Overview of Anatomy and Physiology Concepts

Nuclear Membrane

Double membrane barrier surrounding the nucleus.

Nucleolus

Site of ribosome production within the nucleus.

Chromatin

DNA and protein complex in non-dividing cells.

Cytoplasm

Material outside the nucleus, inside plasma membrane.

Plasma Membrane

Selectively permeable barrier for cell contents.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Fluid-filled tubules for substance transport.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Studded with ribosomes, synthesizes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies and packages proteins for export.

Lysosomes

Contain enzymes for digesting cellular waste.

Peroxisomes

Sacs of oxidase enzymes for detoxification.

Mitochondria

Powerhouses of the cell, produce ATP.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis from RNA.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein structures providing cell support.

Microvilli

Finger-like projections increasing surface area.

Centrioles

Rod-shaped bodies aiding in cell division.

Cilia

Move materials across the cell surface.

Flagellum

Propels the cell through fluid.

Passive Transport

Movement across membrane without energy use.

Active Transport

Movement requiring metabolic energy from the cell.

Diffusion

Particles distribute evenly in a solution.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a membrane.

Filtration

Movement driven by hydrostatic pressure.

Phagocytosis

Cell engulfs large particles, 'cell eating'.

Pinocytosis

Cell engulfs fluid, 'cell drinking'.

Interphase

Cell growth and metabolic activity phase.

Cell Division

Process where a cell replicates itself.

DNA Replication

Process of duplicating genetic material for cell division.

Gene

DNA segment encoding instructions for one protein.

Proteins

Molecules performing various functions in cells.

RNA

Essential molecule for synthesizing proteins.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Delivers amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Forms ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Carries genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes.

Transcription

Process of converting DNA to mRNA.

Translation

Converts mRNA sequence into amino acid sequence.

Simple Epithelium

Single layer of cells, specialized for absorption.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells, provides protection.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells, lines cavities.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-like cells, found in glands.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells, often secretes mucus.

Transitional Epithelium

Cells change shape based on stretching.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Single layer with varying cell heights, often ciliated.

Endocrine Gland

Ductless gland secreting hormones directly into blood.

Exocrine Gland

Gland that secretes products through ducts.

Connective Tissue

Supports, binds, and protects body structures.

Fibrocartilage

Highly compressible cartilage, forms intervertebral discs.

Dense Connective Tissue

Contains collagen fibers, provides strength and support.

Bone Tissue

Hard tissue providing structure and support.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue providing support and flexibility.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common cartilage, forms fetal skeleton.

Elastic Cartilage

Provides flexibility and support, found in ears.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue, transports nutrients and waste.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle, striated, attached to bones.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle, striated, found in heart.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle, surrounds hollow organs.

Tissue Repair

Process of healing damaged tissues.

Regeneration

Replacement of damaged tissue with same type.

Fibrosis

Repair by dense connective tissue, forming scar.

Epithelial tissue

Tissues that regenerate easily.

Fibrous connective tissue

Tissues that regenerate easily.

Bone

Tissues that regenerate easily.

Skeletal muscle

Tissues that regenerate poorly.

Cardiac muscle

Tissues that are replaced largely with scar tissue.

Nervous tissue

Tissues that are replaced largely with scar tissue.

Mucous membrane

Lines or covers body surfaces and protects and lubricates them.

Serous membrane

Surface simple squamous epithelium.

Cutaneous membrane

Skin; a dry membrane.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane around the abdominal cavity.

Pleura

Serous membrane around the lungs.

Pericardium

Serous membrane around the heart.

Synovial membrane

Lines fibrous capsules surrounding joints.

Stratum basale

Layer of epidermis where cells undergo mitosis.

Papillary layer

Reticular layer

Layer of epidermis.

Stratum spinosum

Stratum granulosum

Stratum lucidum

Stratum corneum

Layer of epidermis.

Stratum lucidum

Layer of epidermis that occurs only in thick skin.

Stratum corneum

Layer of epidermis with shingle-like dead cells.

Melanin

Pigment produced by melanocytes that gives color to the skin.

Papillary layer

Upper layer of the dermis with projections called dermal papillae.

Reticular layer

Lower layer of the dermis containing blood vessels and glands.

Erythema

Localized redness of the skin.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin due to liver dysfunction.

Ecchymosis

Localized redness and hematoma, commonly known as a bruise.

Petechia

Small red or purple spot caused by hemorrhage of capillaries.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.

Scurvy

Vitamin C deficiency.

Decubitus ulcer

Formation of bedsores.

Apocrine glands

Sweat glands that open via duct to pore on skin surface.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce oil and lubricate the skin.

Eccrine glands

Sweat glands that help dissipate excess heat.

ABCD rule

Detection method for skin cancer based on Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, and Diameter.

Basal cell carcinoma

Least malignant type of skin cancer, most common.

Malignant melanoma

Most deadly type of skin cancer, cancer of melanocytes.

eponychium

proximal nail fold that projects onto the nail body

Athlete’s foot

caused by fungal infection

Boils and carbuncles

caused by bacterial infection

Cold sores

caused by virus

Contact dermatitis

exposures cause allergic reaction

Impetigo

caused by bacterial infection

Psoriasis

triggered by trauma, infection, stress