BIOL 1134 Ch1 - 8-27

Flashcards covering the anatomical hierarchy of organization, physiological variations, characteristics of life, homeostasis, and the components and types of feedback loops.

Macromolecule

Large biological molecules, such as DNA and RNA, that combine to form organelles.

Organelle

A specialized subunit within a cell, such as mitochondria, cytoplasm, or endoplasmic reticulum, formed by macromolecules.

Cell

The basic structural unit formed when organelles come together, classified as animal or plant cells.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function, such as epithelial, stratified, or squamous tissue.

Organ

A structure composed of different types of tissues working together, such as the stomach or lungs.

System

A collection of organs working together to carry out major body functions, such as the digestive system.

Organism

A complete living individual, such as a human, formed by integrated organ systems.

Sinus inversus

A specific condition cited as an example of anatomical variation.

Sinus perversus

A specific condition cited as an example of anatomical variation.

Physiology

The study of bodily functions.

Physiological variation

Functional differences among individuals influenced by factors such as sex, age, weight, physical activity, genetics, and environment.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of internal biological balance within the body, such as regulating pH and temperature.

Feedback loop

A system that monitors, adjusts, and regulates homeostasis by amplifying or opposing environmental changes.

Negative feedback loop

A regulatory mechanism that opposes a change or stimulus to bring the body back to baseline balance, such as sweating during a fever.

Positive feedback loop

A regulatory mechanism that amplifies a response or increases an imbalance, such as releasing clotting factors to seal a cut or oxytocin during childbirth.

Receptor (Sensor)

The component of a feedback loop that detects a change or stimulus, such as the skin sensing temperature.

Integrating center (Control center)

The component of a feedback loop that receives sensory input and processes information, specifically located in the brain within the hypothalamus.

Effector

The component of a feedback loop that reacts to signals from the control center to produce a response, such as sweating.