Body Systems

Microvilli

Fingerlike extensions of plasma membrane in small intestine, increase surface area and aid in absorption of nutrients

Endocrine system

system associated with hormones, glands, and regulation

White blood cell

cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials; also known as leukocytes (leuko- meaning "white" and -cytes - meaning "cells")

Neuron

an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals; also known as a nerve cell

Hormones

chemical released by a cell, a gland, or an organ in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism (For example: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in reproduction)

Insulin

hormone released by the pancreas when blood sugar (glucose) levels get too high; it causes cells in the liver, skeletal muscles, and fat tissue to absorb glucose, or sugar, from the blood to stabilize blood sugar levels (effect opposite of glucagon)

Glucagon

hormone released by the pancreas when blood sugar (glucose) levels fall too low; it causes the liver to release glucose, or sugar, into the blood to stabilize blood sugar levels (effect opposite of insulin)

excretory system

the system that removes waste from your body and controls water balance in order to maintain homeostasis

immune system

a complex response system that protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances

integumentary system

The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, and nails. It functions to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature.

nervous system

A system of the body that in vertebrates includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs and receives, interprets, and responds to stimuli from inside and outside the body

nutrient absorption

The transfer of nutrients from the small intestine to the circulatory system.

immunity

The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.

gamete

specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction

microorganism

A small living plant or animal seen only with a microscope; a microbe

pathogen

A disease causing agent

regulation

The adaptation of form or function of an organism to changes in conditions

reflex response

involuntary reaction to a stimulus

active/adaptive immunity

Antibodies produced in response to the virus

positive feedback

a process in which the end products of an action cause more of that action to occur in a feedback loop.

negative feedback

negative feedback loop occurs in biology when the product of a reaction leads to a decrease in that reaction.

respiration

Inhalation and exhalation of air.

antibody

a substance produced by the body that destroys or inactivates an antigen that has entered the body

bone marrow

A soft tissue inside the bone that produces blood cells

passive/innate immunity

Passed from a mother to the fetus that continues to provide immunity during the first months of life