Biological Organization: Organs, Heart, and Lungs

Vocabulary flashcards covering organs, tissue components and specialized cells of the heart and lungs, and related medical conditions.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more different tissues working together to perform a specific function; it represents the third level of biological organization after cells and tissues.

Heart

A hollow, muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity that pumps blood continuously throughout the body, beating approximately 100,000 times each day to supply oxygen and nutrients to every cell.

Cardiomyocytes

Specialized cells within cardiac muscle tissue that produce rhythmic contractions to pump blood.

Connective Tissue (Heart)

Tissue containing specialized cells such as fibroblasts and adipocytes that support, strengthen, and anchor heart structures.

Blood (Connective Tissue in Heart)

Connective tissue consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that transports oxygen, defends against pathogens, and clots blood.

Autonomic Neurons (Heart)

Specialized cells within heart nervous tissue that regulate heart rate and contraction.

Simple Squamous Epithelial Cells (Endocardium)

Specialized epithelial cells that line the heart chambers and reduce friction during blood flow.

Myocardial Infarction

Also known as a heart attack; a condition that occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing cardiac muscle cells to begin dying due to lack of oxygen.

Lungs

Paired organs responsible for gas exchange, where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed.

Alveoli

Millions of tiny air sacs in the lungs that greatly increase the surface area for efficient gas exchange.

Epithelial Tissue (Lungs)

Tissue made of Type I alveolar cells, Type II alveolar cells, ciliated cells, and goblet cells, responsible for gas exchange, mucus production, and airway protection.

Connective Tissue (Lungs)

Tissue consisting of fibroblasts and macrophages that supports alveoli and repairs damaged tissue.

Smooth Muscle Tissue (Lungs)

Tissue consisting of smooth muscle cells that regulates airway diameter.

Nervous Tissue (Lungs)

Tissue consisting of sensory and autonomic neurons that controls breathing and airway reflexes.

Pneumonia

A medical condition in which the alveoli become filled with fluid or pus, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.