Building Blocks of the Human Body: Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Body Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the structural hierarchy of human biology from cells and cellular division to tissues, primary organs, and body systems based on Pivot Point 105E.1.

Anatomy

The study of the organs and systems of the body.

Physiology

The study of normal organ function and body systems.

Gross Anatomy

The study of body structures that can be seen with the naked eye.

Histology (Microscopic Anatomy)

The study of how tissues are structured and how they work; a look at structures too small to be seen except through a microscope.

Pathology

The science of the causes and effects of diseases.

Cells

The basic units of living matter (life).

Protoplasm

A colorless gel-like substance containing water, salt, and nutrients obtained from food that composes cells.

Nucleus

The control center of cell activities; connected to cell reproduction and metabolism, and contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

Genetic material made up of 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) that determines the human body's genetic coding and passes unique instructions from parents to offspring.

Cytoplasm

The production department of the cell where most cell activities take place; a clear, gel-like fluid holding cell components (except the nucleus).

Organelles

Small structures in the cytoplasm that perform most of the cell's activities, store food for growth, and repair and restore the cell.

Cell Membrane

A double-layer, semi-permeable membrane on the outer surface of the cell that encloses protoplasm, protects cell contents, regulates substance entry/exit, and maintains cell shape.

Mitochondria

Organelles in the cytoplasm that take in nutrients, break them down, reduce oxygen into water, and create energy molecules (ATP) for the cell.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Energy molecules created by mitochondria whose role is to power all cellular activities.

Ribosomes

The protein builders of the cell found in the cytoplasm; made of ribosomal RNA molecules and proteins, they connect amino acids one at a time to build long chains.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures inside the nucleus made of protein and a single molecule of DNA.

Centrioles

Cell structures found in pairs near the nucleus that move toward opposite ends of the cell during mitosis to help the cell split.

Mitosis

A cell division activity occurring wherever more cells are needed, in which a cell absorbs food, grows in size, and divides into two identical new cells.

Cell Cycle

The continuous process of cell growth and division that occurs throughout the body.

Meiosis

A type of cell division in which one cell divides twice to create four daughter cells with half the genetic information of the parent cell, producing sperm and ovum gametes.

Prophase

The 1st stage of the cell cycle; lasts 0–4 hours, during which the cell grows and develops.

Metaphase

The 2nd stage of the cell cycle; lasts 6–8 hours, during which DNA is replicated.

Anaphase

The 3rd stage of the cell cycle; lasts 2–5 hours, during which the cell grows and produces proteins.

Telophase

The 4th stage of the cell cycle; lasts 1 hour, during which DNA is divided and separates, the cell divides, and mitosis occurs.

Metabolism

The chemical process in which cells receive nutrients for cell growth and reproduction; derived from the Greek word metabole, meaning 'change.'

Anabolism

The metabolic phase of building up larger molecules from smaller ones, during which the body stores water, food, and oxygen for cell growth and repair.

Catabolism

The metabolic phase of breaking down larger molecules or substances into smaller ones, releasing energy within the cell for body functions like muscular movement and digestion.

Carbohydrates

The body's main energy source; converted into glucose for energy in the body, with excess stored as body fat.

Tissues

Groups of cells of the same kind that perform similar functions.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers and protects body surfaces and internal organs; examples include skin, glands, heart lining, mucous membrane, respiratory and digestive organs.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, protects, holds the body together, gives contour, and allows flexibility; contains collagen, elastin fibers, blood, lymph, and interstitial fluid.

Nerve Tissue

Tissue composed of neurons that coordinates body functions and carries messages to and from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

Muscular Tissue

Tissue that contracts when stimulated to produce motion; categorized into skeletal, smooth, or cardiac muscle.

Organs

Separate body structures made up of tissues that perform specific functions as part of a body system.

Skin (Organ)

The body's largest organ; forms the external protective layer of the body as part of the integumentary system.

Bones (Organ)

Rigid organs containing marrow that produce red blood cells as part of the skeletal system.

Cardiac Muscle (Organ)

The muscular organ component that allows the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

Veins and Arteries

Primary organs that carry blood throughout the body as part of the circulatory system.

Spleen

An organ of the lymphatic system that filters old and non-functional red blood cells from the body.

Brain

The primary nervous system organ that controls body functions and synthesizes information.

Stomach and Intestines

Primary digestive system organs that digest food and remove waste.

Large Intestine

An organ of the excretory system that forms waste and toxins into stool.

Lungs

Primary organs of the respiratory system that exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen to feed cells.

Pancreas

An endocrine system organ that helps regulate blood sugar.

Ovaries

Reproductive organs that produce ova (eggs).

Body System

A group of structures and/or organs that, together, perform one or more vital functions for the body.

Integumentary System

Body system that provides protection, regulates temperature, and controls sebaceous (oil) and sudoriferous (sweat) glands.

Skeletal System

Body system that provides the framework and shape of the body.

Muscular System

Body system that allows for voluntary and involuntary movement of the body.

Circulatory System

Body system that circulates blood, oxygen, hormones, and toxins, and transports lymph throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

Body system that collects waste products, including toxins, and transports lymph for excretion.

Nervous System

Body system that sends and receives body messages.

Digestive System

Body system that converts nutrients to energy for the body.

Excretory System

Body system that eliminates waste and toxins from the body.

Respiratory System

Body system that provides exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to feed cells and tissues.

Endocrine System

Body system that controls the release of hormones that directly affect hair growth, skin conditions, and energy levels.

Reproductive System

Body system that determines sex-specific characteristics and allows for procreation.