Animal Organ Systems: Anatomy and Physiology

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamentals of animal anatomy, physiology, and the ten major organ systems based on lecture notes.

Cells

The most basic structure of life; all living things are made of them and they require oxygen, food/energy, and water to survive.

Tissues

Groups of alike cells that work together to perform specific tasks.

Organs

Groups of alike tissues that work together to complete specific jobs.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs working together to carry out biological processes.

Anatomy

The study of the form, shape, and appearance of an animal, including both internal and external structures.

Gross Anatomy

The study of internal and external structures that are visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that can only be seen under magnification, such as those viewed with a microscope.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the cells, tissues, and organs of the animal.

Biochemistry

The study of how cells, tissues, and organs work together through chemical reactions to complete tasks like digestion.

Production

In livestock, this refers to muscle gain, milk or egg production, and hair or wool production.

Animal Wellbeing

Caring for animals so that their basic needs are met and they do not suffer.

Mammal

A vertebrate that has hair, gives birth to live young, produces milk, and maintains a constant body temperature.

Skeletal System Composition

Bones consist of $50\%$ water, $26\%$ minerals ($Ca$ & $P$), $20\%$ protein, and $4\%$ fat.

Marrow

The soft and spongy core of the bone that produces new red blood cells for the body.

Cartilage

Soft, tough tissue located between bones that functions to cushion joints.

Ligaments

Long, stretchy tissues that hold joints together.

Voluntary Muscles

Muscles under the organism's conscious control, such as the triceps.

Involuntary Muscles

Muscles that automatically move to regulate body functions, such as the heart and diaphragm.

Tendons

Long, thin, stretchy tissues that attach muscles to bones.

Brain

Soft tissues that coordinate all aspects of animal function.

Spinal Cord

The main highway for nerve impulses to travel from the brain to the rest of the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and heart to the body's tissues.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood back from the tissues to the lungs and heart.

Plasma

The liquid part of the blood.

Red Blood Cells

Components of blood that carry $O_2$ and carbohydrates (glucose).

White Blood Cells

Components of blood that fight pathogens.

Platelets

Components of blood that allow for clotting.

Lymph Glands

Glands that secrete disease-fighting materials and help move materials throughout the body.

Pharynx

The structure that connects the esophagus and the trachea.

Larynx

The structure known as the "voice box."

Trachea

The wind pipe that connects nasal passages with the lungs.

Alveoli

The structures inside the lungs where the exchange of gases happens.

Diaphragm

The muscle whose movement causes the lungs to expand and contract.

Kidneys

Organs that remove waste materials from the blood.

Ureters

Structures that connect the bladder to the urethra.

Urethra

The structure that empties urine to the exterior of the animal.

Endocrine System

A system of ductless glands (including the hypothalamus, pituitary, and pancreas) that secrete hormones to chemically regulate body functions.

Integumentary System

The system comprising skin, hair, hooves, and horns that regulates body temperature and protects internal organs.

Hide

The common term for animal skin, which is often made into leather.