Final terms BIO11
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Suture: A type of fibrous joint that connects bones of the skull.
Gomphoses: A type of fibrous joint where peg-and-socket connections occur, such as between teeth and their sockets.
Syndesmosis: A type of fibrous joint connected by ligaments, allowing for slight movement.
Synchondrosis: A cartilaginous joint where bones are united by hyaline cartilage, allowing for little or no movement.
Symphysis: A cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by fibrocartilage, allowing for slight movement.
Synovial Joint: A joint characterized by a fluid-filled synovial cavity allowing for a wide range of movement.
Diarthrotic: A joint that allows for free movement (synovial joint).
Amphiarthrotic: A joint that permits slight movement (e.g., symphysis).
Ossification: The process of bone formation.
Intermembranous Ossification: The process by which bone develops from fibrous membranes.
Endochondral Ossification: The process by which bone develops from hyaline cartilage.
Primary Ossification Center: The initial site of bone formation in a developing long bone.
Secondary Ossification Center: Sites of ossification appearing after the primary center, usually in the epiphyseal areas.
Diaphysis: The shaft of a long bone.
Epiphysis: The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.
Epiphyseal Plate: The growth plate in a long bone where lengthening occurs.
Articular Cartilage: The hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones in synovial joints.
Compact Bone: The dense, hard outer layer of bone tissue.
Cancellous Bone (Spongy Bone): The inner layer of bone tissue that has a mesh-like structure.
Haversian System: The structural unit of compact bone containing Haversian canals and lamellae.
Haversian Canal: Central channel in the Haversian system containing blood vessels and nerves.
Lamellae: Concentric rings of bone matrix around a Haversian canal.
Lacunae: Small cavities in bone that contain osteocytes.
Canaliculi: Microscopic canals between lacunae that allow for communication between osteocytes.
Osteocyte: A mature bone cell responsible for maintaining bone tissue.
Volkmann Canal: Channels that run perpendicular to Haversian canals and connect blood supply.
Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of life.
Tissue: A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.
Organ: A structure composed of different types of tissues that perform specific functions.
Organ-System: A group of organs that work together for a common purpose.
Cell Membrane: The barrier that surrounds the cell, regulating what enters and exits.
Nuclear Membrane: The double membrane that encloses the nucleus.
Nucleolus: A dense region within the nucleus associated with ribosomal RNA synthesis.
Chromatin: The complex of DNA and proteins in the cell nucleus; condenses to form chromosomes.
Centriole: A structure involved in cell division, helping to organize the mitotic spindle.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: The organelle involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum: The organelle associated with protein synthesis, studded with ribosomes.
Golgi Apparatus: The organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.
Lysosome: The organelle containing digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
Food Vacuole: A type of vacuole that stores food for the cell.
Mitochondrion: The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for generating ATP through respiration.
Phagocytosis: The process by which a cell engulfs solid particles.
Pinocytosis: The process by which a cell takes in liquid from the surrounding environment.
Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance filling the cell, containing organelles and the cytoskeleton.
Mitosis: The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.
Prophase: The first stage of mitosis during which chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
Metaphase: The second stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
Anaphase: The third stage of mitosis, where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.
Telophase: The final stage of mitosis, where the nuclear membranes reform and the cell separates.
Spindle Apparatus: The structure made of microtubules that separates chromosomes during cell division.
Diploid: A cell that contains two sets of homologous chromosomes (2n).
2n: The notation representing diploid number of chromosomes.
n: The notation representing haploid number of chromosomes.
Centromere/Kinetochore: The region where sister chromatids are joined and where spindle fibers attach during mitosis.
Chromatid: Each of the two thread-like strands into which a chromosome divides during cell division.
Furrowing: The process in cytokinesis where the membrane constricts to divide the cell.
Meiosis: The specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.
Recombination: The process of the exchange of genetic material during meiosis.
Reduction: The halving of the number of chromosomes during meiosis.
Gametogenesis: The process by which gametes are produced.
Oogenesis: The development of female gametes (ova).
Spermatogenesis: The development of male gametes (sperm).
Haploid: A cell containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes (n).
Spermatid: An immature male gamete that develops into a sperm.
Polar Body: A small cell that is produced during meiosis in oogenesis; typically does not develop into an ovum.
Meiosis I: The first division in meiosis, reducing chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
Meiosis II: The second division in meiosis, similar to mitosis, that separates sister chromatids.
Active Process: A cell process that requires energy (ATP), such as active transport.
Passive Process: A cell process that does not require energy, such as diffusion.
Diffusion: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.
Hypertonic: A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than another solution.
Hypotonic: A solution that has a lower concentration of solutes than another solution.
Crenation: The process by which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, causing them to shrink.
Hemolysis: The rupture of red blood cells in a hypotonic solution, causing them to swell and burst.
Isotonic: A solution with the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.
Facilitated Diffusion: The process by which substances are transported across cell membranes by proteins, without energy.
Dialysis: The separation of molecules in solution by their differing rates of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane.
Active Transport: The movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Skeletal Muscle: Muscle tissue that is attached to bones and is under voluntary control.
Smooth Muscle: Involuntary muscle found in walls of hollow organs.
Cardiac Muscle: Involuntary muscle found only in the heart.
Origin: The point of attachment of a muscle to the stationary bone.
Insertion: The point of attachment of a muscle to the bone that moves.
Abduction: The movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
Adduction: The movement of a limb towards the midline of the body.
Extension: The straightening of a joint.
Flexion: The bending of a joint.
Tendon: A fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
Epimysium: The outermost layer of connective tissue surrounding a muscle.
Perimysium: The connective tissue surrounding a fascicle (bundle of muscle fibers).
Endomysium: The connective tissue surrounding individual muscle fibers.
Fasciculus: A bundle of muscle fibers.
Muscle Fiber (Cell): The basic cellular unit of muscle tissue.
Myofilaments: The filaments of myofibrils, constructed from proteins, principally myosin and actin.
Axial Skeleton: The bones of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
Appendicular Skeleton: The bones of the limbs and girdles.
Flat Bone: A bone that is thin and flat, such as the skull bones.
Long Bone: A bone that is longer than it is wide, such as the femur.
Short Bone: A cube-like bone, such as those in the wrist.
Irregular Bone: Bones that have a complex shape, such as vertebrae.
Foramen: An opening in a bone through which nerves and blood vessels pass.
Fossa: A depression or hollow area in a bone.
Tubercle: A small, rounded projection on a bone.
Tuberosity: A large, rounded projection on a bone.
Trochanter: A large, bony prominence on the femur.
Process: A bony projection for muscle or ligament attachment.
Condyle: A rounded end of a bone that forms part of a joint.
Cardiac Muscle: Muscle tissue of the heart, involuntary and striated.
Smooth Muscle: Involuntary, non-striated muscle found in various organs.
Skeletal Muscle: Striated muscle that is under voluntary control.
Origin: The stable attachment point of a muscle.
Insertion: The movable attachment point of a muscle.
Belly: The central part of the muscle between its origin and insertion.
Fasciculus: A bundle containing a group of muscle fibers.
Muscle Fiber: A muscle cell.
Myofibril: A long, thread-like structure in muscle cells composed of filaments.
Epimysium: The connective tissue surrounding a muscle.
Perimysium: The connective tissue surrounding fascicles.
Endomysium: The connective tissue surrounding each muscle fiber.
Thick Filament: Myosin protein filaments involved in muscle contraction.
Thin Filament: Actin protein filaments involved in muscle contraction.
Z-Line: The boundary between adjacent sarcomeres.
A-Band: The region of a sarcomere where thick filaments are present, giving it a darker appearance.
I-Band: The region of a sarcomere with only thin filaments, light under the microscope.
H-Zone: A lighter region within the A-band, containing only thick filaments.
Sarcomere: The basic contractile unit of muscle fiber.
Myosin: The thick filament protein that interacts with actin to cause muscle contraction.
Actin: The thin filament protein that interacts with myosin for muscle contraction.
Tropomyosin: A protein that blocks the interaction between actin and myosin.
Troponin: A protein complex that helps regulate muscle contraction.
Sliding Filament Theory: The theory explaining muscle contraction through the sliding of actin and myosin filaments.
Mechanical Digestion: The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.
Chemical Digestion: The enzymatic breakdown of food into simpler substances.
Salivary Amylase: An enzyme in saliva that breaks down starches into sugars.
Pharynx: The muscular tube connecting the nasal cavity to the esophagus.
Nasopharynx: The upper part of the pharynx behind the nose.
Oropharnyx: The middle part of the pharynx behind the mouth.
Laryngopharynx: The lower part of the pharynx, connecting to the larynx and esophagus.
Epiglottis: A flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe during swallowing.
Esophagus: The muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
Peristalsis: The involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the intestines that move food along the digestive tract.
Cardiac Sphincter: A ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that prevents backflow of stomach contents.
Stomach: A muscular organ that mixes food and begins digestion.
Fundus: The upper curvature of the stomach.
Cardia: The region of the stomach where the esophagus connects.
Pylorus: The stomach region that connects to the small intestine.
Rugae: Folds in the stomach lining that allow it to expand.
Pyloric Sphincter: A muscular valve controlling the flow of partially digested food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Greater Curvature: The larger curve of the stomach.
Greater Omentum: A fold of peritoneum extending from the stomach.
Lesser Curvature: The smaller curvature of the stomach.
Lesser Omentum: The peritoneum extending from the stomach to the liver.
Small Intestine: The part of the digestive system where most digestion and absorption occurs.
Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine, following the stomach.
Jejunum: The second part of the small intestine, between the duodenum and ileum.
Ileum: The final part of the small intestine that connects to the colon.
Plicae Circulares: Circular folds within the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.
Liver: The organ that processes nutrients and detoxifies harmful substances.
Hepatic Duct: The duct that carries bile from the liver.
Cystic Duct: The duct that connects the gallbladder to the hepatic duct.
Common Bile Duct: The duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.
Gall Bladder: The organ that stores bile produced by the liver.
Ampulla of Vater: The chamber where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet before entering the duodenum.
Sphincter of Oddi: The muscle that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum.
Emulsification: The process of breaking down fats into smaller droplets to increase surface area for digestion.
Pancreas: Gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones.
Pancreatic Duct: The duct that carries enzyme-rich fluid from the pancreas to the duodenum.
Ileocecal Valve: The valve between the ileum and cecum that regulates the flow of chyme into the colon.
Cecum: The first part of the large intestine.
Vermiform Appendix: A tube-like structure attached to the cecum.
Colon: The part of the large intestine that absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter.
Haustra: Pouch-like structures in the colon created by muscular contractions.
Teniae Coli: Longitudinal muscle bands that run along the colon, aiding in peristalsis.
Ascending Colon: The part of the colon that rises from the cecum to the transverse colon.
Transverse Colon: The part of the colon that travels across the abdomen.
Descending Colon: The portion of the colon that descends from the transverse colon.
Sigmoid Colon: The part of the colon that curves into the rectum.
Hepatic Flexure: The bend in the colon near the liver.
Splenic Flexure: The bend in the colon near the spleen.
Tunica Mucosa: The innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Epithelial Layer: The layer of epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.
Lamina Propria: The connective tissue layer beneath the epithelial layer in the mucosa.
Muscularis Mucosa: The thin layer of muscle that moves the mucosal layer.
Tunica Submucosa: The connective tissue layer containing blood vessels and nerves beneath the mucosa.
Tunica Muscularis: The layer of muscle responsible for peristalsis.
Circular Smooth Muscle: Muscle layer that constricts the lumen of the digestive tract.
Longitudinal Smooth Muscle: Muscle layer that shortens the length of the digestive tract.
Tunica Serosa: The outermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract that forms part of the peritoneum.
Adventitia: The outer connective tissue layer of an organ.
Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood.
Glomerulus: A cluster of capillaries located within a nephron where filtration occurs.
Afferent Arteriole: The blood vessel carrying blood to the glomerulus.
Efferent Arteriole: The blood vessel carrying filtered blood away from the glomerulus.
Bowman's Capsule: The cup-like structure that encases the glomerulus and collects filtrate.
Proximal Convoluted Tubules: The segment of the nephron where most reabsorption occurs.
Descending Loop of Henle: The part of the nephron that allows for water reabsorption.
Loop of Henle: The section of a nephron that creates a concentration gradient in the kidney.
Ascending Loop of Henle: The segment of the nephron that allows for the reabsorption of ions.
Distal Convoluted Tubules: The part of the nephron where further modifications of filtrate occur.
Vasa Recta: Capillaries that supply blood to the renal medulla.
Renal Cortex: The outer layer of the kidney where filtration begins.
Renal Medulla: The inner region of the kidney containing the nephrons.
Renal Pyramid: Cone-shaped tissue in the renal medulla involved in urine production.
Renal Column: The extensions of the renal cortex running between the renal pyramids.
Minor Calyx: The structure collecting urine from the renal pyramids.
Major Calyx: Larger funnels for collecting urine from the minor calyces.
Renal Pelvis: The funnel-shaped structure that forms the beginning of the ureter, collecting urine from the major calyces.
Ureter: The tube carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Collecting Duct: The duct that collects urine from the nephrons.
Bladder: The organ that stores urine before excretion.
Rugae: Folds in the bladder that allow for expansion as it fills.
Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Serous Membrane: A membrane that lines body cavities and covers organs.
Falciform Ligament: The ligament that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall.
Parietal Peritoneum: The lining of the abdominal cavity.
Visceral Peritoneum: The layer of peritoneum covering the organs in the abdominal cavity.
Parietal Pleura: The lining of the thoracic cavity.
Visceral Pleura: The pleura that covers the lungs.
Broad Ligament: A peritoneal fold that supports the uterus.
Mesenteries Proper: Folds of peritoneum that suspend the intestines.
Mesocolon: The fold of peritoneum attaching the colon to the abdominal wall.
Epicardium: The outer layer of the heart wall.
Myocardium: The middle muscular layer of the heart.
Visceral Pericardium: The inner layer of the pericardium that covers the heart.
Parietal Pericardium: The fibrous outer layer of the pericardium.
Systemic Circulation: The pathway of blood from the heart to the rest of the body and back.
Artery: A blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Arteriole: A small blood vessel that branches from an artery.
Capillary: The smallest blood vessel where gas exchange occurs.
Venule: The small blood vessel that drains blood from capillaries and merges to form a vein.
Vein: A blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Vena Cava: The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Right Atrium: The chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
Coronary Sinus: The large vein that collects blood from the heart muscle.
Tricuspid Valve: The valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.
Valve Cusp: The flaps of tissue that open and close to regulate blood flow.
Chordae Tendinae: The tendinous fibers that stabilize the valve cusps.
Trabeculae Carneae: Muscular ridges in the ventricles of the heart.
Pulmonary Semilunar Valve: The valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk.
Pulmonary Trunk: The vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Pulmonary Artery: The arteries that carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Pulmonary Vein: The veins that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
Left Atrium: The chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
Mitral Valve: The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Bicuspid Valve: Another name for the mitral valve; it has two cusps.
LAV Valve: An abbreviation for left atrioventricular valve, which is the mitral valve.
Left Ventricle: The chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood to the body.
Aortic Semilunar Valve: The valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.
Coronary Arteries: The arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
Coronary Sulcus: The groove that encircles the heart, separating the atria from the ventricles.
IV Septum: The wall separating the left and right ventricles of the heart.
