Basic Cellular Physiology & Cardiovascular, Lymphatic & Respiratory Systems – Lecture 1 (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and their definitions from the lecture notes on basic cellular physiology and the anatomy and physiology of major organ systems.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships; provides the framework for understanding physiology; concrete structures that can be seen and examined.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function and carry out life-sustaining activities; explained by the underlying anatomy.

Complementarity of Structure and Function

The principle that function reflects structure; you can infer function from structure.

Form Follows Function

The idea that the shape of a structure is related to its intended function; applies to living cells, tissues, and organisms.

Structural Organization

The body's organization from atoms to the whole organism (atoms → molecules → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism).

Atom

The smallest unit of matter; building block of elements in the body; atoms in the body originate from stars.

Cell Theory

All living things are composed of cells; cells are the basic units of life; new cells arise from preexisting cells.

Erythrocyte

Red blood cell; carries oxygen throughout the body.

Fibroblast

Connective tissue cell that produces fibers and extracellular matrix.

Epithelial cell

Cell that lines body surfaces and forms coverings and membranes.

Skeletal muscle cell

Muscle cell (fiber) that contracts to produce voluntary movement.

Fat cell (adipocyte)

Cell that stores energy in the form of fat.

Smooth muscle cell

Involuntary muscle cell found in walls of hollow organs and vessels.

Nerve cell (neuron)

Cell that gathers information and controls body functions via nerve impulses.

Macrophage

Immune cell that engulfs and digests pathogens and debris.

Sperm

Male reproductive cell; gamete that carries paternal DNA.

Plasma membrane

External boundary of the cell; phospholipid bilayer with cholesterol and proteins; contains receptors; regulates entry/exit and maintains resting potential.

Cytoplasm

Cellular region between the nucleus and plasma membrane; contains cytosol, organelles, and inclusions.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

ER with ribosomes; site of protein synthesis and initial processing.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

ER lacking ribosomes; site of lipid synthesis, detoxification, and Ca2+ storage.

Golgi apparatus

Stack of membranes that packages, modifies, and sorts proteins for secretion, lysosomes, or membrane incorporation.

Mitochondrion

Powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP production.

Ribosome

Site of protein synthesis; ribosomal RNA and proteins; free or attached to rough ER.

Lysosome

Membranous sacs with acid hydrolases; sites of intracellular digestion.

Peroxisome

Membranous sacs containing catalase and oxidases; detoxify toxic substances.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments (microtubules, intermediate filaments, microfilaments) that supports the cell and enables movement.

Microtubule

Tubulin-based filament; forms centrioles and cilia/flagella; tracks for movement.

Microfilament

Actin-based filament; supports cell shape and movement.

Intermediate filament

Rope-like filament providing mechanical support.

Centriole

Paired cylindrical bodies organizing the microtubule network during cell division; basal bodies for cilia/flagella.

Cilium

Short, hair-like projection that moves substances across cell surfaces.

Flagellum

Long projection that propels the cell; in humans, the sperm tail.

Microvilli

Tiny extensions that increase surface area for absorption; contain actin filaments.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell; contains nucleoplasm, nucleolus, and chromatin; enclosed by the nuclear envelope.

Nuclear envelope

Double-membrane barrier with pores; separates nucleoplasm from cytoplasm and is continuous with the rough ER.

Nucleolus

Site of ribosome subunit synthesis within the nucleus.

Chromatin

DNA wrapped around histone proteins; granular material that becomes chromosomes during division.

Resting membrane potential

Electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a resting cell; essential for excitable cells.

Inclusions

Stored nutrients or secretory products within the cytoplasm.