Organization of the Body, Genetics, and Anatomic Terminology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular structures, tissues, genetics, medical genetics, and anatomic positions based on Chapter 1 through Chapter 6.

Zygote

The single fertilized cell resulting from the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, which is the origin of every cell in the body.

Cytology

The study of cell structure and function.

Normal flora

Microorganisms, including bacterial and fungal cells, residing on the skin and mucosal membranes that participate in maintaining normal health without causing disease under normal circumstances.

Cytosol

Clear fluid contained inside all cells surrounded by a cell membrane.

Cytoplasm

A clear, gelatinous substance containing cytosol and crowded with different organelles.

Organelles

Small structures within a cell that carry out special metabolic tasks and chemical processes.

Metabolism

The sum of the physical and chemical processes in a cell.

Anabolism

Constructive metabolism involving the buildup from simple substances to complex substances needed in the cell.

Catabolism

Destructive metabolism involving the breakdown of complex substances to release energy.

Chromatin

Thin strands packed into each nucleus consisting of 46 molecules of DNA and their associated proteins.

Chromosomes

Densely coiled bodies formed when chromatin condenses with histone proteins during cell division.

Nucleolus

A small dense body inside the nucleus composed of RNA and protein that manufactures ribosomes.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle that manufactures steroids, cholesterol, other lipids, and proteins, and detoxifies alcohol and other drugs.

Lysosomes

Organelles that serve as garbage disposal units of the cell by digesting worn-out organelles, foreign particles, and bacteria.

Mitochondria

The powerhouses of the cell that extract energy by breaking down compounds such as glucose and fat.

Histology

The study of the structure and function of tissues.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that deposit bone matrix in concentric patterns around a central canal.

Osteocytes

Former osteoblasts that maintain the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that dissolve the bone matrix to release calcium and phosphate into the blood when needed.

Chondroblasts

Cells that deposit cartilage matrix.

Chondrocytes

Former chondroblasts that maintain the cartilage matrix.

Ligaments

Strips or bands of fibrous connective tissue made of closely packed parallel collagen fibers that connect bones.

Tendons

Thick, strong ligaments that attach muscles to bone.

Synovial fluid

A slippery lubricant secreted by the synovial membrane that makes joint movement almost friction-free and distributes nutrients to cartilage.

Organ

A structure composed of several tissues that work together to carry out specific functions.

Organ system

A group of organs with a specific collective function such as digestion, circulation, or respiration.

Homeostasis

The process by which all organ systems work together to ensure that the body's internal environment remains relatively constant.

Nucleotide

A structure formed by a base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate molecule arranged in DNA strands.

Gene

The unit of nuclear DNA in chromosomes that serves as hereditary material and acts as instructions to make protein molecules.

Genome

The complete set of genes in an organism, estimated between 20,000 and 25,000 genes in humans.

Mitosis

Cell division in which a cell duplicates all of its contents, including its chromosomes, to form two identical daughter cells.

Mutation

A permanent alteration of the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism.

Epigenetic changes

Modifications caused when chemical compounds are added to single genes to regulate their activity without altering the nucleotide sequence.

Medical genetics

The application of genetics to medical care, incorporating areas such as gene therapy, personalized medicine, and predictive medicine.

Cytogenetics

The study of chromosome abnormalities to determine causes for developmental delay, mental retardation, birth defects, and dysmorphic features.

Gene therapy

An experimental technique to replace a mutated gene, inactivate an improperly functioning gene, or introduce a new gene to prevent or cure disease.

Predictive medicine

A branch of medicine that looks at the probability of a disease and allows preventive measures to be taken.

Anatomic position

Standard body position standing erect with feet flat on the floor, face facing forward, and arms at the sides with palms facing forward.

Supine

Position where the forearm palms face forward or lying flat on the back.

Prone

Position where the forearm palms face backward or lying flat on the abdomen.

Transverse plane

An anatomic plane passing across the body parallel to the floor, dividing it into upper superior and lower inferior portions.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Frontal plane

A vertical plane, also known as the coronal plane, that divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions.