Bioligy 2

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms, including anabolic and catabolic processes.

Catabolic Reactions

Metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, requiring energy.

Anabolic Reactions

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Excretory System

The biological system responsible for the removal of wastes from the body.

Digestive System

The system responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can use.

Kidneys

Organs that filter waste from the blood and produce urine.

Urinary System

The organ system that produces, stores, and eliminates urine.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the central nervous system, comprising nerves and ganglia.

Neuron

The basic working unit of the nervous system that transmits information throughout the body.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons in the central nervous system.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various physiological processes.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, and other functions.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.

Metabolic Pathways

Series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell that result in the conversion of substrates into products.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.