Introduction to Human Body Organisation

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the organizational levels of the human body, specialized cell types, and metabolic processes based on the introductory lecture by Dr. James Compton.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body, which is intrinsically linked to its function.

Physiology

The study of the function of the human body, which is inseparable from its structure.

Microscopic Anatomy

The perspective of anatomy that focuses on cellular function, cells, and tissues requiring magnification to understand.

Gross Anatomy

The study of anatomical structures that can be seen, touched, and felt without the aid of magnification or supportive devices.

Four main elements

Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, which together make up approximately $96\%$ of the human body.

Atoms

A unit of substance that cannot be broken down any further; the starting point of a human being.

Molecule

A structure formed when two or more atoms are combined together chemically.

Organelles

Structures within a cell made of multiple molecules that serve different functions critical to the cell's effectiveness.

Neuron

A specialized cell in the nervous system with a long, skinny middle and branched ends designed for fast communication of messages.

Sperm cell

A reproductive cell featuring a long tail designed to help it locomote through swimming.

Erythrocytes

Also known as red blood cells; they have a biconcave disc shape to increase surface area for oxygen transport.

Biconcave disc

The hollowed-out feature of a red blood cell that allows it to saturate itself with oxygen more efficiently than a spherical shape.

Skeletal muscle

A type of striated muscle that slides in on itself and shortens in length to cause bone movement.

Smooth muscle

An interweaved network of overlapping cells found in the lumens of arteries, veins, and airways.

Tissue

A cluster or group of similar cells that are united in a common purpose or function.

Organ

A structure made up of different types of tissue working in unison, such as a blood vessel containing smooth muscle, connective tissue, and an epithelial lining.

Organ system

A combination of different structures, such as the heart and blood vessels in the cardiovascular system, forming a specialized system for the body.

ATP

The form of energy that cells need in order to function and perform their duties.

Anabolism

The process of the metabolism dedicated to building new tissue.

Catabolism

The process of the metabolism dedicated to breaking down molecules into smaller ones, such as breaking down food for energy.

Perfusion

A concept related to the pressures required to encourage the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste at the cellular level.