Human Machine: Science Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the Human Machine unit, including muscles and skeleton, light and vision, nocturnal animal senses, and the nervous system.

Bones

The hard parts inside many animals that help give their bodies shape.

Skeleton

All of the bones of an animal, including humans.

Joint

A part of the body where two bones come together and can bend.

Muscle

A part of the body that attaches to bones and allows the body to move.

Tendon

A part of the body that attaches muscle to bone.

Biceps

A large muscle in the upper arm.

Structure

The specific form and shape of something.

Function

What something does.

System

A group of things that affect each other and work together as a whole.

Model

A pretend version of something that scientists use when the real thing is too big, small, or complicated to work with.

Observe

To pay close attention to something.

Light

Energy that comes from sources like the Sun and lamps and makes it possible to see things.

Lens

A clear object that changes the direction of light as it passes through.

Brain

A part of the body that receives and responds to signals from the senses and also stores memories.

Vision

The ability to see.

Eye

A part of the body that detects light and sends signals to the brain.

Pupil

The dark opening in the center of the eye.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that is shaped like a donut.

Cornea

The clear layer in front of the eye that acts as a lens.

Retina

The back of the eye that senses light and sends messages to the brain.

Experiment

A test used to discover new information about a question.

Reflect

When light bounces off something.

Nocturnal

Active mostly at night.

Nerves

The parts of the body that carry signals back and forth between body parts and the brain.

Nervous System

The brain and all the nerves in the body.

Motor Nerves

The parts of the body that carry signals from the brain to muscles.

Sensory Nerves

The parts of the body that carry signals from the senses (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin) to the brain.

Optical Illusion

Something you see that tricks or confuses your brain.

Dissect

To take something apart to study it.