Ch. 2 --- Terms Pertaining to the Body as a Whole Flashcards
anabolism
Process of building up large proteins from small protein pieces called amino acids. Ana- means up, bol means to cast, and -ism is a process.
chromosomes
Rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that contain regions of DNA called genes. There are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in every cell except for the egg and sperm cells, which contain only 23 individual, unpaired chromosomes
catabolism
Process whereby complex nutrients are broken down to simpler substances and energy is released. Cata- means down, bol means to cast, and -ism is a process.
cell membrane
Structure surrounding and protecting the cell. It determines what enters and leaves the cell.
cytoplasm
All of the material that is outside the nucleus and yet contained within the cell membrane.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid; chemical found within each chromosome; arranged like a sequence of recipes in code, it directs the activities of the cell
endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Network of canals within the cytoplasm of the cell. Here, large proteins are made from smaller protein pieces (amino acids).
genes
Regions of DNA within each chromosome.
karyotype
Picture (classification) of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. The chromosomes are arranged in numeric order to determine their number and structure.
metabolism
Total of the chemical processes in a cell. It includes catabolism and anabolism. Meta- means change, bol means to cast, and -ism means a process.
mitochondria
Rod-shaped structures in the cytoplasm that provide the principle source of energy (miniature “power plants”) for the cell. Catabolism is the process that occurs in mitochondria. (From the Greek “mitos” meaning thread and “chondrion” meaning granule.)
nucleus
Control center of the cell. It contains chromosomes and directs the activities of the cell.
ribosomes
Small granules on the ER of a cell. Ribosomes arrange amino acids on the ER to make proteins. Rib/o is derived from ribonucleic acid or RNA and -somes means bodies
adipose tissue
Collection of fat cells.
cartilage
Flexible connective tissue often attached to bones at joints. Cartilage forms part of the external ear and nose. Rings of cartilage surround the trachea.
epithelial cells
Skin cells that cover the outside of the body and line the internal surfaces of organs.
histologist
Specialist in the study of tissues.
larynx
Voice box; located above the trachea.
pharynx
Throat. The pharynx serves as the common passageway for food (from the mouth going to the esophagus) and air (from the nose to the trachea).
pituitary gland
Endocrine gland at the base of the brain.
thyroid gland
Endocrine gland that surrounds the trachea in the neck.
trachea
Windpipe (tube leading from the throat and larynx to the bronchial tubes).
ureter
One of two tubes, each leading from a single kidney to the urinary bladder.
urethra
Tube from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
uterus
Womb; the organ that holds babies as they develop in the mother.
viscera
Internal organs in the main cavities of the body, especially in the abdomen.
abdominal cavity
Space below the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines; also called the abdomen or peritoneal cavity.
cranial cavity
Space in the head containing the brain and surrounded by the skull. Cranial means pertaining to the skull.
diaphragm
Muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The diaphragm moves up and down and aids in breathing.
dorsal (posterior)
Pertaining to the back.
mediastinum
Centrally located space outside of and between the lungs.
pelvic cavity
Space below the abdomen containing portions of the intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs. Pelvic means pertaining to the pelvis, which is composed of the hip bones surrounding the pelvic cavity.
pleura
Double-folded membrane surrounding each lung. Pleural means pertaining to the pleura.
pleural cavity
Space between the pleural layers.
spinal cavity
Space within the spinal column (backbones) containing the spinal cord.
thoracic cavity
Space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus, and other organs.
ventral (anterior)
Pertaining to the front.
hypochondriac
Right and left upper regions beneath the ribs.
epigastric
Middle upper region above the stomach.
lumbar
Right and left middle regions near the waist.
umbilical
Central region near the navel.
inguinal
Right and left lower regions near the groin. Also called iliac regions.
hypogastric
Middle lower region below the umbilical region.
RUQ
Right upper quadrant.
LUQ
Left upper quadrant.
RLQ
Right lower quadrant.
LLQ
Left lower quadrant.
cervical
Neck region (C1 to C7).
