PLTW Biomed Final - Semester 1

heart rate

A measure of cardiac activity usually expressed in number of beats per minute.

blood pressure

The pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels.

respiration rate

The number of breaths an organism takes per minute.

skin conductivity

How the amount of sweat produced impacts the ability to conduct electricity.

vital signs

Measurements—specifically pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure—that indicate the state of a patient’s essential body functions.

polygraph test

experiment

A research study conducted to understand an observed phenomenon; determines the effect that one variable has upon another variable.

experimental design

A process used to carefully plan experiments in order to investigate scientific questions or problems.

hypothesis

A statement predicting the anticipated results of an experiment

iterative

Repeating a series of steps over and over until the desired outcome is obtained.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that travel throughout the body and destroy bacteria, some producing antibodies against bacteria and viruses

erythrocyte

Hemoglobin-rich, red blood cells that transport oxygen through a body. Erythrocytes give the red color to vertebrate blood and do not have nuclei

thrombocyte (platelet)

A minute, colorless, anucleate disk-like body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and damaged epithelium.

plasma

Fluid composed of 92% water, 7% vital protein, and 1% mineral salt, sugars, fats, and hormones. It is also the vehicle by which blood cells are carried around the body.

cause of death

manner of death

mechanism of death