Cells, Tissues, and Human Body Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular biology, levels of structural organisation, anatomy, physiology, and homeostatic negative feedback loops based on lecture study notes.

Cells

The basic living units of tissue and the smallest units of living organisms that can function independently.

Bone Cells

Specialised cells that form and regenerate the bones in the body.

Nervous System Cells

Specialised cells that send signals/messages within the brain and throughout the body to produce actions.

Blood Cells

Specialised cells that carry oxygen and help the immune system.

Sex Cells

Specialised cells that unite to produce offspring.

Genetic Information

Information contained within cells that acts like an instruction manual, telling them how to function, replicate, and develop specialised characteristics.

Somatic Cells

Body cells.

Gametes

Sex/reproductive cells, consisting of male gametes (sperm) and female gametes (ovum/egg).

Zygote

A fertilised egg cell formed when sperm and ovum unite, which subsequently develops into an embryo.

Differentiation

The process by which cells change in structure and become specialised.

Subatomic Particles

Particles smaller than an atom, comprising protons (positive charge), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (negative charge).

Atoms

Units made up of subatomic particles; the specific number of protons they contain determines which element they are.

Molecules

Structures that consist of two or more atoms chemically bonded together (e.g., water, proteins, sugars, and salts).

Tissue

A group of similar specialised cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Four Major Types of Body Tissue

Connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue, and epithelial tissue.

Organ

An anatomically distinct structure made up of two or more different tissue types working together to perform one or more physiological functions.

Organ System

A group of organs working together to meet a particular physiological need of the body, such as the circulatory system.

Anatomy

The structure of the body.

Physiology

The function of the body.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining the body's internal conditions within a steady state and narrow range compatible with life.

Set Point

The baseline physiological value around which a normal range fluctuates.

Negative Feedback Loop

A common mechanism used to maintain homeostasis by reversing a detected change and returning conditions to their normal physiological range to prevent disruption and cell damage.

Stimulus

A change or deviation of a physiological value from its normal range.

Receptor

A component or sensor that detects a change or deviation in conditions.

Control Centre

A component (such as the brain) that receives information from receptors and initiates an appropriate response.

Response

An action initiated by the control centre that acts to reverse a change and return the value back toward the normal range.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels near the skin to increase blood flow and help release heat when body temperature increases.