BIOL1200 Review Flashcards - Chapters 1-4 (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapters 1–4 of BIOL1200: homeostasis, chemistry, cell, tissue, and organ systems.

Complementarity of structure and function

The principle that anatomical form (structure) and its function are interdependent; the structure of a part enables its function, and its function provides insight into its structure.

Hierarchy of body organization (smallest to largest)

Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ systems.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism that counteracts a deviation from a set point to restore homeostasis.

Positive feedback

A control mechanism that amplifies a deviation from a set point, driving condition away from homeostasis (usually temporary).

Atom

The basic unit of matter consisting of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons around the nucleus.

Proton

Positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus; determines atomic number.

Neutron

Electrically neutral subatomic particle located in the nucleus; contributes to atomic mass.

Electron

Negatively charged subatomic particle orbiting the nucleus; involved in chemical bonding.

Covalent bond

Bond formed by sharing electron pairs between atoms; can be polar or nonpolar and is strong.

Ionic bond

Bond formed by transfer of electrons creating oppositely charged ions that attract.

Hydrogen bond

Weak attraction between a hydrogen atom bound to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom; important in water, DNA, and proteins.

Organic compounds

Chemicals containing carbon–hydrogen bonds, typically covalently bonded; often associated with living organisms.

Inorganic compounds

Chemicals lacking carbon–hydrogen bonds; often simple minerals or salts.

Carbon

Element with four valence electrons enabling four covalent bonds; foundational for diverse organic molecules.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules (C, H, O) used for quick energy and structural support; includes sugars and starches.

Nucleic acids

DNA and RNA; store and transmit genetic information; built from nucleotides.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids performing most cellular functions (enzymes, structure, transport, signaling).

Lipids

Hydrophobic biomolecules (fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids) used for energy storage and membrane structure.

Plasma membrane

Phospholipid bilayer surrounding the cell; regulates movement of substances in and out; contains proteins.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle housing genetic material; control center of the cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP through cellular respiration; the cell’s powerhouses.

Endoplasmic reticulum – Smooth

ER lacking ribosomes; site of lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Endoplasmic reticulum – Rough

ER with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins destined for secretion or membranes.

Golgi apparatus

Stacked membranes that modify, package, and ship proteins and lipids to their destinations.

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle attached to bones; enables body movement.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary, striated muscle of the heart; intercalated discs; pumps blood.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary, non-striated muscle found in walls of hollow organs; controls movement of substances.

Neuron

Nerve cell; basic functional unit of the nervous system; transmits electrical and chemical signals.

Dendrites

Branching extensions that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Long projection that conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body; ends in axon terminals.

Soma (cell body)

Metabolic center of a neuron containing the nucleus and organelles.

Synapse

Junction between neurons or neuron and effector where signals are transmitted.

Neuroglia

Supporting glial cells that nourish, insulate, and protect neurons.

Epithelial tissue

Tightly packed cells that line body surfaces and form glands; regenerative and avascular.

Simple epithelium

One cell layer thick; functions vary (protection, absorption, secretion) by cell shape.

Stratified epithelium

Two or more cell layers; primarily protective.

Squamous cells

Flat, scale-like epithelial cells.

Cuboidal cells

Cube-shaped epithelial cells; often secretory or absorptive.

Columnar cells

Tall, column-shaped epithelial cells; often secretory or absorptive.

Exocrine glands

Glands that secrete products into ducts leading to surfaces (skin or mucosa).

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream; no ducts.

Extracellular matrix

Non-cellular component of connective tissue providing structural support; composed of fibers and ground substance.

Collagen fibers

Strength-providing fibers in connective tissue; resist tension.

Elastic fibers

Flexible fibers that allow tissues to stretch and recoil.

Reticular fibers

Thin fibers forming a supportive network in certain tissues.

Connective tissue proper

Connective tissue with relatively loose or dense fiber arrangements; includes loose and dense connective tissues.

Cartilage

Semi-rigid connective tissue with chondrocytes; provides support with limited vascularity.

Bone (osseous tissue)

Mineralized connective tissue that supports, protects, stores minerals, and houses marrow.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue with plasma and formed elements; transports gases, nutrients, wastes, and immune cells.

Lymph

Clear fluid that circulates in lymphatic vessels; drains interstitial fluid and participates in immunity.

Organ system

Group of organs that work together to perform a physiological function.

Integumentary system

Skin and its accessory structures (hair, nails, glands) that protect, regulate temperature, and sense the environment.

Skeletal system

Bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton; supports, protects, assists movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.

Axial skeleton

Bones along the central axis of the body (skull, vertebral column, rib cage).

Appendicular skeleton

Bones of the limbs and girdles (pelvic and pectoral) that facilitate movement.

Muscular system

Muscles responsible for body movement, posture, and heat production.

Nervous system

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; coordinates body activities via electrical signals.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and homeostasis.

Cardiovascular system

Heart and blood vessels that transport blood and distribute nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Lymphatic system

Network of vessels and nodes returning interstitial fluid to blood and aiding immune defense.

Respiratory system

Airways and lungs responsible for gas exchange (O2 in, CO2 out) and acid-base balance.

Digestive system

Organs of the alimentary canal plus liver, gallbladder, and pancreas; digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Urinary system

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; eliminates wastes and regulates water/electrolyte balance.

Reproductive system

Gonads and associated organs; production of offspring and hormone secretion.