Anatomy Exam 1 Flashcards
Anatomy
The study of the body structure
Cell
The smallest unit capable of carrying out the processes associated with life; the basic unit of both structure and function in living organism
Connective Tissue
Tissue that serves to connect, support, and anchor various body parts; distinguished by relatively few cells dispersed within an abundance of extracellular material
Collagen
the main structural protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatin when boiled.
Epithelial
A functional grouping of cells specialized in the exchange of materials between the cell and its environment; lines and covers various body surfaces and cavities and forms secretory glands
Effector
The component of a control system that accomplishes the output commanded by the integrator
Endocrine System
the system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activity
Elastin
an elastic, fibrous glycoprotein found in connective tissue.
Extracellular Matrix
An intricate mesh work of fibrous proteins embedded in the interstitial fluid secreted by local cells
Extrinsic Controls
Regulatory mechanisms initiated outside an organ that alter the activity of the organ; accomplished by the nervous and endocrine systems
Fibronectin
Fibronectin is a high-molecular weight (~440kDa) extracellular matrix glycoprotein that binds to membrane-spanning receptor proteins called integrins
Fibroblast
a cell in connective tissue that produces collagen and other fibers.
Interstitial fluid
The portion of the extracellular fluid that surrounds and bathes all the body cells
Integrator
A region that determines efferent output based on processing afferent input; also called a control center
Homeostasis
the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, esp. as maintained by physiological processes.
