Secondary Science Reviewer: Respiration, Circulation, Excretion, Nervous System, and Reproduction

Vocabulary practice flashcards created from the Beaconhouse Yamsaard School S2 Science Reviewer notes covering key systems and biological processes.

Respiration

A chemical process that releases energy from glucose.

Respiration Word Equation

$$\text{Glucose} + \text{Oxygen} \rightarrow \text{Carbon Dioxide} + \text{Water} + \text{Energy (ATP)}$$

Aerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that requires oxygen, releases a large amount of energy, and occurs mainly in the mitochondria.

Anaerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that does not require oxygen, releases less energy, and produces lactic acid in humans.

Mitochondria

Known as the powerhouse of the cell because it is where aerobic respiration occurs.

Respiratory System Function

Takes in oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and supplies oxygen for respiration.

Nose

Filters, warms, and moistens incoming air.

Trachea

Carries air to the lungs and is supported by cartilage rings.

Bronchi

Structures that carry air into each lung.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches inside the lungs that carry air.

Alveoli

The site of gas exchange in the lungs, featuring thin walls, a moist surface, a large surface area, and a rich blood supply.

Diaphragm

The main breathing muscle.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles that move the ribs during breathing.

Inhalation

Process where the diaphragm contracts and flattens, the rib cage moves upward and outward, chest cavity volume increases, and air enters the lungs.

Exhalation

Process where the diaphragm relaxes, the rib cage moves downward and inward, chest cavity volume decreases, and air leaves the lungs.

Circulatory System

Body system composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, characterized by thick muscular walls, high pressure, and no valves.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart, characterized by thin walls, low pressure, and valves.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels, one cell thick, which serve as the site of exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes.

Red Blood Cells

Blood cells that contain hemoglobin and function to carry oxygen.

White Blood Cells

Blood cells whose main function is to fight infections.

Platelets

Blood components responsible for blood clotting.

Plasma

Liquid part of blood that transports blood cells, nutrients, hormones, and wastes.

Pulmonary Circulation

Circulation pathway from Heart → Lungs → Heart to pick up oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Systemic Circulation

Circulation pathway from Heart → Body → Heart to deliver oxygen and nutrients to body cells.

Excretory System

Body system responsible for removing metabolic waste products from the body.

Kidneys

Main excretory organs that filter blood, remove urea, and produce urine.

Ureter

Tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Bladder

Organ that stores urine.

Urethra

Structure that releases urine from the body, and in human males, also carries semen.

Excretion

The removal of metabolic wastes such as carbon dioxide, urea, and excess water from the body.

Egestion

The removal of undigested food as feces.

Nervous System

System that detects stimuli and coordinates responses.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves located outside the Central Nervous System.

Sensory Neuron

A neuron that carries nerve impulses from a receptor to the Central Nervous System.

Relay Neuron

A neuron found inside the Central Nervous System.

Motor Neuron

A neuron that carries nerve impulses from the Central Nervous System to an effector.

Stimulus

A change in the environment.

Response

A reaction to a stimulus.

Synapse

The tiny gap between neurons where nerve impulses pass using neurotransmitters.

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

Scrotum

External structure that holds the testes at the correct temperature.

Sperm duct

Tube that carries sperm from the testes.

Prostate gland

Gland that adds fluid to semen.

Ovary

Female reproductive organ that produces eggs and estrogen.

Oviduct (Fallopian tube)

The site of fertilization in the female human body.

Uterus

The structure in female reproduction where the fetus develops.

Cervix

The opening of the uterus.

Vagina

The birth canal.

Fertilization

The fusion of a male gamete and female gamete (sperm + egg or pollen nucleus + egg cell) to form a zygote.

Implantation

The process in which the embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus.

Stamen

The male structure of a flower, consisting of the anther (produces pollen) and filament (supports anther).

Pistil (Carpel)

The female structure of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, ovary, and ovules.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower.