BIOL 145 FA25 Final Exam Study Guide 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the BIOL 145 FA25 Final Exam Study Guide.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that are secreted into the bloodstream and regulate various functions in the body.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that acts as a control center for hormone release by regulating the pituitary gland.

Osteoblasts

Cells responsible for bone formation by synthesizing the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue, important for bone remodeling and repair.

Sarcomere

The basic structural unit of muscle tissue, containing contractile proteins.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse or junction between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle cell.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane that occurs during signaling.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances released from neurons that transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, consisting of sensory input, motor output, and interneurons.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a primary energy source for the body.

Denaturation

The process in which proteins lose their structure and function due to external stressors, such as extreme temperature or pH.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Plasma Membrane

The biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the outside environment.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.