Ch. 9 Body Structure and Function Flashcards
artery
a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
capillary
a very tiny blood vessel; nutrients, oxygen, and other substances pass from capillaries into the cells
cell
the basic unit of body structure
digestion
the process that breaks down food physically and chemically so ti can be absorbed for use by the cells
hemoglobin
the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color
hormone
a chemical substance secreted by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream
immunity
protection against a disease or condition; the person will not get or be affected by the disease
joint
the point at which 2 or more bones meet to allow movement
menstruation
The process in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) breaks up and is discharged from the body through the vagina
metabolism
how the body uses nutrients to provide energy and maintain body functions
organ
groups of tissue that function together
peristalsis
involuntary muscle contractions in the digestive system that move food down the esophagus through the alimentary canal
reflex
the body’s response (function or movement) to a stimulus
respiration
the process of supplying cells with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from them
stimulus
Anything that excites or causes a body part to function, become active, or respond
system
organs that work together to perform special functions
tissue
A group of cells with similar functions
vein
a blood vessel that returns blood to heart
