Ch. 3 Structure and function

abdominal cavity

Body space between the abdominal walls, above the pelvis, and below the diaphragm

blood system

Body system that includes blood and all its component parts

cardiovascular system

Body system that includes the heart and blood vessels; circulatory system

cell

Smallest unit of a living structure

connective tissue

Fibrous substance that forms the body’s support framework

cranial cavity

Space in the head that contains the brain

diaphragm

Muscle that divides the abdominal and thoracic cavities

digestive system

Body system that includes all organs of digestion and waste excretion, from the mouth to the anus

dorsal cavity

Main cavity on the back side of the body containing the cranial and spinal cavities

endocrine system

Body system that includes glands which secrete hormones to regulate certain body functions

epithelial tissue

Tissue that covers or lines the body or its parts

integumentary system

Body system that includes skin, hair, and nails

lymphatic and immune system

Body system that includes the lymph, glands of the lymphatic system, lymphatic vessels, and the specific and nonspecific defenses of the immune system

muscle tissue

Tissue that is able to contract and relax

musculoskeletal system

Body system that includes muscles, bones, and cartilage

nervous system

Body system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and controls most body functions by sending and receiving messages

nervous tissue

Specialized tissue that forms nerve cells and is capable of transmitting messages

organ

Group of specialized tissue that performs a specific function

pelvic cavity

Body space below the abdominal cavity that includes the reproductive organs

reproductive system

Either the male or female body system that controls reproduction

respiratory system

Body system that includes the lungs and airways and performs breathing

sensory system

Body system that includes the eyes and ears and those parts of other systems involved in the reactions of the five senses

spinal cavity

Body space that contains the spinal cord

system

Any group of organs and ancillary parts that work together to perform a major body function

thoracic cavity

Body space above the abdominal cavity that contains the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels

tissue

Any group of cells that work together to perform a single function

urinary system

Body system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra and helps maintain homeostasis by removing fluid and dissolved waste

ventral cavity

Major cavity in the front of the body composed of the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities