aniphysio

Physiology

The science that studies the functions of living organisms and their parts.

Homeostasis

The regulation of an internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition.

Nervous System

The organ system that coordinates actions by transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses between the nervous system and effector organs.

Afferent Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information to the central nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to effectors (muscles or glands).

Interneurons

Neurons that connect afferent and efferent neurons within the central nervous system.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where nerve impulses are transmitted.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that secrete hormones affecting the function of cells and organs.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, carried by the blood to target organs.

Pituitary Gland

A major endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that regulates various bodily functions through hormone secretion.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism.

Adrenal Gland

An endocrine gland located on top of the kidneys that produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

Pancreas

An organ that functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland, regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and hormones such as testosterone.

Estrous Cycle

The regular reproductive cycle in female mammals, including phases of follicular development, estrus, and luteal phase.

Parturition

The process of giving birth.

Thermoregulation

The ability of an organism to maintain its body temperature within certain boundaries.

Homeotherms

Warm-blooded animals that maintain a consistent body temperature regardless of environmental conditions.

Poikilotherms

Cold-blooded animals whose body temperature varies with environmental conditions.

Blood Circulation

The movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels to supply tissues with oxygen and nutrients.

Neurons

The basic unit of the nervous system that transmits information throughout the body.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs.

Lymphatic System

The network of vessels and organs that help circulate lymph and is a crucial part of the immune system.

Cell Body

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical substances that transmit signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.

Glomerulus

A cluster of capillaries in the kidney where filtration of blood occurs.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt, forming new neural connections throughout life.

Feedback Mechanism

A process that uses the conditions of one component to regulate the function of another component in a system.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells that detect changes in the environment and send information to the nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Neurotransmission

The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron and bind to receptors on another neuron.

Homeostatic Regulation

The process by which the body's systems are regulated to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Immune Response

The body's defense mechanism against pathogens, involving the activation of immune cells and the production of antibodies.

Circulatory System

The system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.

Cell Membrane

The biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the external environment.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where energy production occurs through cellular respiration.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid involved in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made up of amino acids, essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in the body.

Immune System

The body's defense network against pathogens, consisting of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body.

T cells

A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens to help eliminate pathogens.

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating activity.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body, including sensory and motor neurons.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

A clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and protection.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that surrounds axons, speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane.

Receptors

Protein molecules on cell surfaces that receive and transmit signals from neurotransmitters or hormones.

Homeostatic Imbalance

Disruption of homeostasis that can lead to disease or dysfunction in an organism.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, which can lead to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.