BIO 168 Midterm Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in anatomy and physiology for midterm exam preparation.

Anatomic Directional Terms

Terms used to describe the locations or positions of structures in the body relative to each other.

Body Regions

Major areas of the body, including the head, neck, trunk, and limbs.

Body Cavities

Hollow spaces within the body that contain organs, such as the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Homeostatic System Components

Parts of a system that maintain stability in the bodily environment.

Negative Feedback

A process that counteracts a change, reducing the output or activity of a system.

Positive Feedback

A process that amplifies a response or increase in the change or output.

Acid

A substance that donates protons (H+) and increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

Base

A substance that accepts protons and decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

pH Scale

A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.

Neutralization

The chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces water and a salt.

Biological Macromolecules

Large molecules that are essential for life, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Lipids

A group of biological macromolecules that are hydrophobic and play roles in energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made up of sugar molecules, used as energy sources and structural materials.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy carrier in cells.

Proteins

Biological macromolecules made up of amino acids, serving various functions in organisms.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Simple Diffusion

The direct movement of molecules through a membrane without the aid of proteins.

Facilitated Diffusion

Movement of molecules across a cell membrane via transport proteins.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent water from moving across a semipermeable membrane during osmosis.

Tonicity

The ability of a solution to change the volume or pressure of a cell by osmosis.

Primary Active Transport

The movement of ions against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

RMP (Resting Membrane Potential)

The electrical potential difference across the membrane of a resting neuron.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Epithelial Tissue

A tissue type that covers body surfaces and lines cavities, involved in protection, absorption, and secretion.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts to external surfaces or into body cavities.

Connective Tissue

Tissue type that provides support, binds other tissues, and stores fats.

Connective Tissue Proper

A type of connective tissue that supports other tissues and organs, including loose and dense connective tissue.

Supporting Connective Tissue

Tissues like cartilage and bone that provide structural support to the body.

Fluid Connective Tissue

Blood and lymph, which circulate and transport substances throughout the body.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that is responsible for movement, classified into three types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, responsible for transmitting signals.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types that work together to perform specific functions.

Membranes

Thin layers of tissue that cover surfaces, line cavities, or separate organs.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin that provides protection and moisture retention.

Dermis

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

Subcutaneous Layer

The layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the dermis that insulates and protects the body.

Skeletal System

The organ system that provides structure, support, and protection for the body.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joints and the nose.

Bone Functions

Support, movement, protection of vital organs, production of blood cells, and reservoir for minerals.

Long Bone Structure

Consists of a diaphysis (shaft) and epiphyses (ends), with a central medullary cavity.

Bone Marrow

The soft tissue found in the interior of bones, responsible for blood cell production.

Bone Cells

Types include osteoblasts (build bone), osteoclasts (break down bone), and osteocytes (maintain bone).

Bone Matrix Composition

Consists of collagen fibers, minerals (such as calcium phosphate), and organic substances.

Axial Skeleton

Part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

Part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and their attachments.

Bone Markings

Features on bones that serve as sites for muscle attachment, joint surfaces, or passage for blood vessels.

Cranial Bones

Bones that form the skull which encases the brain.

Facial Bones

Bones that form the structure of the face.

Fontanelles

Soft spots on a baby's skull where the bones have not yet fused.

Vertebrae Types

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae serve different functions.

Vertebral Column Curvature

Curvatures in the vertebral column include cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal curves.

Clavicle

The collarbone, which connects the arm to the body.

Scapula

The shoulder blade, which connects the humerus with the clavicle.

Humerus

The upper arm bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow.

Radius and Ulna

The two bones of the forearm, with the radius on the thumb side.

Carpals

The eight small bones that make up the wrist.

Metacarpals

The five bones in the hand that form the framework of the palm.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.

Os Coxae

The bones that form the hip area, each consisting of ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Female Pelvis

Wider and broader to facilitate childbirth compared to the male pelvis.

Male Pelvis

Narrower and more robust than the female pelvis.

Femur

The thigh bone, the longest bone in the human body.

Tibia

The shin bone, larger and stronger than the fibula.

Fibula

The smaller bone of the lower leg located next to the tibia.

Tarsals

The cluster of seven bones in the foot that make up the ankle.

Metatarsals

The five long bones in the foot that form the middle part of the foot.

Phalanges (Lower Limb)

The bones of the toes.

Bone Lab Activities

Practical identification and understanding of bone markings and structures.