Anatomy & Physiology: Levels of Organization and Homeostasis

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key anatomy, physiology, and homeostasis concepts from the notes.

Anatomy

Science of body structures studied via dissection.

Form fits function

The concept that the form of a body part is shaped to suit its function; structure and function are intertwined.

Stomach

A pouch that stores and temporarily digests food.

Organic

Carbon-based compounds, typically derived from living organisms.

Cellular level

The level where the cell is the structural and functional unit of an organism; cells vary in size and shape.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells and surrounding materials forming a structure with a common function.

Connective tissue

The most abundant tissue; provides support, protection, and binding between tissues.

Muscle tissue

Tissue specialised for contraction to produce movement.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that is electrically excitable and transmits nerve impulses.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that lines surfaces and covers organs.

Chemical level

Atoms and molecules—the chemical building blocks of matter.

Physiology

Science of body functions.

Organ level

Structures composed of two or more tissues that work together to perform a function.

System level

Related organs that perform a common function.

Metabolism

Sum of chemical processes in the body; includes anabolism and catabolism.

Anabolism

Building up of larger molecules (constructive metabolism).

Catabolism

Breaking down of molecules to release energy (destructive metabolism).

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that reverses a change to return the system to a controlled condition.

Positive feedback

A mechanism that enhances the change to the controlled condition.

Set point

The desired value of a controlled condition (e.g., 37°C or 98.6°F).

Hyperthermia

Abnormally high body temperature.

Hypothermia

Abnormally low body temperature.

Normal range

The range of values considered normal for a controlled condition (e.g., 97–100°F).

Receptor

A sensor that detects changes in a controlled condition.

Control center

The part of the body that interprets input and directs responses (e.g., hypothalamus).

Effector

An organ or tissue that responds to restore or maintain homeostasis.

Controlled condition

The value that is being regulated in homeostasis.

Responsiveness

The body's ability to detect and respond to changes.

Diabetes mellitus

A disease characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Hypercholesterolemia

Excessively high cholesterol levels increasing cardiovascular risk.

Acidosis

Excess acidity in body fluids.

Alkalosis

Excess alkalinity in body fluids.

Osteoporosis

Reduced bone density increasing fracture risk.

Blood glucose

Amount of glucose in the blood.

Blood Ca++

Calcium ion concentration in the blood.