Electron Microscopy, Anatomy, and Body Organization

Flashcards covering key concepts from electron microscopy, anatomy vs physiology, and the hierarchical organization of the body (cells, tissues, organs, systems).

Electron microscopy

A microscopy technique that uses electrons to visualize specimens at higher resolution than light microscopy; used to study ultrastructure.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

An EM method in which electrons pass through a thin specimen to reveal internal ultrastructure; provides high-resolution images of inside cells.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

An EM method that scans the surface of a specimen with electrons to produce detailed 3D-like surface images.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two points as separate entities in an image.

Anatomy

The study of structure; what a body part looks like.

Physiology

The study of function; what a body part does and how it works.

Regional anatomy

Studying anatomy by region (e.g., thoracic or abdominal) focusing on a local area.

Systemic anatomy

Studying anatomy by organ systems across the body, focusing on shared functions.

Cell

The smallest living unit; carries out life processes such as oxygen use, nutrient uptake, energy production, protein synthesis, movement, and responsiveness.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a common function; four basic types: epithelium, connective tissue, muscle, and nervous tissue.

Epithelium

A tissue consisting of layers of cells that line surfaces and cavities and form glands.

Connective tissue

A tissue that supports, connects, and separates tissues and organs; includes bone, cartilage, blood, adipose, etc.

Muscle tissue

Tissue composed of cells that contract; includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle.

Nervous tissue

Tissue made of neurons and supporting cells that transmit electrical signals.

Organ

A structure made of two or more tissues organized to perform a specific function (e.g., the stomach).

Digestive system

Organ system that digests food and absorbs nutrients; includes stomach, small and large intestines, esophagus, and associated glands.

Respiratory system

Organ system for gas exchange; includes trachea, lungs, bronchi, and alveoli.

Cardiovascular system

Organ system that moves blood to transport oxygen and remove CO2; includes the heart and blood vessels.

Nervous system

Organ system for rapid communication and control; includes brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones; includes thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.

Hierarchy of organization

The progression from cells to tissues to organs to organ systems in the body.

Hepatocyte

Liver cell; an example of a cell type found in the liver.

Histology

The study of tissues at the microscopic level.