BISC 132 KeyTerms Exam4

Ectotherm

Animal incapable of maintaining a relatively constant internal body temperature.

Endotherm

Animal capable of maintaining a relatively constant internal body temperature.

Temporal fenestra

Non-orbital opening in the skull that may allow muscles to expand and lengthen.

Channel protein

Membrane protein that allows a substance to pass through its hollow core across the plasma membrane.

Depolarization

Change in the membrane potential to a less negative value.

Hyperpolarization

Change in the membrane potential to a more negative value.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical ligand that carries a signal from one nerve cell to the next.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that are stimulated by chemicals or chemical changes.

Mechanoreceptor

Sensory receptor modified to respond to mechanical disturbance such as being bent, touch, pressure, motion, and sound.

Photoreceptors

Receptors that are stimulated by electromagnetic radiation (such as light).

Sensory receptor

Specialized neuron or other cells associated with a neuron that is modified to receive specific sensory input.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors that are stimulated by changes in temperature.

Endoskeleton

Skeleton of living cells that produces a hard, mineralized tissue located within the soft tissue of organisms.

Exoskeleton

A secreted cellular product external skeleton that consists of a hard encasement on the surface of an organism.

Hydrostatic skeleton

Skeleton that consists of aqueous fluid held under pressure in a closed body compartment.

Diaphragm

Domed-shaped skeletal muscle located under lungs that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.