Base: The top portion of the heart where the major vessels enter and exit.
Apex: The pointed tip of the heart, directed towards the left.
Papillary Muscle: The muscle responsible for pulling the atrioventricular valves closed via the chordae tendinae.
Diaphragm: The muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing.
Elastic Artery: A large artery with elastic walls that can expand and recoil.
Muscular Artery: An artery that has more smooth muscle than elastin, allowing for vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Tunica Externa: The outermost layer of blood vessels, providing structural support.
Tunica Media: The middle layer of blood vessels, containing smooth muscle and elastic fibers.
Tunica Intima (Interna): The innermost layer of a blood vessel, consisting of endothelial cells.
Formed Elements: The cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Diapedesis: The process by which white blood cells move through the walls of blood vessels to tissues.
Eosinophil: A type of white blood cell that combats parasites and contributes to allergic responses.
Neutrophil: A type of white blood cell that functions primarily in the destruction of bacteria and fungi.
Basophil: A type of white blood cell that releases histamine during allergic reactions and inflammation.
Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell involved in the immune response.
Monocyte: A type of white blood cell that differentiates into macrophages and dendritic cells.
Agranulocytic Leucocyte: White blood cells without granules in their cytoplasm, including lymphocytes and monocytes.
Granulocytic Leucocyte: White blood cells with granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
Thrombocytes: Cell fragments involved in clotting, commonly known as platelets.
Platelets: Small cell fragments in blood that are essential for clotting.
Serum: The liquid part of blood that remains after coagulation.
Plasma: The liquid component of blood containing water, electrolytes, proteins, and waste products.
External Respiration: The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood.
Internal Respiration: The exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues.
Primary Bronchus: The main airway that branches from the trachea to the lungs.
Secondary Bronchi: The airways that branch from the primary bronchi into the lungs.
Tertiary Bronchi: The smaller airways that branch from secondary bronchi.
Oblique Fissure: The fissures in the lung that separate lobes.
Horizontal Fissure: The fissure that separates the upper lobe from the middle lobe of the right lung.
Bronchiole: The small airways that branch off from the bronchi in the lungs.
Terminal Bronchiole: The last part of the bronchiole tree before the alveoli.
Respiratory Bronchiole: The bronchiole that leads into alveoli and is involved in gas exchange.
Alveolar Sac: The cluster of alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
Alveolus: The tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.
Integumentary System: The organ system that includes skin, hair, nails, and glands that protect the body.
Stratum Corneum: The outermost layer of skin composed of dead cells.
Stratum Lucidum: A clear layer of dead skin cells found only in thick skin.
Stratum Granulosum: The layer of skin where cells begin to die and keratinize.
Stratum Spinosum: The layer of skin where cells appear spiny, providing strength and flexibility.
Stratum Basale: The deepest layer of the epidermis where cell division occurs.
Epidermis: The outermost layer of skin composed of epithelial tissue.
Dermis: The thicker layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels and nerves.
Corium: Another term for the dermis layer of the skin.
Papillate Dermis: The upper layer of the dermis containing dermal papillae.
Reticulate Dermis: The deeper layer of the dermis, providing strength and elasticity.
Sudoriferous Gland: Sweat glands that help regulate body temperature and excrete waste.
Sebaceous Gland: Oil glands in the skin that lubricate hair and skin.
Merocrine Gland: A type of gland that secretes products without altering the cells.
Holocrine Gland: A type of gland that releases entire cells filled with secreting substances.
Apocrine Gland: A type of sweat gland that secretes a thick fluid into hair follicles.
Stratified Squamous Epithelium: A type of epithelium composed of multiple layers of flat cells, providing protection.
Simple Squamous Epithelium: A single layer of flat cells, allowing for diffusion and filtration.
Transitional Epithelium: Epithelium that changes shape; found in the bladder.
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium: A single layer of cube-shaped cells, involved in secretion and absorption.
