Terms and Definitions Flashcards
Gross anatomy
The macroscopic structures of an organism.
Microscopic anatomy
The study of the microscopic structures of an organism.
Physiology
The study of the functions of an organism and its parts.
Histology
The study of tissues.
Organ
A group of tissues specialized for particular functions.
Tissues
Groups of cells specialized for particular functions.
Homeostasis
A state of dynamic equilibrium in the body with respect to its internal environment and functions.
Effector
A structure in the body that can change the value of a variable in response to a signal from the control center.
Selective permeability
The ability to let certain materials in or out while restricting others.
Endocytosis
The process by which large molecules are taken into the cell.
Exocytosis
Transport of material from inside the cell to outside the cell using vesicles; secretion.
Set point
Ideal normal value of a variable around which homeostasis is maintained through a normal range of values that are acceptable to the body.
Stress
A factor that causes one or more physiological variables to move away from its homeostatic set point.
