Science Test Study Sheet: Body Systems, Cell Specialization, and Medical Technologies

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems, cell specialization, medical imaging technologies, and the eleven body systems based on the Science Test Study Sheet.

Nose / nasal cavity

Respiratory organ that filters, warms, and moistens air.

Pharynx (Respiratory)

Passageway for air from the nose or mouth.

Larynx

Structure that contains vocal cords and helps make sounds.

Trachea

Windpipe that carries air toward the lungs.

Bronchi

Two main tubes carrying air into the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller tubes inside the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gases are exchanged.

Diaphragm

Muscle under the lungs that helps breathing by contracting and moving down to inhale, and relaxing and moving up to exhale.

Diffusion

The process where particles move from an area where there are more of them to an area where there are fewer.

T-M-W

Characteristics of a good gas-exchange surface: Thin (gases cross quickly), Moist (gases can dissolve), and Wide (large surface area allows more exchange).

Stem cells

Cells that have not yet developed a specific job, can make more cells, and can develop into certain specialized cells.

Embryonic stem cells

Stem cells that come from an early-stage embryo and can become almost any type of body cell.

Adult stem cells

Stem cells found in certain tissues in a developed body that can become a more limited range of cell types to maintain and repair tissues.

Specialized cells

Cells that already have a particular job and features that help them perform it.

Red blood cell

A specialized cell that carries oxygen using hemoglobin.

White blood cell

A specialized blood component that fights germs and infections.

Nerve cell (neuron)

A specialized cell that sends messages around the body.

Muscle cell

A specialized cell that contracts to help the body move.

Intestinal cell

A specialized cell that helps absorb nutrients from digested food.

Right atrium

Heart chamber that receives oxygen-poor blood from the body.

Right ventricle

Heart chamber that pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.

Left atrium

Heart chamber that receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.

Left ventricle

Heart chamber that pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Septum

Wall separating the right and left sides of the heart.

Heart valves

Structures that stop blood from flowing backward.

Aorta

Large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body.

Vena cava

Large blood vessel that brings oxygen-poor blood from the body to the heart.

Pulmonary artery

Blood vessel that carries oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary veins

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart.

Pulmonary circulation

Circulatory pathway where blood travels from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Systemic circulation

Circulatory pathway where blood travels from the heart to the body and back to the heart.

Cardiac circulation

Circulatory pathway in which blood vessels supply the heart muscle itself.

Arteries

Blood vessels with thick, strong walls that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart, many of which contain valves.

Capillaries

Tiny vessels with thin walls where gases, nutrients, and wastes are exchanged.

Platelets

Blood components that help blood clot to stop bleeding.

Salivary glands

Glands that make saliva containing an enzyme that begins breaking down starch.

Esophagus

Digestive tube that pushes food to the stomach using muscle movements.

Stomach

Digestive organ that churns food and mixes it with acid and enzymes.

Liver

Organ that makes bile to help break fat into tiny droplets.

Gallbladder

Organ that stores and releases bile.

Pancreas

Organ that makes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acid.

Small intestine

Organ that finishes most digestion and absorbs most nutrients.

Large intestine (colon)

Organ that absorbs water and forms solid waste.

Rectum

Digestive chamber that stores feces before they leave the body.

Anus

Opening where solid waste (feces) leaves the body.

Mechanical digestion

The physical process of breaking food into smaller pieces, such as chewing.

Chemical digestion

The process that uses enzymes and other chemicals to break large food molecules into smaller molecules.

Bile

A non-enzyme substance that breaks fat into tiny droplets in the small intestine so enzymes can work better.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Stomach acid that creates an acidic environment, kills many germs, and helps activate a protein-digesting enzyme.

X-ray

Imaging technology that uses a small amount of radiation to create images, best known for examining bones and some chest problems.

Ultrasound

Imaging technology that uses sound waves to create images of pregnancy, soft organs, movement, and blood flow.

CT scan

Imaging technology that uses X-rays from different angles combined by a computer into cross-sectional images.

MRI

Imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radio waves with no ionizing radiation to create detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments.

Integumentary system

Body system composed of skin, hair, and nails that protects the body.

Endocrine system

Body system that uses hormones to control body processes.

Urinary (excretory) system

Body system that filters blood and removes wastes in urine.

Immune/lymphatic system

Body system that helps fight infections and returns fluid to the blood.