Human Anatomy & Physiology: Levels of Organization Review

Flashcards covering the hierarchy of organization in the human body, from chemical to organ systems, including key definitions of matter, cells, tissues, organs, and major body systems.

Matter

Everything in the universe is made up of.

Elements

Substances that compose all matter.

Atom

A single particle of an element.

Molecule

Two or more atoms chemically bonded.

Compound

Two or more molecules bonded together.

Inorganic Compounds

Chemicals found in the body that do not contain carbon; examples include water, salts, acids, and bases.

Organic Compounds

Chemicals found in the body that contain carbon; examples include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Salts (Electrolytes)

Inorganic compounds found in the body, also known as electrolytes.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds in the body primarily used for energy.

Lipids

Organic compounds in the body including fats and hormones.

Proteins

Organic compounds in the body important for structure, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.

Nucleic Acids

Organic compounds in the body, such as DNA.

Cells

The basic unit of structure and function in the human body.

Cell Diversity

The variation in size and shape of approximately 200 different cell types in the human body, directly related to their specific functions.

Tissue

A cluster of connected cells with similar functions.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue made up of cells that line the inner and outer body surfaces, protecting the body and its internal organs, and secreting and absorbing substances.

Squamous

Flat cell shape classification for epithelial tissue.

Cuboidal

Cube-shaped cell classification for epithelial tissue.

Columnar

Column-shaped cell classification for epithelial tissue.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelial tissue arranged in a single layer, thin, good for secretion, absorption, and filtration, but not for protection.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue arranged in more than one layer, durable and good for protection.

Connective Tissue

Tissue made up of cells that form the body's structure.

Dense Connective Tissue

Connective tissue with a matrix of collagen fibers and fibroblasts, forming strong, rope-like tissue.

Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that is softer, has more cells, and fewer fibers.

Areolar tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that is widely distributed, wraps around organs, and provides protection.

Adipose Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue, commonly called fat tissue, providing insulation and protection.

Reticular Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue forming a delicate framework of reticular fibers that support freely moving cells.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue made up of cells with the unique ability to contract and become shorter, enabling body movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue made up of neurons (nerve cells) that carry electrical messages, forming the brain and nerves throughout the body.

Neuron

A nerve cell that makes up nervous tissue and carries electrical messages.

Organs

Structures consisting of two or more types of tissues that work together to perform a specific job.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to carry out a complex overall function, with each organ contributing to the larger job.

Integumentary System

Protects the tissue beneath them; composed of skin, hair, nails.

Muscular System

Works with the skeletal system to help you move; composed of cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle.

Skeletal System

Provides a frame to protect and support body parts, produces blood cells, and stores minerals; composed of bones, joints, ligaments, cartilage.

Cardiovascular System

Pumps blood through all the vessels of your body; composed of heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, and blood.

Respiratory System

Takes in oxygen and removes carbon dioxide; composed of nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, lung, diaphragm.

Nervous System

Receives and sends electrical messages throughout the body; composed of brain, spinal cord, nerves, motor neurons, sensory neurons, somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Digestive System

Breaks down food so it can be used by the body; composed of teeth, mouth, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus.

Urinary System

Produces, stores, and eliminates urine; composed of kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, urethra.

Lymphatic System

Returns leaked fluids to blood vessels and helps get rid of bacteria and viruses; composed of tonsils, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels.

Endocrine System

Controls functions by using chemicals made by the endocrine glands; composed of pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, thymus gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes.

Female Reproductive System

Produces eggs, nourishes and protects the fetus.

Male Reproductive System

Produces and delivers sperm.