Anatomy, Physiology, and Body Systems Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms across anatomy, physiology, cellular biology, tissues, muscle and nervous system function, brain structures, and special senses based on the lecture material.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The study of body function.

Homeostasis

A state of internal balance.

Distal

Describes a location farther from an origin.

Ionic Bonds

Chemical bonds formed by the exchange of electrons between atoms.

Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds formed by the sharing of outer energy level electrons between atoms.

Buffer

A substance that maintains a steady $\text{pH}$ of a solution.

Catabolism

The type of metabolic activity in which complex substances are broken down into simpler components.

Anabolism

The type of metabolic activity in which simple substances are used to manufacture materials needed for growth, function, and tissue repair.

Cytosol

The liquid part of the cytoplasm.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has the same concentration as the cytoplasm.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that is less concentrated than the cytoplasm.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that is more concentrated than the cytoplasm.

Matrix

The intercellular material in connective tissue.

Chondrocytes

The cells that characterize cartilage tissue.

Parietal Serous Membrane

A serous membrane attached to the wall of a cavity or sac.

Visceral Serous Membrane

A serous membrane attached to the surface of an organ.

Fascia

A fibrous band or sheet that supports and holds organs.

Myoglobin

A compound that stores reserves of oxygen in muscle cells.

Prime Mover

The muscle that produces a specific movement.

Antagonist

The muscle that produces the opposite movement of a prime mover.

Endomysium

The innermost layer of connective tissue in a skeletal muscle.

Perimysium

The layer of connective tissue that surrounds a fascicle of muscle fibers.

Axon

A neuron fiber that carries impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrite

A neuron fiber that carries impulses toward the cell body.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons.

Ascending Tracts

Tracts in the white matter of the spinal cord that conduct sensory impulses toward the brain.

Descending Tracts

Tracts in the white matter of the spinal cord that conduct motor impulses away from the brain.

Dorsal Root

The root of a spinal nerve that contains sensory fibers.

Ventral Root

The root of a spinal nerve that contains motor fibers.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of gray matter of the cerebral hemispheres where higher functions occur.

Thalamus

The main portion of the diencephalon that directs sensory input to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

The main portion of the diencephalon that helps to maintain homeostasis.

Reticular Activating System

A brain system that keeps one awake and attentive and screens out unnecessary sensory input.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to chemicals in solution.

Convergence

The process by which extrinsic eye muscles pull on the eyeball so that both eyes center on one visual field.

Spiral Organ (Organ of Corti)

The hearing organ located in the cochlear duct within the cochlea.

Endolymph

Fluid found in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear.

Perilymph

Fluid found around the membranous labyrinth in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear.

Vertigo

An abnormal sensation of spinning.