Human Body Systems, Biological Chemistry, and Histology Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering human body organization, chemical foundations of life, tissues, histology, and the integumentary system.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Epithelial Tissue

A tissue type that covers body surfaces, lines cavities, protects the body, and absorbs or secretes substances.

Connective Tissue

A tissue type that supports, binds, protects, or separates different types of tissues and organs.

Muscle Tissue

A tissue type responsible for movement by contracting.

Nervous Tissue

A tissue type that transmits electrical signals and coordinates body functions.

Organ

A structure made of two or more types of tissues working together to perform a specific function.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex body functions.

Integumentary System

The organ system that includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands; it protects the body and regulates temperature.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties.

Molecule

Two or more atoms chemically bonded together.

Compound

A molecule made of two or more different elements chemically combined.

Ionic Bond

A type of chemical bond formed by the transfer of electrons.

Covalent Bond

A type of chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between molecules.

Acids

Substances that release $H^+$ ions in solution and have a pH less than 7.

Bases

Substances that release $OH^-$ ions in solution and have a pH greater than 7.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for life made up of smaller units called monomers.

Enzyme

A protein catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed by lowering the activation energy.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that builds larger molecules by removing water.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down molecules by adding water.

Histology

The study of tissues under the microscope.

Squamous Cells

Epithelial cells that are flat in shape.

Cuboidal Cells

Epithelial cells that are cube-shaped.

Columnar Cells

Epithelial cells that are tall and column-like.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of multiple layers of cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears layered, but all cells touch the basement membrane.

Neurons

Functional nerve cells that transmit electrical signals.

Glial Cells

Cells in nervous tissue that support and protect neurons.

Basement Membrane

A thin, fibrous layer that anchors epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue.

Striations

Alternating light and dark bands visible in skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin, composed mainly of keratinized stratified squamous epithelial cells.

Keratin

A fibrous protein that makes skin tough and waterproof.

Melanocytes

Epidermal cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color and protection against UV rays.

Dermis

The middle layer of skin containing connective tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and glands.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair.

Hypodermis

The layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the dermis that insulates the body and cushions organs.