anatomy chap 1,2,3,4

Organism

A single complete individual capable of existing separately from other individuals.

Organ systems

Composed of organs; responsible for specific functions in an organism.

Cells

Basic unit of life, composed of organelles and surrounded by a plasma membrane.

Histology

The study of tissues, or groups of cells and their surrounding extracellular material.

Sagittal plane

Any plane dividing the body into right and left portions.

Midsagittal plane

A plane dividing the body into equal right and left halves.

Parasagittal plane

Any plane dividing the body into unequal right and left portions.

Integumentary system

Organ system classified in protection, support, and movement, includes skin and related structures.

Frontal plane

The anatomical plane dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse plane

The anatomical plane that divides the body into superior (above) and inferior (below) portions.

Superficial

Directional term indicating being closer to the body's surface.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Fibrous connective tissue

Tissue composed of collagenous, reticular, and elastic fibers.

Epithelial tissue

A sheet of tissue composed of closely adhering cells functioning as internal lining.

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Epithelial tissue found in the skin, providing protection against abrasion.

Goblet cells

Mucus-secreting gland cells found in the epithelia of many mucous membranes.

Neurons

The conducting cells of nervous tissue responsible for transmitting signals.

Muscular tissue

Tissue specialized to contract when stimulated and encompasses three types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

Gland

Cell or organ that secretes substances for use elsewhere in the body.

Exocrine gland

Gland that secretes its products into another organ via a duct.

Endothelium

Internal surface of the circulatory system lined with simple squamous epithelium.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death.

Dermis

Layer of skin composed of connective tissue, housing blood vessels, glands, and nerve endings.

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Hypodermis

Subcutaneous fat layer composed predominantly of adipose tissue, serving as energy reservoir.

Cuticle

Outermost layer of hair made up of overlapping cells that protect the inner layers.

Plasma membrane

Outer boundary of the cell that regulates what enters and exits.

Microvilli

Extensions that increase surface area without enabling movement.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that move substances along the surface of the cell.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

Gap junctions

Cell junctions that allow for communication between adjacent cells through cytoplasmic channels.

Desmosomes

Cell junctions that provide structural integrity by anchoring cells together.