How Your Body Stays Alive

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the body's systems and their functions, focusing on homeostasis, transport, respiration, digestion, elimination of waste, immunity, movement, and control systems.

Homeostasis

The process by which the body maintains stable internal conditions such as temperature, oxygen, nutrients, and pH.

Sensor

A component that detects changes in the body's internal environment.

Control Center

Part of the body that decides how to respond to a detected change.

Effector

Muscles or glands that carry out the response to restore balance.

Cardiovascular System

The system responsible for the transport of blood and essential substances throughout the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Veins

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart and contain valves to prevent backflow.

Capillaries

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

Respiratory System

The system responsible for taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Digestive System

The system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical process of breaking down food into smaller pieces.

Chemical Digestion

The process where enzymes break down food into nutrients.

Nephron Process

The flow of filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion in the urinary system.

Pathogen

An invading organism that can cause disease.

Antigen

A molecule that can trigger an immune response.

Antibody

A protein that binds to and helps eliminate pathogens.

Skeletal System

The framework that provides support, protection, and produces blood cells.

Muscle System

The system that allows movement through the contraction of muscles.

Nervous System

The system that transmits electrical signals for immediate responses.

Endocrine System

The system that uses hormones in the blood for long-lasting effects.