Chapter 1 Flashcards
Anatomy
The study of structure.
Physiology
The Study of Function.
Scientific Method
systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
Cell
Smallest units of an organism that carry out all the basic functions of life. Enclosed in a plasma membrane.
Tissue
A mass of similar cells and cell products that forms a discrete region of an organ and performs a specific function.
Organ
A structure composed of two or more tissues that work together to carry out a particular function.
Organ System
A group of organs with a unique collective function.
Anatomic Variation
The differences in anatomy across many different humans can be different.
Metabolism
The sum of all internal chemical change.
Catabolism
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Anabolism
The synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism.
Responsiveness
The ability to sense and react to stimuli; excitability.
Movement
Self propelled or moving substances internally.
Development
Any change in form or function over the lifetime of the organism.
Growth
An increase in size.
Differentiation
The transformation of cells with no specialized function into cells that are committed to a particular task.
Stem Cell
Any undifferentiated cell that can divide and differentiate into more functionally specific cell types.
Reproduction
Living organism produces copy of itself and passes down genes to new younger containers.
Evolution
Genetic change from one generation to the next.
Homeostasis
State of internal equilibrium.
Extracellular Fluid
All body fluid not contained in the cells; ECF
Interstitial Fluid
Part of ECF and is fluid found in the spaces between cells.
Hormone
a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood
to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
Negative Feedback Loop
A process in which the body senses a change and activates mechanisms to stop it or reverse it.
Positive Feedback Loop
Self-amplifying cycle that leads to even greater change in the same direction instead of reversing it.
Receptor
A structure in the body that senses change.
Effector
The cell or organ that carries out the final corrective action.
Gradient
A pathway that energy flows down.
Integrating/Control center
A mechanism that processes information, relates it to other information and ,makes a decision about what the appropriate response is.
