Specialised Cells and Their Functions

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to specialised cells and their functions in multicellular organisms.

Specialised cells

Cells that are adapted to perform specific functions within multicellular organisms.

Nerve cells

Cells that carry messages to and from the brain.

Muscle cells

Specialised cells that enable movement; includes skeletal, involuntary, and cardiac muscle types.

Skeletal muscles

Voluntary muscles attached to bones, used for movement.

Involuntary muscles

Muscles that function without conscious control, such as those in the digestive system.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary muscle that makes up the heart; does not tire and has a striped appearance.

Red blood cells

Cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body and assist in removing carbon dioxide.

White blood cells

Cells that are part of the immune system and help fight infection.

Fat cells

Cells that store energy; include brown fat for warmth and white fat for energy storage.

Guard cells

Cells that control the opening and closing of stomata in plant leaves to regulate gas exchange.

Conducting cells

Specialised plant cells that transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.

Photosynthetic cells

Cells that contain chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis using sunlight.

Root hairs

Extensions of root cells that increase surface area for water uptake.