Cell Biology and Human Anatomy

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts from cell biology and human anatomy.

Lysosomes

Small spheres formed by the Golgi apparatus that contain digestive enzymes for breaking down materials within the cell.

Mitochondria

Double membrane structure known as the powerhouse of the cell where cellular respiration occurs.

Cilia

Tiny, numerous hair-like structures that increase surface area and help in movement.

Flagella

Longer strand-like structures that are fewer in number (e.g., one or two) and are involved in movement.

Inclusions

Chemical substances that are not part of the cell's organelles, such as hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)

Structure that separates intracellular fluids from interstitial fluid and facilitates the movement of materials in and out of the cell.

Vesicular Transport

Movement of materials across the cell membrane through processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Passive Transport

Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration without the use of energy.

Active Transport

Movement of particles against their concentration gradient, requiring energy from ATP.

Metabolism

The total of all chemical processes in the body that convert food into energy and other materials needed for life.

Anabolism

Constructive metabolic processes that build complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy.

Catabolism

Destructive metabolic processes that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that play a key role in the immune system and defending the body against foreign invaders.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting and the prevention of blood loss.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue that makes up the heart.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that provides support and structure, not tightly packed, and includes types such as bone, cartilage, and blood.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the body.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, surrounded by capillaries.

Pleura

Two-layer membrane covering the lungs that assists in breathing by providing lubrication.

Glycolysis

Anaerobic process that breaks down glucose to produce pyruvic acid and yields ATP in the cytoplasm.

Krebs Cycle

Aerobic process that occurs in mitochondria, where pyruvate is completely broken down to produce CO2 and additional ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Energy-rich compound produced during cellular respiration that serves as a primary energy currency of the cell.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate various physiological processes in the body.

Vitamins

Organic substances required in small amounts for normal health, acting primarily as coenzymes.

Minerals

Inorganic elements that play critical roles in various bodily functions, such as bone formation and enzyme activity.

Homeostasis

The process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.