BIOL 2210 – Chapter 1: Introduction, Homeostasis, Gradient & Flow

Vocabulary flashcards derived from BIOL 2210 Chapter 1 lecture notes covering key terms related to anatomical organization, homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and gradients.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Gross Anatomy

The branch of anatomy that deals with structures visible to the naked eye, such as organs and organ systems.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that require magnification, including cells and tissues.

Cytology

The microscopic study of individual cells and their internal structures.

Histology

The study of tissues—groups of similar cells that perform a common function.

Physiology

The science dealing with the functions of living organisms and their parts, and how they work to maintain life.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains the element’s chemical properties.

Molecule

A chemical structure consisting of two or more atoms bonded together.

Macromolecule (Chemical)

A large, complex molecule such as a protein, nucleic acid, or polysaccharide.

Organelle

A specialized subcellular structure (e.g., nucleus, mitochondrion) that performs a specific function within a cell.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life; smallest unit considered alive.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and extracellular material performing a common function.

Organ

A structure composed of at least two tissue types that work together to carry out a specific function.

Organ System

A group of organs that cooperate to accomplish a common purpose (e.g., digestive system).

Organism

A living individual; the sum of all organ systems working together to maintain life.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes.

Positive Feedback

A control mechanism in which the response amplifies the original stimulus; example: childbirth, where uterine contractions trigger more oxytocin release, intensifying contractions.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism that opposes or reduces the original stimulus to maintain balance; example: thermoregulation where sweating or shivering brings body temperature back toward normal.

Childbirth

The physiological process of delivering a baby, driven by a positive feedback loop of uterine contractions and oxytocin release.

Uterine Contractions

Rhythmic tightening of uterine muscles during labor that push the fetus toward the cervix and stimulate more oxytocin release.

Oxytocin

A hormone from the posterior pituitary that intensifies uterine contractions in a positive feedback loop during labor.

Thermoregulation

The negative-feedback process that maintains a stable core body temperature (~37 °C).

Shivering

Involuntary skeletal-muscle contractions that generate heat when body temperature falls below normal.

Sweating

Evaporation of sweat from skin surfaces to dissipate heat when body temperature rises.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, especially in the skin, to increase heat loss when the body is too warm.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow to the skin and conserve heat when the body is cold.

Skin Blood Vessels

Peripheral vessels that can dilate or constrict to regulate heat loss during thermoregulation.

Normal Body Temperature

The set-point temperature of approximately 37 °C (98.6 °F) that homeostatic mechanisms strive to maintain.

Gradient

A difference in chemical concentration, temperature, or pressure between two points.

Flow (Down a Gradient)

The tendency of chemicals, heat, or fluids to move from an area of higher value to an area of lower value (downhill).