Human Physiology: Integrated Systems and Mechanisms

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from comprehensive Human Physiology lecture notes, covering molecular interactions, cellular metabolism, transport mechanisms, muscle physiology, cardiovascular function, immunity, respiration, digestion, and renal systems.

Physiology

The study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts, derived from the Greek for 'relationship to nature'.

Pathology

Condition that occurs when normal function is disrupted and a disease state or condition forces the internal environment out of balance.

Anion

An ion that gains one or more electrons and acquires a negative electrical charge.

Cation

An ion that loses one or more electrons and acquires a positive electrical charge.

Ligand

Any molecule or ion that binds to another molecule.

Polar Molecules

Molecules that develop regions of partial positive and negative charge.

Nonpolar Molecules

Molecules that have electrons distributed so evenly that there are no regions of partial positive or negative charge.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture where the molecules are evenly distributed and will not separate upon standing.

Solvent

The dissolving substance in a solution.

Solute

The substance which is being dissolved in a solution.

Suspension

A heterogeneous mixture where the particles will separate out upon standing.

Colloid

A heterogeneous mixture where the particles remain suspended, but do not separate upon standing.

Acid

A substance that can donate a hydrogen ion into solution.

Base

A substance that can accept hydrogen ions from a solution.

Buffers

Substances that resist pH change and help prevent such changes.

Anabolism

Metabolic activity involved in building complex molecules, requiring an input of energy.

Catabolism

Metabolic activity involved in the breakdown of molecules, releasing energy.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy that has the ability to do work.

Activation Energy

The initial input of energy required to bring reactants into a position that allows them to react with one another to do work.

Gluconeogenesis

The production of glucose from non-glucose precursors such as proteins or the glycerol portion of lipids.

The Cori Cycle

A cycle involving the utilization of lactate, produced by glycolysis in non-hepatic tissues, as a carbon source for hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Lipolysis

The process of breaking down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids.

Isoforms

Closely related proteins with similar function, but different affinity for ligands.

Allosteric Modulator

A molecule that binds to a protein away from the binding site and changes activity by inhibition or activation.

Biotransformation

The chemical modification or modifications made by an organism on a chemical compound.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a membrane in response to a solute concentration gradient.

Tonicity

A description of a solution and how that solution affects cell volume based on solute concentration gradient.

Primary Active Transport

Transport where energy to push molecules against their concentration gradient comes directly from the high-energy phosphate bond of ATP.

Secondary Active Transport

Transport that uses the kinetic energy in one molecule moving down its concentration gradient to push other molecules against their concentration gradient.

Homeostasis

The stability of the body's internal environment and maintenance of a dynamic steady state of the body's compartments.

Acclimatization

The adaptation of physiological processes to a given set of environmental conditions which occur naturally.

Myofibrillar Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of the contractile fibers (actin and myosin myofibrils) accompanied by an increase in muscular strength.

Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy

An increase in volume of the sarcoplasm surrounding the myofibril accompanied by an increased resistance to muscular fatigue.

Hemostasis

The stoppage of bleeding.

Hematopoiesis

Blood cell formation occurring in red bone marrow or myeloid tissue.

Cardiac Output

A measure of cardiac performance defined by the equation $\text{CO} = \text{HR} \times \text{SV}$.

Humoral Immunity

Immune response carried out by the blood when B lymphocytes release antibodies to defend against foreign substances outside of cells.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

Immune response carried out by T cells at the cellular level against intracellular pathogens or cell-bound antigens.

Compliance

The ease with which the lungs and thorax are expanded during inhalation.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces the surface tension of fluid in the lungs and helps make alveoli more stable to prevent collapse.

Micturition

Urination.