Levels of Organization of the Human Body

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the levels of organization in the human body, including its chemical, cellular, tissue, and organ systems.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchy of the human body: chemical, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems, organism.

Chemical Level

The simplest level of organization, involving atoms and molecules that make up the body's structures.

Atoms

Basic units of matter composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Isotopes

Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed when atoms share electrons.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed when atoms give up and receive electrons.

Electrolytes

Charged atoms or ions in solution.

Acids

Substances that donate hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

Bases

Substances that accept hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

pH Scale

A scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; primary source of energy.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, like glucose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed from two monosaccharides, such as sucrose.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates formed from many monosaccharides, such as glycogen and starch.

Lipids

Organic molecules mainly consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; includes fats, phospholipids, and steroids.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made of amino acids, essential for structure and function in the body.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules like DNA and RNA, composed of nucleotides, that store and transfer genetic information.

Metabolism

The total of all chemical reactions that occur in the body.

Cellular Respiration

A process that converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy carrier in cells.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes.

Cell Membrane

The phospholipid bilayer that surrounds and protects the cell, regulating entry and exit of substances.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells produce proteins, involving transcription and translation.

Mitosis

A process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Neoplasms

Abnormal tissue growths, which may be benign or malignant.

Atrophy

The shrinkage of tissue due to age or disuse.

Metaplasia

The change of one type of tissue to another.

Gangrene

Tissue death due to insufficient blood supply, often associated with infection.