2024 Past paper

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like fluid that holds organelles and is the site of many cellular activities.

Mitochondria

Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Synthesizes and transports proteins due to attached ribosomes.

Nucleus

Contains DNA; controls the cell’s activities.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from low to high solute concentration.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration without needing a membrane.

Epithelial tissue

Type of tissue covering and lining organs.

Connective tissue

Supporting and binding tissues.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Carry oxygen.

White blood cells (leukocytes)

Fight infection.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Help with blood clotting.

Plasma

Transports nutrients, hormones, and waste.

Thymus gland

Where lymphocytes mature.

Red bone marrow

Where erythrocytes are formed.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Kills bacteria and activates pepsin.

Pepsin

Breaks down proteins into peptides.

Bile

Emulsifies fats and is produced in the liver.

Amylase

Enzyme for carbohydrate digestion that produces maltose.

Pepsin

Enzyme for protein digestion that produces peptides.

Red bone marrow

Found in spongy bone.

Yellow bone marrow

Found in compact bone.

Endocrine glands

Release hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

Exocrine glands

Release products like enzymes into ducts.

Thyroxine

Hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels.

Antigen

A foreign substance that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to neutralize antigens.

Ovulation

Release of an egg (ovum) from the ovary.

Implantation

Attachment of the fertilized egg to the lining of the uterus.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Lymph node

Filters lymph and traps pathogens, found along lymphatic vessels.

Lacteal

Located inside villi of the small intestine; absorbs fats into the lymphatic system.

Vasodilation

Blood vessels dilate to increase heat loss when the body is too hot.

Vasoconstriction

Blood vessels constrict to retain heat when the body is too cold.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood to form urine.

Osmoregulation

The control of water and salt balance in the body.

Oestrogen

Hormone produced by ovaries that promotes female secondary sexual characteristics and thickens the uterus lining.

Progesterone

Hormone produced by ovaries that maintains the uterus lining for implantation.

Epididymis

Stores and matures sperm in the male reproductive system.

Prostate

Produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Urethra

Transports semen and urine out of the body.

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone.

Lipase

Enzyme that digests lipids, secreted by the pancreas.

Absorption

Movement of nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, mainly in the small intestine.

Assimilation

Incorporation of absorbed nutrients into body cells for use.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the alimentary canal.

Submucosa

Layer of the alimentary canal that provides support.

Muscularis externa

Layer of the alimentary canal responsible for movement.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the alimentary canal.

Periosteum

A membrane covering bones that nourishes and protects them.

Ligament

Connects bone to bone.

Tendon

Connects muscle to bone.

Synovial joint

A freely movable joint lubricated by synovial fluid.