Unit 1: Foundations, Cells, and Tissues

Prone

Face-down

Supine

Face-up

Superior

Above

Inferior

Below

Anterior/Ventral

Front

Posterior/Dorsal

Back

Medial

Center

Lateral

Side

Proximal

Closer to trunk

Distal

Farther from trunk

Superficial

Surface

Deep

Internal

Anatomy

The scientific study of the physical structure and organization of living organisms

Physiology

The scientific study of normal functions, processes, and mechanisms of living organisms

Sagittal

Dividing body into left and right parts

Transverse/Horizontal

Dividing body into superior and inferior parts

Frontal/Coronal

Dividing body into anterior and posterior parts

Oblique Section

Cuts made diagnonally

Homeostasis

The body’s process to keep a stable and balanced internal environment despite any outside environment changes

Cell

The smallest, basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific job or function

Organ

A group of different tissues working together to perform a specific function for a living organism

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform a major body function

Organism

Any living thing that can grow, reproduce, respond to its environment, and maintain its internal balance

Prokaryotic Cell

A simple, single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound internal compartments

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex type of cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and other specialized internal compartments called organelles

Plant Cell Structure

Contains a cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, chloroplast, central vacuole, mitochondria, and cytoplasm

Animal Cell Structure

Contains a cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and lysosomes

Neuron

The basic working unit of the nervous system that receives, processes, and sends electrical and chemical signals throughout the body

Total Magnification of Microscope Formula

The eyepiece magnification multiplied by the objective lens magnification

Cell Cycle

An ordered series of events that a eukaryotic cell goes through to grow, replicate its genetic material, and divide into two genetically identical daughter cells

Interphase

The longest portion of the cell cycle where a cell grows, performs its normal metabolic functions, duplicates its cellular contents, and copies its DNA in preparation for division

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and prepare to be seperated

Metaphase

Chromosomes align along the center of the cell

Anaphase

Chromosomes seperate and are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell

Telophase

Chromosomes uncoil into chromatins and form two new nuclei; the mitotic spindle fibers break down and disappear

Cytokinesis

A type of cell division that splits the cytoplasm of a parent cell into two separate daughter cells

Mitosis

A type of cell division that splits a parent cell into two identical daughter cells that carry the same genetic information

Epithelial Tissue

A type of body tissue that forms the outer covering of the skin, lines body cavities and hollow organs, and makes up glands

Connective Tissue

A basic body tissue that supports, protects, binds, and gives structure to other tissues and organs

Muscle Tissue

A specialized group of cells in the body that can contract and relax to create movement

Nervous Tissue

A specialized group of cells that forms the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, acting as the body's electrical wiring system

Apical/Free Surface

The top or outer side of an epithelial cell that is exposed to an open space

Basal Surface

The base of an epithelial cell or tissue that faces inward, resting against the underlying basement membrane and connective tissue

Basement Membrane

A thin, specialized layer of protein fibers that acts as a foundation and a dividing wall between tissue layers

Gland

An organ or cell group in your body that makes and releases specific substances, such as hormones, sweat, tears, saliva, or digestive juices

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into your bloodstream, like adrenal or thyroid glands

Exocrine Glands

Glands that release their substances through tubes or ducts onto skin surfaces or into body openings, like sweat or tear glands

Extracellular Matrix

A supportive network of proteins, sugars, and other molecules that surrounds, holds together, and cushions cells in tissues and organs

Cartilage

A firm, flexible type of connective tissue that cushions joints, reduces friction between bones, and gives shape to soft body parts like the nose and ears

Hyaline Cartilage

A smooth, glossy, blue-white connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints and supports the respiratory passages

Fibrocartilage

A tough, flexible type of tissue that acts as a natural shock absorber in the body

Elastic Cartilage

A flexible type of connective tissue packed with elastic fibers that allows body parts to bend, stretch, and spring back to their original shape

Neuroglia

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons