Studied by 5 people
HL Biology - Animal Physiology
gamete
A reproductive cell that unites with another during fertilization to form a zygote. Gametes are typically haploid, containing half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell. They are involved in sexual reproduction.
lipase
Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of lipids (fats) into smaller molecules, such as fatty acids and glycerol. It is essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the body.
fertilization
The process by which a sperm cell and an egg cell combine to form a zygote, leading to the development of a new organism.
zygote
A fertilized egg cell formed by the union of a sperm and an egg, containing genetic material from both parents.
morula
A solid ball of cells resulting from the division of a zygote, which eventually develops into a blastula
blastula
An early stage of embryonic development, characterized by a hollow ball (fluid filled) of cells that forms after the morula stage.
gastrula
A stage in embryonic development that follows the blastula, where the cells begin to differentiate and form the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
ectoderm
The outermost germ layer in the early embryo, which develops into the skin, nervous system, and other structures.
mesoderm
The middle germ layer in the early embryo that develops into muscles, bones, the circulatory system, and other internal organs.
endoderm
The innermost germ layer in the early embryo, which develops into the digestive tract, liver, and other internal organs.
coelom
A fluid-filled body cavity in animals, located between the digestive tract and the body wall, which allows for the development of complex organs and systems.
mammals
A class of warm-blooded vertebrates characterized by the presence of hair or fur, mammary glands, and typically live births.
monotremes
A group of egg-laying mammals, including the platypus and echidnas, that possess mammary glands but lack nipples.
marsupials
A group of mammals that give birth to underdeveloped young, which typically continue to develop in a pouch on the mother's belly.
placentals
A group of mammals that give birth to live young that have developed within the uterus, connected to the mother via a placenta.
pulmonary circulation
The portion of the circulatory system responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and returning oxygenated blood back to the heart.
systemic circulation
The part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
atrium/atria
The upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the body and lungs before it is pumped into the ventricles.
ventricles
The lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the lungs and the rest of the body.
atrio-ventricular valve
A valve located between the atria and ventricles that prevents backflow of blood into the atria during ventricular contraction.
capillaries
Small blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs between blood and tissues.
hydrophilic
Substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.
digestion
The process by which food is broken down into smaller components for absorption and utilization by the body.
plasma
The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
diffusion
The process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
absorption
The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream and utilized by the body's cells.
platelets
Small cell fragments in blood that help with clotting and wound healing.
facilitated diffusion
The process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane proteins, helping substances that cannot directly cross the lipid bilayer.
egestion
The process of removing undigested food and waste materials from the body.
red blood cells
Cells in the blood that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and return carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
osmosis
The movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
salivary gland
Glands in the mouth that produce saliva, aiding in digestion and oral hygiene.
white blood cells
Cells in the blood that are part of the immune system, helping to fight infections and diseases.
passive transport
The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically down their concentration gradient.
amylase
An enzyme found in saliva that helps break down starches into sugars during digestion.
hemoglobin
A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
active transport
The movement of substances across a cell membrane that requires energy, typically against their concentration gradient.
esophagus
A muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing the passage of food.
myoglobin
A protein in muscle cells that stores oxygen for use during muscle contraction.
carrier protein
A protein that transports specific molecules across a cell membrane.
peristalsis
The rhythmic contractions of muscles in the digestive tract that move food through it.
diaphragm
A muscle beneath the lungs that aids in breathing by contracting and relaxing.
cell adhesion molecules
Proteins on cell surfaces that enable cells to stick to each other and their surroundings.
rugae
Folds in the lining of the stomach that allow it to expand.
pharynx
The throat; a passage for air and food.
АТР (Adenosine Triphosphate)
A molecule that stores and provides energy for many cellular processes.
gastric pits
Indentations in the stomach lining that secrete gastric juices.
epiglottis
A flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
isotonic
A solution with the same solute concentration as another, resulting in no net movement of water.
pepsin
An enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins.
root pressure
The upward force in plants that pushes water from roots to leaves.
digestion
The process of breaking down food into simpler substances that can be absorbed by the body.
chyme
The semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food and digestive juices in the stomach.
bronchi
The large air passages that branch off the trachea and lead to the lungs.
contractile vacuole
A cell structure in some unicellular organisms that expels excess water.
liver
An organ that processes nutrients, detoxifies the blood, and produces bile.
bronchioles
The smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli.
polymer
A large molecule made up of repeating subunits (monomers).
gall bladder
An organ that stores bile produced by the liver.
alveoli
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
monomer
A single molecule that can bind to others to form a polymer.
bile
A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats.
goblet cells
Cells in the respiratory and digestive tracts that secrete mucus.
carbohydrate
A macronutrient that provides energy, made of sugar molecules.
emulsify
To break down large fat globules into smaller droplets.
denaturation
A process where proteins lose their structure due to heat, pH, or other factors.
pancreas
An organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.
type I pneumocytes
Cells in the alveoli responsible for gas exchange.
type II pneumocytes
Cells in the alveoli that produce surfactant to reduce surface tension.
catalyst
A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.
large intestine
The part of the digestive system where water is absorbed and waste is formed.
arteries
Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
phospholipid molecules
A molecule that forms the bilayer of cell membranes.
peptide bond
A bond between amino acids in a protein.
veins
Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart.
hydrophobic
Repelling water; substances that do not mix with water.
semi lunar valves
The semilunar valves are a pair of heart valves located at the openings of the ventricles to the major arteries, preventing the backflow of blood into the heart after it is pumped out. They are called semilunar because their cusps are shaped like half-moons.
villi
Villi are small, finger-like projections that line the inner surface of the small intestine, increasing its surface area for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains a network of capillaries and a lymphatic vessel (lacteal), which help absorb nutrients like amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids into the bloodstream and lymph.
enzyme
An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Enzymes are typically proteins and are highly specific, meaning they act only on particular substrates (reactants) to produce specific products.
intercostal muscles
Muscles located between the ribs that assist in breathing. They include:
External Intercostal Muscles: Help with inhalation by expanding the rib cage.
Internal Intercostal Muscles: Help with exhalation by contracting the rib cage.
trachea
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube-like structure in the respiratory system that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi of the lungs. It allows air to pass in and out of the lungs during breathing.
