The Human Body: An Orientation & Basic Chemistry — Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering core concepts from The Human Body: An Orientation and Chapter 2 on Basic Chemistry, focusing on anatomy/physiology basics, levels of organization, key elements and molecules, and homeostasis with negative and positive feedback mechanisms.

Anatomy

The study of the shape and structure of the body and its parts.

Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy

The 'big picture' of the body; easily observable anatomy.

Microscopic Anatomy

Anatomy requiring a microscope to view cells or tissues.

Cytology

The study of the cells of the body (e.g., cells in compact bone).

Histology

The study of the tissues of the body.

Physiology

The study of how the body and its parts work or function.

Relationship between Anatomy and Physiology

The function drives form; the structure of an organ influences how it functions.

Atoms

The basic building blocks of all matter; atoms of the same kind form elements.

Organelles

Small cellular structures within cells that perform specific functions.

Cells

The simplest, most basic units of life; contain organelles.

Tissues

Two or more different types of cells working together to perform a function; major types include epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

Organs

Two or more different tissues working together to perform a specific function.

Organ Systems

Two or more organs working together to perform a specific function (e.g., digestive system components like mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder).

Organism

The highest level of organization; a multicellular living being composed of organ systems.

Elements

Building blocks of matter; simplest substances; found on the periodic table and represented by symbols.

Oxygen (O)

Major element in the body; used in cellular respiration.

Carbon (C)

Major element; component of organic compounds and structures.

Hydrogen (H)

Major element; part of organic compounds and contributes to pH balance.

Nitrogen (N)

Major element; component of proteins and nucleic acids.

Calcium (Ca)

Element involved with muscle contraction and bone structure.

Potassium (K)

Element involved in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Sodium (Na)

Element involved in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Phosphorus (P)

Element that is a component of nucleic acids and energy carriers (ATP).

Major Elements by Body Percentage

Oxygen ~65%, Carbon ~18%, Hydrogen ~10%, Nitrogen ~3% of body mass.

Nucleus

Central region of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a constant internal environment necessary for proper functioning (temperature, BP, pH, etc.).

Negative Feedback Loop

Effector output inhibits the original stimulus to restore homeostasis.

Stimulus

A change in the internal or external environment that starts a response.

Sensory Receptor

Detects the change and sends information to the brain or spinal cord.

Regulatory Center

Interprets information and activates or deactivates an effector.

Effector

Glands, muscles, or organs that respond to restore homeostasis.

Thermoregulation (Negative Feedback)

Maintenance of body temperature via sweating or shivering depending on the stimulus; hypothalamus acts as the regulatory center.

Blood Glucose Homeostasis (Negative Feedback)

If blood glucose is high, beta cells release insulin, promoting uptake of glucose into fat/muscle and storage as glycogen in liver.

Beta Cells

Pancreatic cells that detect blood glucose and secrete insulin when glucose is high.

Insulin

Hormone that promotes glucose uptake and glycogen storage.

Glycogen

Storage form of glucose in liver and muscle.

Positive Feedback Loop

Effector output enhances the original stimulus, driving the process further until a final event ends the loop (e.g., childbirth, blood clotting).

Oxytocin Positive Feedback in Labor

Stimulus: fetal head pressces against cervix; brain releases oxytocin; uterus contracts; more stimulation → more oxytocin → stronger contractions until delivery.

Blood Clotting (Positive Feedback)

Platelets release signals that attract more platelets, accelerating clot formation.

Defecation Reflex (Positive Feedback)

Urge to defecate intensifies until feces are eliminated.

Negative Feedback Example: Temperature Regulation

Elevated body temperature triggers sweating (cooling) or other responses to return to normal set point.

Negative Feedback Example: Blood Glucose Regulation

Elevated blood glucose triggers insulin release to lower glucose levels back toward set point.