Anatomy and Physiology Key Terms

Question 1

androgen

Answer 1

generic term for an agent (usually a hormone, such as testosterone and androsterone) that stimulates development of male characteristics

Question 2

ductule

Answer 2

very small duct

Question 3

homeostasis

Answer 3

state of equilibrium of the internal environment of the body despite changes in the external environment

Question 4

synthesize

Answer 4

forming a complex substance by the union of simpler compounds or elements

Question 5

billirubin

Answer 5

orange-yellow pigment formed during destruction of erythrocytes that is taken up by liver cells and eventually excreted in the feces

Question 6

bolus

Answer 6

mass of masticated food ready for swallowing

Question 7

exocrine

Answer 7

type of gland that secretes its products through excretory ducts to the surface of an organ or tissue or into a vessel

Question 8

sphincter

Answer 8

circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening of the body

Question 9

triglycerides

Answer 9

organic compound, a true fat, that is made of one glycerol and three fatty acids

Question 10

carbon dioxide

Answer 10

tasteless, colorless, odorless gas produced by body cells during metabolism

Question 11

cartilage

Answer 11

tough elastic connective tissue that is more rigid than ligaments but less dense than bone

Question 12

cilia

Answer 12

minute, hairlike structures that extend from the surface of a cell

Question 13

diffuse

Answer 13

to move or spread out a substance at random

Question 14

oxygen

Answer 14

tasteless, odorless, colorless gas essential for human respiration

Question 15

pH

Answer 15

symbol that indicates the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance

Question 16

serous membrane

Answer 16

thin layer of tissue that covers internal body cavities and secretes a fluid that keep the membrane moist; serosa

Question 17

leaflets

Answer 17

flat, leaf-shaped structures that comprise the valves of the heart and prevent the backflow of blood

Question 18

lumen

Answer 18

tubular space or channel within an organ or structure of the body; space within an artery, vein, intestine, or tube

Question 19

regurgitation

Answer 19

backflow or ejecting of contents through an opening

Question 20

sphincters

Answer 20

circular muscles found in a tubular structure or hollow organ that constrict or dilate to regulate passage of substances through its opening

Question 21

vasoconstriction

Answer 21

narrowing of the lumen of a blood vessel caused by the relaxing of the muscles of the vascular walls

Question 22

viscocity

Answer 22

thickness or a measure of how resistant a liquid is to flowing