Big Test Flashcards
Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart
Spinal cord
A thick column of nervous tissue that links the brain to nerves in the body
Gland
An organ that produces and releases chemicals either through ducts or the bloodstream
Tissue
A group of similar cells that perform a specific function
Capillary
A tiny blood vessel where substances are exchanged between the blood and the body cells
Alveoli
Tiny sacks of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gases between air and blood
Synapse
The junction where one neuron can transfer an impulse to the next structure
Negative feedback
A process in which a system is turned off by the condition it produces
Digestion
The process that breaks complex molecules of food into smaller nutrient molecules
Reflex
An automatic response that occurs rapidly and without conscious control
Bronchi
The two passages that direct air into the lungs
Hormone
The chemical produced by an endocrine gland. A chemical that affects growth and development.
Carbohydrate
An energy rich organic compound such as a sugar or a starch that is made of elements of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
Circulatory system
An organ system that transports needed materials to cells and removes waste
Saliva
A fluid produced in the mouth that aids and mechanical and chemical digestion
Organ
A body structure that is composed of different different kinds of tissues that work together
Brain
The part of the central nervous system that is located in the skull and controls most functions in the body
Oregon system
A group of organs that work together to perform a major function
Lymph
Fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, consisting of water, white blood cells and dissolved materials
Nephron
Small filtering structure found in the kidneys that removes waste from blood and produces urine
Excretion
The process by which wastes are removed from the body
Nutrients
Substances in food that provide the raw materials and energy needed for an organism to carry out its essential processes
Neuron
A cell that carries information through the nervous system
Response
An action or change in behavior that occurs as a result of a stimulus
Enzyme
A type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body
Artery
A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
Peristalsis
Waves of smooth muscle contraction that move food through the esophagus toward the stomach
Stress
The reaction of a person’s body to potentially threatening, challenging or disturbing events
Stimulus
Any change or signal in the environment that can make an organism react in someway
Gland
An organ that produces and releases chemicals either through duct into the bloodstream
