anatomy sep 15 lecture Cell Biology Review – Cells, Tissues, Organelles, and Body Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on cells, tissues, organelles, and basic physiology, including membrane structure, cell signaling, organelles, and related bodily processes.

Cell

The smallest living unit of life; the basic building block of tissues.

Exponential growth

Rapid increase in cell numbers due to successive rounds of division.

Cytosol

The fluid portion inside the cell where many metabolic processes occur.

Cytoplasm

All cellular contents inside the cell membrane except the nucleus.

Mucociliary escalator

Ciliated mucous lining in the respiratory tract that moves mucus upward toward the throat.

Mucus

Sticky secretion that traps particles and moistens surfaces.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on epithelial cells that beat to move mucus.

Fallopian tube

The uterine tube; site where egg transport and fertilization can occur.

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg from the ovary over about two days in the menstrual cycle,

Plasma membrane

The cell membrane composed of a phospholipid bilayer; controls entry and exit of substances.

Phospholipid bilayer

Two-layered membrane structure with a hydrophobic interior that is semi-permeable.

Cholesterol (membrane)

Sterol in the membrane that helps regulate fluidity and stability.

Glycoprotein

Membrane protein with carbohydrate chains used for cell identification.

Integral protein

Proteins that span the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane.

Transmembrane protein

A type of integral protein that crosses the entire membrane.

Peripheral protein

Proteins attached to the membrane surface on one side.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

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

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

ER without ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi apparatus

Stacks of flattened membranes that modify, sort, and package proteins into vesicles.

Vesicle

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport proteins and other molecules.

Ribosome

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins; can be free or attached to rough ER.

Mitochondrion

Energy-producing organelle; site of cellular respiration and ATP production; contains own DNA.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the primary energy currency of the cell.

Lysosome

Organelle containing enzymes that digest waste materials and foreign invaders.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments that give the cell its shape and structural support.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Growth factor

Signaling molecules that stimulate cell growth, division, or differentiation.

Receptor

Cell surface protein that binds signaling molecules to trigger a response.

Pituitary gland

Master endocrine gland that releases hormones affecting growth and puberty.

Immunosuppressant

Drugs used to dampen the immune response, often after organ transplantation to prevent rejection.