Essentials of Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology for IMAT

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts from the Essentials of Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology for IMAT.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and relationship between body parts.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body parts and the body as a whole.

Cells

The simplest units of living matter that can maintain life and reproduce themselves.

Tissues

An organization of many similar cells with intercellular substances, performing a specific function.

Organs

An organization of several different kinds of tissues that work together to perform a special function.

Systems

An organization of varying numbers and kinds of organs so arranged that together they can perform complex functions.

Metabolism

The set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Zygote

The initial cell formed when a new organism is produced by fertilization.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces, lines cavities and organs, and is involved in secretion.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that is specialized for contraction to produce movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits impulses and processes information.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that synthesize and secrete the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete (egg) formation.

Spermatogenesis

The process of male gamete (sperm) formation.

Lymphatic System

The system involved in returning interstitial fluid to the blood and defending against pathogens.

Digestive System

The system that processes food into molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and cells.

Urinary System

The system that maintains fluid balance and removes waste products from the blood.

Endocrine System

The system that secretes hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Cardiovascular System

The system comprising the heart and blood vessels that transport blood throughout the body.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate physiological processes.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

Nebulization

The process of converting liquid medication into mist for inhalation.

Acrosome

The cap-like structure on the head of a sperm that contains enzymes for penetrating the egg.

Gastrin

A hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that acts on the kidneys to promote water retention.

Proliferation

The rapid reproduction of a cell, part, or organism.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in women and sperm production in men.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues.

Estrogens

The primary female sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and promote development of female characteristics.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Respiration

The process of exchanging gases between the atmosphere and body cells.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Renin

An enzyme secreted by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure.