Biology Unit 5

Differentiation

The process by which a cell undergoes changes to acquire a specialized function.

Specialized Cells

Cells that have unique roles based on the needs of the body, such as red blood cells and nerve cells.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to transform into any type of cell.

Nerve Cells (Neurons)

Specialized cells designed to transmit electrical signals throughout the body.

Skin Cells (Epithelial Cells)

Cells that form protective barriers between the body and the outside environment.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body.

Muscle Cells (Myocytes)

Specialized cells responsible for contraction and movement.

Hierarchy of an Organism

Organization of life from simple to complex, including cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Tissues

Groups of cells working together to perform a specific function.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers and protects body surfaces and cavities.

Connective Tissue

Provides structural support and connects different parts of the body.

Nervous Tissue

Composed of neurons and supporting cells that transmit electrical signals.

Muscle Tissue

Specialized for contraction and movement.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more tissue types working together.

Organ Systems

Groups of several organs working together to perform major bodily functions.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Cardiovascular System

Responsible for circulating blood throughout the body.

Heart

Muscular organ that pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body and oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.

Atria

Upper chambers of the heart that collect blood entering the heart.

Ventricles

Lower chambers of the heart that push blood out to the lungs or the body.

SA node

Natural pacemaker of the heart regulating its rhythm.

Circulation

The movement of blood throughout the body via veins, arteries, and capillaries.

Veins

Carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.

Arteries

Carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

Capillaries

Tiny vessels where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occurs.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels.

Plasma

The liquid part of blood carrying nutrients, waste, and proteins.

Red Blood Cells

Abundant cells in blood that contain hemoglobin for oxygen transport.

Platelets

Cell fragments responsible for blood clotting.

White Blood Cells

Part of the immune system, produced in response to infections.

Lymph

Extra fluid collected by the lymphatic system.

Blood Types

Classifications of blood based on antigens on red blood cells.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where fatty deposits accumulate in arteries, leading to narrowing.

Hypertension

Chronic high blood pressure that strains the heart.

Hemophilia

Genetic disorder where blood doesn’t clot properly.

AIDS

Disease caused by HIV that attacks the immune system.

Anemia

Condition with insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Leukemia

Cancer of the blood or bone marrow resulting in abnormal blood cells.

Respiratory System

Facilitates gas exchange in the body.

Lungs

Primary organs for gas exchange.

Inhalation

Process of taking air into the lungs.

Exhalation

Process of expelling air from the lungs.

Nervous System

Coordinates the body's response to stimuli.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS responsible for voluntary and involuntary functions.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit electrical signals.

Dendrites

Parts of neurons that receive signals.

Axons

Parts of neurons that transmit electrical impulses.

Synapses

Gaps between neurons where signals are transmitted.

Digestive System

Enables the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.

Ingestion

The process of taking food into the body.

Digestion

The breakdown of food into smaller molecules.

Absorption

Process of nutrients entering the bloodstream.

Elimination

The expulsion of waste from the body.

Muscular System

Controls movement and contraction of organs.

Voluntary Muscles

Muscles under conscious control.

Involuntary Muscles

Muscles that function automatically.

Skeletal Muscles

Muscles attached to bones responsible for voluntary movements.

Smooth Muscles

Involuntary muscles lining internal organs.

Cardiac Muscles

Involuntary muscles found in the heart.

Skeletal System

Provides structure, support, and protection to the body.

Bone Composition

Bones are living tissues that undergo remodeling and repair.

Ossification

Process of cartilage being replaced with bone tissue.

Long Bones

Bones longer than they are wide, providing support and movement.

Short Bones

Cube-shaped bones providing stability with limited motion.

Flat Bones

Thin and flat bones providing protection for internal organs.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes not fitting other classifications.

Axial Skeleton

Central axis of the body including the skull and spine.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes limbs and their attachments to the axial skeleton.

Ligaments

Strong tissues connecting bones to other bones.

Tendons

Connective tissues attaching muscles to bones.

Cartilage

Flexible tissue that reduces friction at joints.

Fixed Joints

Joints allowing no movement, such as skull sutures.

Pivot Joints

Joints allowing rotational movement, such as in the neck.

Gliding Joints

Joints allowing bones to slide past each other.

Hinge Joints

Joints allowing movement in one direction, such as in the elbow.

Ball and Socket Joints

Joints allowing for the greatest range of motion, such as the shoulder.

Immune System

Network of cells and tissues defending against invaders.

Nonspecific Defenses

Initial responses to invaders not targeting specific pathogens.

Specific Defenses

Targeted immune responses to specific pathogens.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B-cells that bind to pathogens.

Antigens

Molecules on pathogens signaling the immune system.

Lymphatic System

Network transporting immune cells and filtering harmful substances.

Spleen

Organ filtering blood and aiding the immune response.

Immunity

Body's ability to recognize and defend against pathogens.

Active Immunity

Immunity from exposure to a pathogen or vaccination.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired from another source, like breastfeeding.

Vaccination

Stimulates the immune system to develop an immune response.

Immunological Memory

memory cells enabling a faster response to previously encountered pathogens.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Stimulus and Response

Organisms' reactions to environmental changes.

Physical Stimuli

Sensations like touch, temperature, and pressure.

Chemical Stimuli

Triggers for the body's fight-or-flight response.

Interactions of Neurons

Neurons communicate signals through synapses.

Differentiation in Cells

The process by which cells change to acquire specific functions within multicellular organisms.

Role of Specialized Cells

Cells in multicellular organisms are specialized based on body needs, each performing unique functions.

Stem Cells and Their Potential

Undifferentiated cells that can develop into any cell type, crucial for growth and tissue healing.

Structure of Neurons

Nerve cells with long axons and dendrites, designed for efficient transmission of electrical signals.

Function of Epithelial Cells

Form a protective barrier in tissues, preventing pathogen entry and protecting against physical damage.

Function of Red Blood Cells

Transport oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs for expulsion.