolic pathways, and plays a role in cell-to-cell recognition and mobility.

What is the Nucleus?

Largest membrane-bound organelle; controls cell division and genetic information.

What is the Mitochondria?

Responsible for cellular respiration and energy (ATP) production.

What are Ribosomes?

Location of and responsible for protein synthesis.

What is Atrophy?

Decrease in cell size (disuse).

What is Hypertrophy?

Increase in cell size (bulk).

What is Hyperplasia?

Increase in cell number.

What is Metaplasia?

Reversible replacement of one differentiated cell type by another cell type.

What is Dysplasia?

Deranged cellular growth; atypical hyperplasia.

What is Hypoxia?

Cells lack sufficient oxygen, most common cause of cellular injury.

What is Ischemia?

Reduction of blood supply, the most common cause of hypoxia.

What are Antioxidants?

Substances / nutrients that help protect cells against free radicals

What is the Supplementary motor area?

programming of complex movements

What is the Premotor cortex?

coordination of complex movements

What is the Prefrontal association cortex?

planning for voluntary activity; decision making; personality traits

What is Broca's area?

speech formation

What is the Primary auditory cortex?

hearing

What is the Primary motor cortex?

voluntary movement

What is the Primary sensory cortex?

sensation

What is the Posterior parietal cortex?

integration of somato-sensory and visual input; important for complex movements

What is Wernicke's area?

speech understanding

What is the Parietal-temporal-occipital association cortex?

integration of all sensory input; important in language

What is the Limbic association cortex?

motivation and emotion; memory

What is the Primary visual cortex?

sight

What are Functions of the Hypothalamus?

Visceral and somatic responses, Affectual responses, Hormone synthesis, Sympathetic and Parasympathetic activity, Temperature regulation, Fluid balance, Appetite and feeding responses, Physical expression of emotions, Sexual behavior, Pleasure- punishment centers, Level of arousal or wakefulness

What is Pain threshold?

lowest intensity when pain is perceived

What is Pain tolerance?

highest intensity a person can tolerate

What is Fever?

Release of pyrogens from leukocytes and bacteria, resetting the hypothalamic thermostat to a higher level.

What are Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)?

Temporary occlusion of arterial blood flow; lasts less than 24 hours; may precede a CVA.

What is the Peripheral Nervous

Network of neurons connects the body with the CNS; carries information to and from the brain and spinal cord.