semester one terms

Alkalosis

Condition where tissue pH is greater than 7.4, indicating a basic level.

Acidosis

Condition where tissue pH is less than 7.35, indicating an acidic level.

Buffers

Molecules that reduce or increase the pH in the body to maintain normal pH levels.

Hydrophobic molecules

Molecules that do not dissolve in water (water fearing).

Hydrophilic molecules

Molecules that dissolve in water (water loving).

Proteins

Long chains of polypeptide chains that have a specific function.

Amino acids

Individual units that compose polypeptide chains.

Peptide bond

Type of covalent bond that bonds amino acids together.

Nucleic acid

Type of biological molecule that includes DNA and RNA.

Transcription

The process where mRNA is made from DNA.

Translation

Process where mRNA is read to make amino acid chains.

Hormones

Chemical messengers of the body, directly released into the bloodstream.

Endocytosis

Bulk transportation of substances into the cell.

Exocytosis

Bulk transportation of substances out of the cell.

Isotonic solution

Solution with equal amounts of solute compared to the cell.

Hypertonic solution

Solution with a larger concentration of solute compared to the cell.

Hypotonic solution

Solution with a smaller concentration of solute compared to the cell.

Osmosis

The movement of water across the cell membrane.

Metabolism

Chemical reactions in a cell that includes storage or use of energy.

Neurons

The basic functional unit of the nervous system.

Glial Cells

Cells that provide support and protection for neurons.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that nourish and support neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers used to transmit signals in the nervous system.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that provides nutrients, removes waste, and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The tough fibrous outer layer of the meninges.

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges.

Central canal

The hollow center of an osteon containing nutrients, nerves, and blood vessels.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for building the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells responsible for breaking down bone and releasing calcium.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels and nerves.

Melanocytes

Skin cells responsible for producing melanin, which contributes to skin color.

Sebum

The secretion produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates the skin.

Arrector pili

Muscle responsible for causing goosebumps.

Afferent neurons

Neurons that send sensory information to the brain.

Efferent neurons

Neurons that send motor commands from the brain to the body.

Synovial fluid

Fluid that lubricates and nourishes joints.

Haversian canal

Another word for the central canal in an osteon.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells responsible for maintaining cartilage.

Fibroblasts

Cells responsible for creating collagen within connective tissues.

Homeostasis

The state of balance in biological systems.

Gigantism

A condition caused by the hypersecretion of growth hormone.

Dwarfism

A condition caused by the hyposecretion of growth hormone.

Acromegaly

Continued bone growth after the epiphyseal plates have ossified.

Intercellular junctions

Connections between cells allowing for communication and transport.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into different cell types.

Metabolic pathway

A series of steps that lead to a product using enzyme reactions.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears in layers.

Collagen

A protein that provides structure in connective tissues.

Keratocytes

Cells in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin.

Hypodermis

Layer of connective tissue below the dermis, primarily composed of fat.