Chapter 2: Organization of the Body Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the levels of body organization, cellular structures, tissues, and organ systems based on the lecture notes.

Five levels of body organization

Cell, tissue, organ, system, and body as a whole (organism)

Cell

Smallest unit of all living things

Cell membrane

Structure that surrounds the cell

Cytoplasm

Gel-like fluid within the cell

Nucleus

Largest structure within the cell that directs and controls activities, contains chromosomes for cellular reproduction, and controls all functions of the cell

Chromosomes

Structures located in the nucleus of the cell that contain genes and DNA and determine the hereditary characteristics of the offspring

Genes

Regions within the chromosome that determine hereditary characteristics

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; genetic material that regulates the activities of the cell

Tissue

Group of similar cells that perform a specific function

Muscle tissue

Type of tissue composed of cells that have a special ability to contract and produce movement

Nervous tissue

Type of tissue composed of cells that have a special facility to transmit electrical impulses throughout the body

Epithelial tissue

Specialized cells united in the performance of a specialized function that cover the body, line cavities, and form glands

Connective tissue

Tissue that connects, supports, coordinates, and protects basic body structures, including adipose, cartilage, bone, blood/vascular, and tendons

Organ

Two or more types of tissues that perform specialized functions

Viscera

Large, internal organs contained in the body cavities

System

Group of organs that work together to perform complex body functions

Digestive system

System that takes in food, breaks it down, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste

Respiratory system

System responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide

Urinary system

System that filters waste products from the blood and eliminates them from the body