Module 2A: Body Structures and Organ Systems Flashcards
(162 cards)
Plasma membrane
Description: Selectively permeable membrane (allows only certain substances through) made of phospholipids and proteins surrounding the entire cell
Function:
- Separates the internal components of the cell from the surrounding environment
- Essential to the life of the cell
Cytoplasm
Description: Gel-like fluid filling the inside of the cell that is comprised primarily of water, with electrolytes, metabolic waste products, and nutrients dissolved within it
Function:
- Contains many suspended organelles, or cell structures
- Medium for chemical reactions
Nucleus
Description: Large, spherical body near the center of the cell containing genetic material in the form of DNA
Function:
- Control center of the cell
- Regulates cell activity
- Houses genetic material
Nuclear membrane
Description: Double-layered, porous membrane surrounding the nucleus
Function: Protects the nucleus, allowing in only specific materials
Nucleolus
Description: Dark, dense body within the nucleus without an enclosing membrane; most cells contain one to four
Function: Forms RNA and ribosomes
Mitochondria
Description: Elongated, rod-shaped bodies filled with fluid, containing DNA; Known as the “power plant” of the cell
Function: Convert nutrients into energy for use by the cell/body; create adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Ribosomes
Description: Small granules of RNA found in the nucleolus or cytoplasm
Function: Protein synthesis for both internal and external use
Endoplasmic reticulum
Description:
- Complex connection of membranous fluid-filled, flat sacs and tubular channels
- Connects the cell membrane to the nucleus membrane, as well as some organelles
- Comprised of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
Function:
- Transports materials throughout the cell
- RER: Supports the synthesis and transport of proteins
- SER: Supports the synthesis of some lipid molecules, including steroids
Golgi apparatus
Description: Four to six flat membranous sacs, connected to the endoplasmic reticulum; typically found near the nucleus
Function:
- “Packaging and shipping plant” of the cell
- Packages and releases materials secreted by the cell for external use
- Forms lysosomes for sure within the cell
Lysosomes
Description: Sacs surrounded by membranes created by the Golgi apparatus
Function: Digest waste materials including damaged materials found in the cell, old cell components, and materials entering the cell
Cytoskeleton
Description: Comprised of protein microfilaments and microtubules
Function:
- Maintains the shape and structure of the cell
- Keeps organelles in place and moves them throughout the cell as needed
Centrioles
Description: Pair of rod-shaped bodies made of microtubules found near the nucleus
Function: Participate in cell reproduction through the distribution of DNA to new cells
Cilia
Description: Short, hair-like microtubules projecting from the cell membrane
Function: Aid in the movement of substances along the surface of the cell
Flagella
Description: Long, hair-like microtubules, projecting from the cell membrane
Function: Move the cell itself, through a whip-like motion
Planes of the Body
Sagittal plane: Divides the body into left and right sides. Midsagittal refers to an equal division of left and right sides, running along the midline of the body.
Transverse plane: Divides the body into upper and lower sections, not necessarily equally
Frontal plane: Also called coronal plane, divides the body into anterior and posterior sections
Body Cavities
Cranial cavity
Spinal cavity
Thoracic cavity
Abdominal cavity
Pelvic cavity
Cranial Cavity
Within the skull; houses the meninges (brain)
Spinal Cavity
Traveling down the midline of the back and formed by the vertebrae, this contains the spinal cord
Thoracic Cavity
Within the chest; houses the lungs, heart, and major vessels
Abdominal Cavity
Within the abdomen; houses several major organs such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and intestines
Pelvic Cavity
Inferior to the abdominal cavity; houses the bladder and reproductive organs
Abdominal Quadrants
Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Abdominal Regions
Right Hypochondriac Region
Epigastric Region
Left Hypochondriac Region
Right Lumbar Region
Umbilical Region
Left Lumbar Region
Right Iliac Region
Left Iliac Region
Homeostasis
State in which the body’s systems and biological processes maintain stability.