Chapter 1 Vocabulary

Question 1

assembly of more complex molecules from simpler molecules

Answer 1

anabolism

Question 2

breaking down of more complex molecules into simpler molecules

Answer 2

catabolism

Question 3

medical imaging technique in which a computer-enhanced cross-sectional x-ray image is obtained

Answer 3

computed tomography (CT)

Question 4

compares values to their normal range; deviations cause the activation of an effector

Answer 4

control center

Question 5

process by which specialized cells become specialized in structure and function

Answer 5

differentiation

Question 6

organ that can cause a change in a value

Answer 6

effector

Question 7

medical imaging technique in which a device generates a magnetic field to obtain detailed sectional images of the internal structures of the body

Answer 7

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Question 8

sum of all the body’s chemical reactions

Answer 8

metabolism

Question 9

homeostatic mechanism that tends to stabilize an upset in the body’s physiological condition by preventing an excessive response to a stimulus, typically as the stimulus is removed

Answer 9

negative feedback

Question 10

range of values around the set point that do not cause a reaction by the control center

Answer 10

normal range

Question 11

chemical obtained from foods and beverages that is critical to human survival

Answer 11

nutrient

Question 12

functionally distinct structure composed of two or more types of tissue

Answer 12

organ

Question 13

group of organs that work together to carry out a particular function

Answer 13

organ system

Question 14

living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life

Answer 14

organism

Question 15

sac that encloses the heart

Answer 15

pericardium

Question 16

serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there

Answer 16

peritoneum

Question 17

science that studies the chemistry, biochemistry, and physics of the body’s functions

Answer 17

physiology

Question 18

serous membrane that lines the pleural cavity and covers the lungs

Answer 18

pleura

Question 19

mechanism that intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition in response to a stimulus ex: Childbirth

Answer 19

positive feedback

Question 20

medical imaging technique in which radio-pharmaceuticals are traced to reveal metabolic and physiological functions in tissues

Answer 20

positron emission tomography (PET)

Question 21

face down

Answer 21

prone

Question 22

study of the structures that contribute to specific body regions

Answer 22

regional anatomy

Question 23

process by which worn out cells are replaced

Answer 23

renewal

Question 24

ability of an organisms or a system to adjust to changes in conditions

Answer 24

responsiveness

Question 25

reports a monitored physiological value to the control center

Answer 25

sensor (aka receptor)

Question 26

membrane that covers organs and reduces friction

Answer 26

serosa (serous membrane)

Question 27

ideal value for a physiological parameter; the level or small range within which a physiological parameter such as blood pressure is stable and optimally healthful, that is, within its parameters of homeostasis

Answer 27

set point

Question 28

face up

Answer 28

supine

Question 29

study of structures that contribute to specific body systems

Answer 29

systematic anatomy

Question 30

group of similar or closely related cells that act together to perform a specific function

Answer 30

tissue

Question 31

application of ultrasonic waves to visualize subcutaneous body structures such as tendons and organs

Answer 31

ultrasonography

Question 32

form of high energy electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength capable of penetrating solids and ionizing gases; used in medicine as a diagnostic aid to visualize body structures such as bones

Answer 32

x-ray