Chapter 5 and 6

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in organisms.

Tissue

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

Organ

A structure composed of multiple tissue types working together to perform specialized functions.

System

A collection of organs coordinating to carry out major biological functions.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement, which can be striated (skeletal), smooth, or cardiac.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits signals throughout the body, composed of neurons and glial cells.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that forms protective surfaces and interfaces in the body.

Connective Tissue

Tissue characterized by a matrix that supports and binds other tissues.

Xylem

Vascular tissue in plants that transports water and minerals from roots to leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars from leaves to roots.

Transpiration Stream

The movement of water from roots to leaves driven by evaporation and water cohesion.

Stoma

Tiny pores in the leaf's epidermis that allow gas exchange.

Guard Cells

Cells that surround each stoma and control its opening and closing.

Sieve Tube Cells

Living cells in phloem that transport sugars.

Companion Cells

Support cells associated with sieve tube cells that help with transport processes.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller, absorbable components.

Absorption

The uptake of nutrients following digestion, requiring a large surface area.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces without altering its chemical structure.

Chemical Digestion

The enzymatic breakdown of biomacromolecules into their subunits.

Chyme

Partially digested food that leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that performs filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

Filtration

The process of separating waste from blood in the kidneys.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism.

Negative Feedback

A regulatory mechanism in which a stimulus initiates a response that counteracts the original change.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of glycogen to glucose.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of glucose to glycogen.

Osmosis

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

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow and reduce body temperature.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to decrease blood flow and retain body heat.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance.