The Body as a Whole

Chapter 5 Medical Terminology Book

Chromosomes

are thread like structures in the nucleus of a cell that function in the transmission of the genetic information. Each chromosome consists of double strand of deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA)

Stem cells

Cells that have the ability to divide without limit and give rise to specialized cells .

Somatic cells

Examples of Somatic cells are Nerve cells, muscle cells and blood cells , these cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Reproductive cells

sperm and egg(ova) cells , not having 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Tissues

Group of cells that perform the same activity as cells are called tissues.

cytoplasm

The liquid portion outside the nucleus.

organelles

Cytoplasmic inclusions.

Nerve tissue

Conducts impulses that connect the brain and spinal cord with other parts of the body.

organs

Two or more tissues type that work together to perform one or more functions and form a more complex structures called organs.

Homeo+statis

home/o= sameness

-statis=controlling

The constant internal environment that is naturally maintained in the body.

atrophy

(decrease in size) of our brain occurs as we age.

anaplasia