Unit One: The Body

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the body as a whole, physiological principles, characteristics of life, and mechanisms of homeostasis.

Physiology

The study of the functions and processes of the body and its parts.

Characteristics of life

Traits that define living organisms, varies among different physiologists depending on the organism studied.

Growth

The normal increase in size or number of cells, leading to increased size of the individual or organ.

Respiration

Processes for absorption, transportation, and utilization of respiratory gases between the human and its environment.

Digestion

The process of breaking complex food products down into simple substances for absorption by body cells.

Secretion

The production and delivery of specialized substances, such as hormones and digestive juices.

Absorption

The movement of digested nutrients through the wall of the alimentary tract into body fluids for use by cells.

Excretion

The removal of waste products produced during bodily functions.

Circulation

The movement of body fluids containing nutrients, antibodies, hormones, and waste products within the body.

Reproduction

The formation of new individuals and new body cells through cell division.

Irritability

The ability to produce nerve impulses in response to external or internal stimuli.

Conductivity

The ability to transmit an impulse from one point to another within the body.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of relatively constant internal conditions despite changes in the internal or external environment.

Negative feedback mechanism

A control system where the output negates or decreases the effect of the original stimulus.

Positive feedback mechanism

A control system that amplifies or reinforces a change rather than opposing it, potentially harmful to survival.