Chapter 1 Flashcards
(93 cards)
Physiology
The science of the functioning of living organisms
Anatomy
The science of the structure of living organisms
Atoms
The smallest part of an element; invisible by ordinary chemical means
Cell
The basic biological unit of living organisms, enclosed by a limiting membrane; cells in more complex organisms contain a nucleus and a variety of organelles
Tissue
A group of similar cells specializes to perform a specific function; primary tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues
Organ
A part of the body formed of two or more tissues that performs a specialized function
Organ System
A group of organs that work together to perform a vital body function
Organism
An individual living thing
What are the 6 levels of structural organization?
- Chemical Level
- Cellular Level
- Tissue Level
- Organ Level
- Organ System Level
- Organismal Level
Integumentary System
The skin and its accessory organs. Protects deeper tissue from injury; synthesizes vitamin D; location of cutaneous receptors and sweat/oil glands
Skeletal System
System of protection and support for body organs composed primarily of bone and cartilage; provides a framework the muscles use to cause movement; blood cells are formed within bones; stores minerals
Muscular System
Organ system consisting of skeletal muscles and their connective tissue attachments; maintains posture; produces heat; allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion, and facial expression
Cardiovascular System
Organ system that distributes blood to all parts of the body
Nervous System
Fast-acting control system that employs nerve impulses to trigger muscle contraction or gland secretion; responds to internal and external changes by activating appropriate muscles and glands
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic vessels, and the lymphoid tissues and organs including lymph nodes; picks up fluid leaked from blood vessels and returns it to the blood; disposes of debris in the lymphatic stream; houses white blood cells involved in immunity
Respiratory System
Organ system that carries out gas exchange through the walls of air sacs in the lungs; includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs; keeps blood constantly supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide
Endocrine System
Body system that includes internal organs that secrete hormones; regulates processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use by body cells
Digestive System
System that processes food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible wastes
Urinary System
System primarily responsible for water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance and the removal of nitrogen-containing wastes from the blood
Reproductive System
Organ system that functions to produce offspring
Responsiveness
The ability to sense changes (stimuli) in the environment and then to react to them
Irritability
Ability to respond to a stimulus
Digestion
The body process of breaking down foods chemically and mechanically
Metabolism
The sum total of the chemical reactions that occur in the body
