General Physiology and Body Systems Chp 7

Physiology

The study of how living things function.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Skeletal System

Consists of 206 bones; provides protection, support, and shape.

Muscular System

Responsible for body movement, posture, and producing body heat.

Cardiovascular System

Comprises the heart and blood vessels; transports oxygen and nutrients.

Lymphatic System

Part of the immune system, it drains and filters tissue fluid.

Nervous System

Transmits stimuli, coordinates body activities, and serves as communication.

Respiratory System

Supplies body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

Provides nutrients, water, and electrolytes; functions under involuntary control.

Endocrine System

Comprises ductless glands that regulate body functions through hormones.

Urinary System

Maintains fluid volume and composition; eliminates waste in urine.

Integumentary System

Includes skin, hair, and nails; protects against disease and regulates temperature.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes upper and lower extremities and pelvic girdle.

Axial Skeleton

Consists of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and sternum.

Trabeculae

Bony spicules in cancellous bone forming a mesh of spaces.

Cancellous Bone

Light, spongy bone found interiorly, not as strong as compact bone.

Compact Bone

Dense, hard bone forming the outer layer of bones.

Periosteum

Connective tissue covering all bones responsible for bone life.

Mobility

The ability to move freely and easily.

Synovial Joints

Movable joints accounting for most joints in the body.

Fibrous Joints

Immovable joints like the sutures of the skull.

Cartilaginous Joints

Slightly movable joints made of connective tissue and cartilage.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in internal organs.

Striated Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to the skeleton; appears striped.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle specific to the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

Flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic Circulation

Flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels returning waste-filled blood to the heart.

Capillaries

Microscopic blood vessels connecting arteries and veins.

Hemoglobin

Blood protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells responsible for fighting disease.

Lymph Nodes

Structures that filter lymphatic fluid and contain immune cells.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls unconscious bodily functions like breathing.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary body movements.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Peristalsis

Rhythmic contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Urinary Bladder

Stores urine until it is excreted.

Urethra

The canal through which urine is discharged from the body.

Skin

The body's largest organ, involved in protection and temperature regulation.

Vitamin D

Essential vitamin produced by the skin using sunlight.