CHAPTER 1 - vocabulary terms

A&P

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform a particular function

Organ

A group of tissues that work together to perform closely related functions

Cell

The basic unit of life; the structural and function unit of life

Anatomy

The study of body structure

Physiology

The study of body functions; how the body parts work

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions that occur within an organism or the body.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathways that break down complex molecules into their simpler components

Anabolism

The building up of complex molecules from smaller, simpler components

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment; dynamic equilibrium

Feedback system (feedback loop)

A cycle of events in which the status of a body condition is monitored, evaluated, changed, re-monitored, re-evaluated, and so on.

Receptor

A body structure that monitors changes in a controlled condition and sends the information to a control center (integrator).

Control center (integrator)

Determines set point, analyzes information it receives from receptors, and generates commands to effectors when a change is needed

Effector

A body structure that receives output from the control center and produces a response; muscles and glands

Negative feedback

A type of regulation that responds to a change in conditions by initiating responses that will counteract the change; response is opposite to (reverses) the stimulus; most common

Positive feedback

A type of regulation that responds to a change in conditions by initiating responses that will amplify or reinforce the change; least common