A terms Flashcards
Abdomen
The area between the diaphragm and pelvis
Abdominal cavity
Superior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity, contains the stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, most of the small intestine, and part of the large intestine
Abdominal thrust maneuver
Heimlich maneuver
Abdominopelvic cavity
Inferior cavity in the torso/ventral cavity
Abduction
Movement away from axis or midline of body
Abortion
Premature loss or removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus
Abrasion
A portion of skin that has been scraped away
Absorption
Intake of fluids or other substances by cells of the skin or mucus membranes
Accomodation
Change in the curvature of the eye lens to adjust for distance
Acetabulum
The rounded portion of the hip bone that receives the head if the femur
Acetylcholine (ACh)
A neurotransmitter released by many peripheral nervous system neurons and some central nervous system neurons
Acid
A proton donor or a substance that disassosiates into hydrogen ions and antions characterized by an excess of hydrogen ions, pH less than 7
Acidosis
A condition in which blood pH is below 7.35
Acini
Masses of cells in pancreas that secret digestive enzymes
Acromegaly
Condition caused by hypersecretion of human growth hormone during adulthood, characterized by thickened bones and enlargement of other tissues
Acrosome
A dense lysosome-like body in he head of a sperm cell that contains enzymes that facilitate the penetration of sperm cell into a secondary oocyte
Actin
The contractile protein that is part of thin filaments in muscle fibers
Action potential
An electrical signal hat propagates along the membrane of a neuron or muscle fiber; a rapid change in membrane potential that involves a depolarization followed by a repolarization, also called a nerve action potential or nerve impulse
Active transport
The movement of substances across some membranes against a concentration gradient requiring the use of cell energy
Accupuncture
The insertion of a needle into a tissue for the purpose of withdrawing fluid or reliving pain, also the traditional Chinese practice
Acute
Haveing rapid onset, severe symptoms, and a short course
Adaptation
The adjustment of the pupil of the eye to light variations, the property by which a neuron relays a decreased frequency of action potentials from a receptor even though the strength of the stimulus remains constant; the decrease in perception of a sensation overtime while the stimulus is still present
Adduction
Movement toward the axis or midline of the body
Adenohypophysas
The anterior portion of the pituitary gland
Adenoids
The pharyngeal tonsils
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
The energy carrying molecule made by all living cells as a means of capturing and storing energy. ATP consists of the purine base adenine and the five carbon sugar ribose to which are added in linear array, 3 phosphate groups
Adipocyte
Fat cell derived from a fibroblast
Adipose tissue
Tissue composed of adipocytes specialized for triglyceride storage and present in the form of soft pads between various organs for support, protection, and insulation