Lecture Notes: Anatomy, Life Processes, and Levels of Organization

A vocabulary set covering key terms from the notes: anatomy, physiology, life processes, homeostasis, levels of organization, tissues, organs, and examples like kidney and shivering.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and its parts.

Physiology

The study of how the body and its parts function.

Absorption

Uptake of digested nutrients through membranes into body fluids or cells.

Circulation

Movement of substances through body fluids (e.g., blood) to tissues.

Assimilation

Incorporation of absorbed nutrients into the body's chemical substances.

Excretion

Removal of waste products from the body.

Digestion

Breakdown of food into smaller molecules suitable for absorption.

Metabolism

All physical and chemical processes occurring in the body.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Movement

The ability of an organism or its parts to move or be moved.

Growth

Increase in size or number of cells in an organism.

Reproduction

Process by which organisms produce offspring.

Oxygen

Gas required for cellular respiration and energy production.

Heat

Body heat; essential for maintaining body temperature.

Water

Essential solvent and medium for bodily processes.

Food

Nutrients used for energy, growth, and maintenance.

Membranes

Thin barriers that separate compartments and regulate substance passage.

Atom

The basic unit of matter.

Cell

The basic unit of life; smallest unit capable of independent function.

Tissue

A group of similar cells performing a common function.

Epithelium

Tissue that lines surfaces and cavities, forming protective barriers.

Muscle tissue

Tissue that contracts to produce movement.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that conducts electrical signals to coordinate body activities.

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports, binds, and connects other tissues and organs.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

Kidney

An organ that filters blood and forms urine, helping regulate body fluids.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform major bodily functions.

Organism

An individual living being; e.g., a human.

Levels of organization

Hierarchy from atoms to molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Shivering

An example of a homeostatic response to cold to maintain core temperature.