PET 3322 Functional Anatomy & Physiology I Comprehensive Study Guide

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the introductory concepts of anatomy, chemistry of life, cellular biology, and histology (epithelial and connective tissues) as presented in Lectures 1-5.

Anatomy

The study of structure.

Physiology

The study of function.

Levels of Organization

Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organismal.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Homeostatic Control Components

Receptor, control center, and effector.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a change, such as body temperature or blood glucose regulation.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that amplifies a change, such as blood clotting or labor contractions.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space, existing in solid, liquid, or gas states.

Kinetic Energy

Energy in action.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Major Body Elements

The four main elements composing the body: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Catalysts

Substances that increase reaction rates; in biological systems, these are called enzymes.

Organic Compounds

Compounds including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Inorganic Compounds

Compounds including water, salts, acids, and bases.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical process used to build polymers from monomers.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process used to break down polymers into monomers.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The molecule that provides immediate usable cellular energy.

Plasma Membrane

A cell structure that acts as a barrier with selective permeability, communication, and signaling functions.

Cell Junctions

Structures including tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions that connect cells.

Passive Transport

Movement across the membrane that does not require energy, including simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and filtration.

Active Transport

Movement across the membrane that requires energy in the form of ATP.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP through aerobic respiration.

Ribosomes

The organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Rough ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum)

The organelle that synthesizes secreted and membrane proteins.

Smooth ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum)

The organelle that synthesizes lipids, detoxifies chemicals, and stores calcium.

Golgi Apparatus

The organelle that modifies, packages, and sorts proteins and lipids.

Lysosomes

Organelles that digest materials and worn-out organelles.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that detoxify harmful substances and neutralize free radicals.

Transcription

The phase of protein synthesis where DNA is converted into mRNA.

Translation

The phase of protein synthesis where mRNA is converted into a protein.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

Basement Membrane

A structure composed of the basal lamina and the reticular lamina.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Type of epithelium responsible for mucus secretion and movement in the respiratory tract.

Merocrine Secretion

A mode of glandular secretion that utilizes exocytosis.

Holocrine Secretion

A mode of glandular secretion where the entire cell is released.

Connective Tissue

Tissue of mesenchymal origin characterized by abundant extracellular matrix that binds, supports, and protects.

Blast Cells

Cells that build the extracellular matrix in connective tissue.

Cyte Cells

Cells that maintain the extracellular matrix in connective tissue.

Hyaline Cartilage

Avascular and flexible cartilage found in the nose, trachea, ribs, and joint surfaces.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for bone deposition.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells responsible for bone resorption.

Wolff’s Law

The principle stating that bone remodels according to the stress placed upon it.