Key Terms Med Term

word roots

The word parts that usually, but not always, indicate the part of the body involved

combining form

A word root that has a vowel, usually the letter "o", put on the end before the addition of another word or a suffix

suffix

The word part attached at the end of a word that usually, but not always, indicated the procedure condition, disorder, or disease

prefix

The word part attached at the beginning of a words that usually, but always, indicates location, time, number, or status

anatomic reference systems

Terms used to describe the location of body planes, directions, and cavities

Structures of the Body

The cells, tissues, and glands that form the body systems that work together to enable the body to function properly

genetics

the genetic components that transfer characteristics from parents to their child

tissues

a group of similarly specialized cells that work together to perform specific functions

glands

A group of specialized cells that is capable of producing secretions

Body Systems and Related Organs

Organs are somewhat independent parts of the body that perform specific functions. Organs with related functions are organized into body systems.

Pathology

the study of the nature and cause of disease that involves changes in structure and function

bones

Act as the framework for the body, protect the internal organs, and store the mineral calcium

bone marrow

Red bone marrow forms some blood cells. Yellow bone marrow stores fat.

Cartilage

Creates a smooth surface for motion within the joints and protects the ends of the bones.

joints

work with the muscles to make a variety of motions possible

Ligaments

connect one bone to another

synovial membrane

Forms the lining of synovial joints and secretes synovial fluid.

synovial fluid

Lubricant that makes smooth joint movements possible.

bursa

cushions areas subject to friction during movement

muscles

make body movement possible

fascia

cover

tendons

attach muscle to bone

heart

pumps blood into the arteries

blood vessels

transport blood to and from all areas of the body

arteries

transport blood away from the heart to all parts of the body

capillaries

permit the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and the cells

veins

return blood from all body parts to the heart

blood

brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away

lymph

the fluid that removes cellular waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissues

lymphatic vessels and ducts

returns lymph from the tissue to the circulatory system

lymph nodes

filter pathogens and harmful substances from the lymph

tonsils and adenoids

protect the entry into the respiratory system

spleen

filters foreign materials from the blood

bone marrow

produces blood cells

lymphocytes

the specialized white blood cells that play an important role in immune reactions

thymus

secretes the endocrine thymosin that aids in the maturation of the T lymphocytes for use by the immune system

immune system

defends the body against harmful substances

nose

exchanges air during inhaling and exhaling; warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air

sinuses

produce mucus for the nasal cavities, make bones of the skull lighter, aid in sound production

pharynx

transports air back and forth between the nose and the trachea

larynx

makes speech possible

epiglottis

closes off the trachea during swallowing

trachea

transports air back and forth between the pharynx and the bronchi

bronchi

transports air from the trachea into the lungs

alveoli

air sacs that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary
blood

lungs

bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide and some water waste from the body