Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology test 3 basic flash cards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts in human anatomy and physiology from chapters 9 through 12.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that control various processes in the body.

Direct gene activation

A hormone mechanism where a steroid hormone directly activates gene expression.

Second-messenger system

A hormone mechanism where a hormone binds to a receptor and activates a second messenger.

Target cells

Specific cells that have receptors for a hormone and are affected by it.

Endocrine organs

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Growth hormone

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production in mammals.

Tropic hormones

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release their hormones.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Antidiuretic hormone

Hormone that helps regulate water balance in the body by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Thyroid hormones

Hormones that regulate metabolism, energy generation, and growth.

Calcitonin

Hormone that helps to lower blood calcium levels.

Parathormone

Hormone that raises blood calcium levels.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones that regulate sodium and potassium balance in the blood.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones that regulate glucose metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Epinephrine

Hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate and blood flow during stress.

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from liver stores.

Melatonin

Hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Thymosin

Hormone that plays a role in the development of T-cells in the immune system.

Estrogens

Group of hormones important for the regulation of the female reproductive system.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Testosterone

Hormone that regulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Homeostatic imbalance

A condition where the body’s internal environment is not stable due to hormone imbalances.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation that occurs in the bone marrow.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help in blood clotting.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, involving vascular constriction, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Polycythemia

An increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Leukocytosis

An increase in the number of white blood cells.

Leucopenia

A decrease in the number of white blood cells.

Leukemia

A cancer of blood-forming tissues, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder where blood does not clot normally.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate.

Systole

The phase of the heart cycle when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heart cycle when the heart muscle relaxes after contraction.

Serous fluid

Fluid found between the layers of the pericardium that reduces friction during heartbeats.

Lymph

The fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

Innate defense system

The body's first and second lines of defense against pathogens, including physical barriers and immune responses.

Adaptive defense system

The body's third line of defense, providing a specific immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Antigens

Substances that trigger an immune response.

Macrophages

Large white blood cells that ingest and digest foreign substances.

Immunology

The branch of medicine that deals with the immune system.