Cellular Bio Terms (Cram)

Cyt/o

Combining form for cell

Cytology

The study of cells

Protoplasm

Collective term for the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus

Cell membrane

Structure lining the cell that protects the cell's contents and regulates what goes in and out of the cell

Cytoplasm

Gelatinous material located in the cell membrane that is not part of the nucleus

Nucleus

Structure in a cell that contains nucleoplasm, chromosomes, and the surrounding membrane

Nucleoplasm

Material in the nucleus

Chromosomes

Structures in the nucleus composed of DNA that transmits genetic information

Genetic disorder

Inherited disease or condition caused by defective genes

Congenital

Denotes something that is present at birth (can be a genetic disorder too, but only implies something is present at birth)

Anomaly

Deviation from what is regarded as normal (interchangeable with defect)

Tissue

A group of specialized cells that is similar in structure and function

Histology

The study of the structure, composition, and function of tissue

Hist/o

Combining form for tissue

Epithelial tissue/epithelium

Covers internal and external body surfaces and is made up of tightly packed cells in a variety of arrangements

Endothelium

Cellular covering that forms the lining of the internal organs, including the blood vessels

Mesothelium

Cellular covering that forms the lining of serous membranes such as the peritoneum

Connective tissue

Adds support and structure to the body by holding the organs in place and binding body parts together

Adipose

Fat

Adip/o

Combining form for fat

Muscle tissue

Contains cell material with specialized ability to contract and relax

Nervous tissue

Contains cells with the specialized ability to react to stimuli and conduct electrical impulses

–plasia

Formation, development, and growth in the number of cells in an organ or tissue

–trophy

Formation, development, and growth in the size of an organ or a tissue or individual cells

Anaplasia

Change in the structure of cells and their orientation to each other

Aplasia

Lack of development of an organ or a tissue or a cell

Dysplasia

Abnormal growth or development of an organ or a tissue or a cell

Hyperplasia

Abnormal increase in the number of normal cells in normal arrangement in an organ or a tissue

Hypoplasia

Incomplete or less than normal development of an organ or a tissue or a cell

Neoplasia

Any abnormal new growth of tissue in which multiplication of cells is uncontrolled, more rapid than normal, and progressive

Tumor

A neoplasm that forms a distinct mass of tissue

Benign

Not recurring

Malignant

Tending to spread and be life threatening

–oma

Tumor or neoplasm

Atrophy

Decrease in size or complete wasting of an organ or tissue or cell

Dystrophy

Defective growth in the size of an organ or tissue or cell

Hypertrophy

Increase in the size of an organ or tissue or cell

Glands

Specialized cells that secrete material used elsewhere in the body

Aden/o

Combining form for gland

Exocrine glands

Groups of cells that secrete their chemical substances into ducts that lead out of the body or to another organ (sweat glands, sebaceous glands, digestive chemical part of pancreas)

Endocrine

Groups of cells that secrete their chemical substances directly into the bloodstream, which transports them around the body. Ductless. (Thyroid gland, pituitary gland, insulin secreting part of pancreas)

Organ

Part of the body that preforms a special function or functions

Unilateral

Pertaining to one side

Bilateral

Pertaining to two sides