Foundations of Human Physiology

Practice flashcards for foundational concepts in human physiology, anatomy, cellular processes, and biochemical substances.

Human Anatomy

The scientific study of the body’s structures.

Gross Anatomy

The study of the larger structures of the body visible without magnification.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that are visible with a microscope or other magnification devices.

Human Physiology

The scientific study of the body’s functions and how its structures work together.

Cell Membrane

A protective barrier that separates the inner contents of the cell from the exterior environment.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A structure of the cell membrane consisting of two adjacent layers of phospholipids.

Selective Permeability

A property of cell membranes that allows some substances to pass while blocking others.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane that does not require energy.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane that requires energy, often against their concentration gradient.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion

A passive transport mechanism used by larger or polar molecules to cross the cell membrane with the help of transport proteins.

Endocytosis

The process of transporting large materials into the cell by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Exocytosis

The process of transporting large materials out of the cell via vesicular transport.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has the same solute concentration as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside, resulting in water moving out of the cell.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside, resulting in water moving into the cell.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized cells that can divide without limit and can differentiate into specialized cells.

Cellular Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized to carry out distinct functions.

Hormones

Chemical signals produced by the endocrine system that cause changes in target cells.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition rather than reversing it.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules used by the body for energy, often referred to as sugars.

Lipids

Fatty molecules that are a major source of energy and include triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

Proteins

Critical components made of amino acids that perform many functions in the body, including as enzymes.