Simple: Referring to a single layer of cells.
Stratified: Referring to multiple layers of cells.
Simple Columnar Epithelium: A single layer of column-like cells, often involved in absorption and secretion.
Neuron: The fundamental unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals.
Multipolar Neuron: A neuron with multiple processes extending from the cell body, typical of motor neurons.
Bipolar Neuron: A neuron with two processes, found in sensory pathways.
Unipolar Neuron: A neuron with one process, found in sensory ganglia.
Dendrite: The part of the neuron that receives signals from other neurons.
Perikaryon: The cell body of a neuron.
Axon Hillock: The part of the neuron where the axon begins, important in action potential generation.
Axon Cylinder: The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits impulses.
Myelin Sheath: The insulating layer around the axon, speeding up signal transmission.
Axon Branch: The divergence of an axon into multiple terminals; also called collaterals.
Telodendrion: The terminal branching of an axon that connects to other neurons or muscles.
Synapse: The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.
Synaptic Vesicle: Membrane-bound sacs that contain neurotransmitters.
Synaptic Cleft: The space between two neurons at the synapse.
CNS: The central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
PNS: The peripheral nervous system, comprising all nerves outside the CNS.
Afferent Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that carries sensory signals to the CNS.
Efferent Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that carries signals away from the CNS to muscles and glands.
Voluntary Nervous System: The division of the nervous system controlling voluntary actions, mostly skeletal muscle.
Involuntary Nervous System: The portion of the nervous system that regulates involuntary actions, such as heartbeat and digestion.
Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions, like heart rate and digestion.
Sympathetic Nervous System: The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stress-related activities.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: The division of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and promotes rest.
Astrocytes: Star-shaped glial cells in the CNS that support neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier.
Oligodendrocytes: Glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin sheaths for axons.
Microglia: The immune cells of the CNS that respond to injury or disease.
Adrenergic: Related to or denoting nerve cells in which adrenaline (epinephrine) acts as a neurotransmitter.
Cholinergic: Relating to nerve cells that use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.
Ganglion: A cluster of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.
Nucleus: A group of neuron cell bodies in the CNS.
Chain Ganglia: A series of ganglia that are part of the sympathetic nervous system.
Preganglionic Neuron: The neuron that extends from the CNS to a ganglion.
Postganglionic Neuron: The neuron that extends from a ganglion to the effector organ.
Myoneural Junction (Neuromuscular): The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.
Hormone: A chemical messenger produced by glands that regulates physiological functions.
Endocrine Gland: Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Adenohypophysis: The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that secretes various hormones.
Neurohypophysis: The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
Vasopressin: Another name for antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water balance.
Target Organ: The organ that responds to a specific hormone.
Oxytocin: A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection.
HGH: Human growth hormone, responsible for growth and development.
MSH: Melanocyte-stimulating hormone that influences pigmentation.
TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone that regulates thyroid function.
FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone involved in reproduction and menstrual cycle regulation.
ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex.
LH: Luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation.
Prolactin: A hormone that stimulates milk production in lactating women.
Calcitonin: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels.
Thyroxin: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism.
Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and glucagon.
Insulin: A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells.
Glucagon: A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver.
Diabetes: A chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin or ineffective use of insulin.
Hypoglycemia: An abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.
Spinal Nerve: A mixed nerve that carries sensory and motor signals to and from the spinal cord.
Dorsal Root: The sensory root of a spinal nerve.
Ventral Root: The motor root of a spinal nerve.
Gray Ramus: The communicating branch of a spinal nerve that contains postganglionic fibers.
White Ramus: The branch of a spinal nerve that contains preganglionic sympathetic fibers.
Communicating Rami: The branches that connect the spinal nerves to the sympathetic trunk.
White Matter: The myelinated part of the CNS; primarily consists of axons.
Gray Matter: The unmyelinated part of the CNS; primarily consists of neuronal cell bodies.
Splanchnic Nerve: Nerves that innervate the internal organs
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