Learning Unit 2: Structure and Functions of the Human Body

Vocabulary flashcards covering the body systems, anatomical divisions, muscle fiber types, respiratory structures, nervous system responses, and stages of human growth and development from birth to adolescence.

Anatomy

The branch of biological science that examines the structure of the human body—from cells and tissues to organs and systems—to understand how the body is built to move, support, and sustain itself.

Physiology

The scientific study of how body parts function, including mechanisms like muscle contraction, oxygen transport, neural control, and energy metabolism.

Skeletal System

The structural framework of the human body consisting of 206 bones in the adult skeleton that provides support, protection, and leverage for movement.

Axial Skeleton

The division of the skeleton forming the vertical central axis of the body, consisting of 80 bones in adults including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The division of the skeleton made up of all bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the pectoral and pelvic girdles.

Synovial Joints

Freely movable joints supported by connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage) that allow a wide range of motion, including hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot, and gliding joints.

Muscular System

The body system consisting of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle tissue that works closely with the skeletal system to produce voluntary movement, maintain posture, and support overall physical function.

Fast-Twitch Muscle Fibers

Muscle fibers suited for explosive speed and power in short high-intensity bursts, essential in sports like sprinting, rugby sevens, and netball goal shooting.

Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers

Muscle fibers suited for endurance, stamina, and sustained aerobic movement over long periods, essential in activities like ultramarathons, distance cycling, and cross-country running.

Cardiovascular System

The body system consisting of the heart, blood, and blood vessels that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Respiratory System

The body system responsible for the intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide, comprising the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Alveoli

Microscopic structures in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, passing oxygen into the bloodstream and expelling carbon dioxide during exhalation.

Nervous System

The body's control and communication network, divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), responsible for detecting stimuli, coordinating muscle activity, balance, and motor control.

Fight-or-Flight Response

A physiological reaction triggered by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system when a threat or stressor is perceived, releasing adrenaline, increasing heart rate, quickening breathing, and tensing muscles.

Cephalocaudal Pattern

The head-to-toe directional progression of voluntary motor control development in infants.

Proximodistal Pattern

The center-outward directional progression of physical and motor development in infants.

Infants and Toddlers (Birth–3 years)

The growth stage characterized by rapid physical growth, motor skill progression from rolling and crawling to walking, doubling brain volume, and forming secure attachments.

Early Childhood (Ages 3–6)

The growth stage characterized by gains in gross-motor skills (hopping, galloping, catching), flourishing pretend play, short attention spans, and rapid expansion of vocabulary.

Middle Childhood (Ages 7–12)

The growth stage characterized by steady physical growth, improved strength and agility, mastery of fundamental sport skills, understanding of game rules and fairness, and heightened peer comparison.

Adolescence (Ages 12–18)

The growth stage marked by puberty growth spurts, major increases in muscle mass and anaerobic power, prefrontal cortex maturation, formal-operational thinking, and identity exploration.