The Human Body in Health & Disease – Midterm Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the human body, health, and disease from the midterm study guide.

Atom

Smallest unit of matter; forms molecules that build cells.

Cell

Smallest living unit; carries out metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Tissue

Group of similar cells working together for a function (e.g., muscle contraction).

Organ

Structure made of tissues performing a specific task (heart pumps blood).

Organ System

Organs working together (digestive system breaks down food).

Organism

Entire living individual capable of homeostasis.

Anatomical Position

Body upright, feet forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward; used as reference.

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into left and right.

Frontal Plane

Divides front and back.

Transverse Plane

Divides top and bottom.

Dorsal Cavity

Protects nervous system (cranial and spinal cavities).

Ventral Cavity

Houses organs (thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities).

Diaphragm

Muscular sheet used for breathing; separates thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Protons

Positive charge; determine element identity.

Neutrons

Neutral particles that stabilize the nucleus.

Electrons

Negative charge; involved in chemical bonding; located in electron shells.

Triglyceride

Lipid made of glycerol + 3 fatty acids; stores energy and insulates body.

Nucleotide

DNA unit made of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen base; stores genetic information.

Cell Membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cytoplasm

Site of chemical reactions.

Nucleus

Control center; holds DNA and directs protein synthesis.

Ribosomes and RNA

Assemble proteins needed for cell structure and function.

Epithelial Tissue

Protects, absorbs, secretes; lines organs and body surfaces.

Connective Tissue

Supports, binds, protects (bone, blood, cartilage).

Nervous Tissue

Transmits electrical signals; allows communication.

Muscle Tissue

Contracts to produce movement.

Goblet Cells

Secrete mucus to protect and lubricate surfaces.

Hyaline Cartilage

Flexible support (nose, trachea).

Elastic Cartilage

Flexible shape retention (ear).

Fibrocartilage

Shock absorption (intervertebral discs).

Integumentary System

Protects body, regulates temperature, prevents dehydration.

Respiratory System

Gas exchange occurs in alveoli; oxygen in, carbon dioxide out.

Digestive System

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Primary Digestive Organs

Mouth, stomach, intestines.

Accessory Organs

Liver, pancreas, gallbladder.

Lymphatic System

Returns fluid to blood and supports immunity.

Pathology

Study of disease causes and effects.

Sign

Objective evidence observed by others (e.g., rash).

Symptom

Subjective experience felt by patient (e.g., pain).

Syndrome

Group of signs and symptoms occurring together.

Epidemic

Sudden regional outbreak.

Endemic

Constant presence in an area.

Pandemic

Global spread.

Neoplasm

Abnormal tissue growth (tumor).

Local Inflammation

Redness, heat, swelling, pain at site.

Systemic Inflammation

Fever, fatigue, increased white blood cells.

Inflammation Purpose

Eliminate injury and begin healing.

Burns - 1st Degree

Affect the epidermis.

Burns - 2nd Degree

Affect partial thickness of skin.

Burns - 3rd/4th Degree

Affect full thickness of skin.

Rule of 9s

Estimates percent of body burned.

Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking, radiation, chemicals, genetics.

Cancer Detection

Imaging, biopsies, blood tests.

Long Bone Structure

Diaphysis (shaft) and epiphysis (ends).

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone.

Compact Bone

Dense strength.

Cancellous Bone

Spongy support.

Bone Types

Long, short, flat, irregular.

Vertebral Regions

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary movement.

Cardiac Muscle

Pumps blood.

Smooth Muscle

Moves substances through organs.

Tendons

Attach muscle to bone.

Muscle Actions

Flexion, extension, rotation.

Muscle Functions

Movement, posture, heat production.

CNS

Central nervous system; includes brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral nervous system; includes nerves.

Sensory Neurons

Afferent neurons that carry signals to CNS.

Motor Neurons

Efferent neurons that carry commands from CNS.

Interneurons

Connect neurons within CNS.

Vital Centers

Medulla oblongata controls breathing and heart rate.

CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid; cushions and nourishes brain and spinal cord.

Shingles

Caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus.

Parkinson’s Disease

Loss of dopamine; symptoms include tremors and rigidity.

Multiple Sclerosis

Immune attack on myelin; slows nerve signals.