Introduction to Human Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts in human biology, including definitions of terms and fundamental principles discussed in the lecture notes.

Biology

The science that studies life.

Human Biology

The science of studying humans, an example of a living organism.

Anatomy

The scientific study of the body’s structures.

Physiology

The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the body's structures and how they function.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Tissue

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

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Metabolism

The sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions within the body.

Anabolism

The process of combining smaller, simpler molecules into larger, more complex substances.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down larger, more complex substances into smaller, simpler molecules.

Epithelial Tissue

One of the four fundamental types of tissue; covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs.

Neural Tissue

Tissue responsible for the conduction of electrical impulses in the body.

Positive Feedback

A process that intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition.

Negative Feedback

A process that reverses a change to maintain homeostasis.

Evolution

Changes that occur in organisms over long periods of time.

Scientific Method

A logical problem-solving method used by researchers to investigate questions.

Hypothesis

A suggested answer to a testable question.

Variable

Any part of an experiment that can vary or change.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Peer Review

The process by which scientific work is evaluated by other experts in the field.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying living organisms.