Anatomy- Chapter 1: Vocab Quiz #1

Anatomy

the science of the structure of living organisms

Physiology

the science of the functioning of living organisms

Atoms

the smallest part of an element; indivisible by ordinary chemical means

Cells

the basic biological unit of living organisms, containing a nucleus and a variety of organelles enclosed by a limiting membrane

Tissues

a group of similar cells specialized to perform a specific function; primary tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues

Organ

a part of the body formed of two or more tissues that performs a specialized function

Organ System

a group of organs that work together to perform a vital body function; e.g., nervous system

Organism

an individual living thing

Integumentary System

the skin and its accessory organs

Skeletal system

system of protection and support composed primarily of bone and cartilage

Muscular system

organ system consisting of skeletal muscles and their connective tissue attachments

Nervous system

fast-acting control system that employs nerve impulses to trigger muscle contraction or gland secretion

Endocrine System

body system that includes internal organs that secrete hormones

Cardiovascular System

organ system that distributes blood to all parts of the body

Lymphatic System

a system of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other lymphoid organs and tissues

Respiratory System

organ system that carries out gas exchange; includes the nose, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

Digestive System

system that process food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible wastes

Urinary System

system primary responsible for water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance and the removal of nitrogenous wastes from the blood

Reproductive System

organ system that functions to produce offspring

Movement

includes all the activities promoted by the muscular system, such as propelling ourselves from one place to another (by walking, swimming, and so forth) and manipulating the external environment with our fingers

responsiveness/irritability

responsiveness: the ability to sense changes in the environment and then react to them

irritability: ability to respond to a stimulus

Digestion

the bodily process of breaking down foods chemically and mechanically

Metabolism

the sum total of the chemical reactions that occur in the body

Excretion

the elimination of waste products from the body

cells

the smallest unit of all living things

Reproduction

the production of offspring, can occur on the cellular or organismal level

Homeostasis

a state of body equilibrium or stable internal environment of the body

Nutrients

substances from food that the body uses for energy, cell building, chemical reactions, and oxygen transport

Growth

an increase in size, usually accomplished by an increase in the number of cells and cell-constructing activities must occur at a faster rate than cell-destroying ones

water

the boys main chemical substance that provides the fluid base for body secretions and excretions and is essential for maintaining life

Receptor

(1)- a peripheral nerve endings specialized for response to particular types of stimuli;

(2)- molecule that binds specifically with other molecules, eg., hormones and neurotransmitters

Control center

determines the level (set point) at which a variable is to be maintained, analyzes the information it receives and then determines the appropriate response or course of action

Affector

carries information toward the control center (CNS) from a receptor/sensor

Effector

an organ, gland, or muscle capable of being activated by nerve endings

Negative feedback mechanisms

a response that reduces or stops the original stimulus, helping return the body to homeostasis

Positive feedback mechanisms

a response that increases or strengthens the original stimulus, causing the reaction to continue faster

Homeostatic imbalance

a condition in which the body’s internal conditions become unstable or are disturbed, which can lead to illness or disease

Anatomical position

the standard body position used to describe locations and relationships of body parts, with the body standing upright, feet parallel, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward