BIO 180 - Unit I: Introduction to Anatomy, Cytology, Histology, and Integumentary System

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on Unit I lecture objectives covering foundational terminology in anatomy, cellular transport, cell junctions, histology, and skin structure.

Anatomy

The study of bodily structures and their physical relationships.

Physiology

The study of the functions and mechanisms of the body and its parts.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position used in anatomy and physiology to describe body regions and relative directions.

Serous Membranes

Double-layered protective membranes, including the pericardium, pleura, peritoneum, and mesenteries, that line body cavities and cover internal organs.

Homeostasis

The dynamic process of maintaining a stable internal environment within a normal range around a set point.

Feedback System

A physiological control loop consisting of a variable/stimulus, sensor, receptor, comparator, set point, and normal range to regulate internal conditions.

Negative Feedback System

A regulatory mechanism in which the body's response reverses or reduces the original stimulus to restore homeostasis.

Positive Feedback System

A regulatory mechanism in which the response intensifies or reinforces the original stimulus.

Plasma Membrane

A selectively (semi) permeable barrier enclosing the cell components and controlling transport into and out of the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A membranous organelle categorized as rough (studded with ribosomes) or smooth, involved in protein synthesis, lipid synthesis, and transport.

Golgi Apparatus

A cellular organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or cell use.

Cytoskeleton

The cellular framework composed of actin filaments, micro-tubules, and intermediate filaments that provides structure and enables movement.

Molecular Motors

Proteins including myosin, kinesin, and dynein that utilize energy to transport cellular cargo along cytoskeletal tracks.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a cellular membrane without energy input, including diffusion, facilitated diffusion, filtration, and osmosis.

Active Transport

Energy-requiring transport mechanisms that move substances across membranes, including pumps, endocytosis (phagocytosis and pinocytosis), and exocytosis.

Isotonic

A solution state where the solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Hypotonic

A solution state with a lower concentration of solutes relative to the cytoplasm, causing water to enter the cell.

Hypertonic

A solution state with a higher concentration of solutes relative to the cytoplasm, causing water to move out of the cell.

Desmosomes

Anchoring cell junctions that mechanically link adjacent tissue cells together to resist stretching.

Hemidesmosomes

Specialized cell junctions that attach epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane.

Tight Junctions

Impermeable cell junctions that join adjacent cells together to prevent fluids from leaking between them.

Gap Junctions

Communicating cell junctions that provide open channels allowing ions and small molecules to pass directly between adjacent cells.

Fibroblast

A principal connective tissue cell type responsible for producing ground substance and extracellular matrix fibers.

Epidermis

The superficial epithelial layer of the skin composed of stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale (germinativum).

Dermis

The connective tissue layer of the skin beneath the epidermis, comprising a papillary region (with dermal papilla and subpapillary plexus) and a reticular region.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer underlying the dermis primarily composed of adipose connective tissue.

Pacinian Corpuscle

A sensory touch receptor located in the skin sensitive to deep pressure and vibration.

Meissner's Corpuscles

Sensory touch receptors in the skin sensitive to light touch and low-frequency vibration.

Sebaceous Glands

Integumentary accessory exocrine glands that synthesize and secrete sebum into hair follicles or onto the skin surface.

Sebum

An oily skin secretion produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair.

Melanin

A skin pigment produced by melanocytes that absorbs ultraviolet light and contributes to skin color.

Keratin

A durable fibrous protein located in the epidermal layers, nails, and hair providing structural protection.