Maintaining Life and The Human Body: Orientation - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key life processes and body systems from the notes.

Maintenance of boundaries

Keeps the body's internal environment distinct from the external environment.

Reproduction

Provides new cells for growth and repair, and allows species to continue.

Growth

Occurs when constructive (anabolic) activities exceed destructive (catabolic) activities, increasing size.

Digestion

The breakdown of foods into chemical building blocks that can be absorbed.

Excretion

Elimination of wastes from the body (e.g., CO2 by the lungs, nitrogenous wastes by the kidneys).

Responsiveness

The ability to sense and respond to changes in the environment; a major nervous system role.

Movement

Locomotion or movement of body parts, such as walking or throwing a ball.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur within the body.

Integumentary system

The skin and its accessory structures; protects underlying organs from drying out and damage.

Nutrients

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and minerals that supply energy and building blocks.

Water

Provides the basis for body fluids of all types; accounts for about 60% of body weight.

Oxygen

Essential for the release of energy from food; required for cellular respiration.

Atmospheric pressure

Air pressure; essential for normal breathing and respiratory function.

Appropriate body temperature

Maintaining a temperature that allows metabolic processes to occur; extremes disrupt function.

Digestive system

Breaks down foodstuffs into small particles that can be absorbed.

Cardiovascular system

Includes the heart and blood vessels; delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones; regulates body activities by chemical signals.

Skeletal system

Bones and joints; provides support, protection, and levers for movement.

Lymphatic/Immune system

Defends the body; returns fluid to the blood; destroys bacteria and tumor cells.

Nervous system

Controls the body with rapid electrical signals; responds to stimuli.

Muscular system

Moves the limbs and body; maintains posture and generates heat.

Urinary system

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates water and electrolyte balance.

Reproductive system

Produces offspring; roles in sexual maturation and reproduction.