Functional Organization of the Human Body and Control of the Internal Environment

Vocabulary flashcards covering the origin of nutrients in extracellular fluid, removal of metabolic waste products, and regulation of body functions by the nervous and hormonal systems.

Capillary and Interstitial Fluid Diffusion

The process by which fluids diffuse through capillary walls and through the interstitial spaces between cells.

Pulmonary Capillary Membrane

The membrane located between the alveoli and the lumen of the pulmonary capillaries, which measures $0.4$ to $2.0\,\text{micrometers}$ thick.

Carbon Dioxide

The most abundant of all end products of metabolism, which is released from the blood into the alveoli and carried out to the atmosphere.

Liver

An organ that changes the chemical compositions of many substances absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into more useable forms for the cells.

Musculoskeletal System

The body system that provides motility to obtain required nutrition and provides protection against adverse surroundings.

Kidneys

Organs that clear cellular metabolic waste products (such as urea and uric acid) and excess ions from the plasma by filtering plasma through the glomeruli into tubules.

Sensory Input Portion

The part of the nervous system composed of sensory receptors that detect the state of the body or the state of the surroundings.

Central Nervous System

The integrative portion of the nervous system composed of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for storing information, generating thoughts, and determining reactions.

Motor Output Portion

The part of the nervous system that transmits signals from the central nervous system to carry out desired responses or actions.

Autonomic System

A segment of the nervous system that operates at a subconscious level to control internal organ functions, such as heart pumping activity, gastrointestinal movements, and glandular secretion.

Hormones

Chemical substances secreted by eight major endocrine glands into the extracellular fluid to help regulate cellular function throughout the body.

Thyroid Hormone

A hormone that increases the rates of most chemical reactions in all cells, thereby setting the tempo of bodily activity.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by an endocrine gland that controls glucose metabolism.

Adrenocortical Hormones

Hormones that control sodium ion, potassium ion, and protein metabolism.