Human Body Systems

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering the human body systems, their functions, interactions, and related biological concepts.

Cell

Smallest unit of life; specialized to perform particular tasks.

Tissue

Group of cells working together.

Organ

Group of tissues that carry out a function.

Organ System

Two or more organs working together to perform body functions.

Organism

All body systems work together to form a single living entity.

Circulatory System

Brings oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells; removes cell wastes; regulates body temperature.

Heart

The pump that keeps blood flowing through your body.

Blood Vessels

Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood back to the heart.

Red Blood Cells

Cells that carry oxygen to the body.

White Blood Cells

Cells that defend the body against disease.

Respiratory System

Provides oxygen for cellular respiration and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

Alveoli

Sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

Skeletal System

Supports the body, protects organs, allows movement, and is where blood cells are formed.

Muscular System

Produces movement; helps circulate venous blood; moves food through the digestive system.

Digestive System

Converts food into simpler molecules that can be used by cells; absorbs food; eliminates waste.

Urinary System

Filters blood, maintains electrolytes, and eliminates waste from the body.

Immune System

Protects the body from disease and collects fluid to return it to the circulatory system.

Reproductive System

Produces reproductive cells; in females, grows an embryo.

Endocrine System

Controls growth, development, and metabolism; maintains homeostasis.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to keep a constant internal environment.

Thermoregulation

Process of maintaining a steady body temperature.

Negative Feedback Loop

A response system that corrects deviations from a set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

Response to stimulus continues until an event ends.

Pathogen

Disease-causing microorganisms that can be transmitted.

Inflammation

Blood vessels spread out to allow white blood cells to move to an infection site.

Antibodies

Proteins that counteract antigens and prevent them from binding to host cells.