Chapter 2: Anatomy Terms

Question 1

Cell

sel

Answer 1

basic unit of all living things. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, which vary in size and shape according to function.

Question 2

cell membrane

sel) (MEM-brān

Answer 2

forms the boundary of the cell

Question 3

cytoplasm

SĪ-tō-plas-em

Answer 3

gel-like fluid inside the cell

Question 4

nucleus

NŪ-klē-us

Answer 4

largest structure within the cell, usually spherical and centrally located. It contains chromosomes for cellular reproduction and is the control center and source of energy production for the cell.

Question 5

chromosomes

KRŌ-ma-sōms

Answer 5

located in the nucleus of the cell. There are 46 chromosomes in all normal human cells, with the exception of mature sex cells, which have 23.

Question 6

genes

JĒNS

Answer 6

regions within the chromosome. Each chromosome has several thousand genes that determine hereditary characteristics.

Question 7

DNA

D-N-A

Answer 7

comprises each gene; is a genetic material that regulates the activities of the cell. DNA abbreviates deoxyribonucleic acid.

Question 8

tissue

TISH-ū

Answer 8

group of similar cells that performs a specific function

Question 9

muscle tissue

MUS-el) (TISH-ū

Answer 9

composed of cells that have a special ability to contract, usually producing movement

Question 10

nervous tissue

NURV-us) (TISH-ū

Answer 10

similarly specialized cells united in the performance of a particular function; found in the nerves, spinal cord, and brain. It is responsible for coordinating and controlling body activities.

Question 11

connective tissue

ke-NEK-tiv) (TISH-ū

Answer 11

connects, supports, penetrates, and encases various body structures. Adipose (fat), osseous (bone) tissues, and blood are types of connective tissue. Fibrous tissue is a type of connective tissue that provides strength and stability such as ligaments and tendons.

Question 12

epithelial tissue

ep-i-THĒ-lē-al) (TISH-ū

Answer 12

the major covering of the external surface of the body; forms membranes that line body cavities and organs and is the major tissue in glands. Glandular tissue is designed to secrete substances such as digestive enzymes.

Question 13

organ

OR-gen

Answer 13

two or more types of tissues that together perform special body functions. For example, the skin is an organ composed of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

Question 14

viscera

VIS-er-a

Answer 14

large internal organs contained in the body cavities, especially in the abdominal cavity

Question 15

system

SIS-tem

Answer 15

group of organs that work together to perform complex body functions. For example, the cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Its function is to transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide and other waste products.

Question 16

cranial cavity

KRĀ-nē-al) (KAV-i-tē

Answer 16

space inside the skull (cranium) containing the brain

Question 17

spinal cavity

SPĪ-nal) (KAV-i-tē

Answer 17

space inside the spinal column containing the spinal cord

Question 18

thoracic cavity

thō-RAS-ic) (KAV-i-tē

Answer 18

space containing the heart, aorta, lungs, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, and mediastinal area

Question 19

abdominal cavity

ab-DOM-i-nal) (KAV-i-tē

Answer 19

space containing the stomach, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and ureters

Question 20

pelvic cavity

PEL-vik) (KAV-i-tē

Answer 20

space containing the urinary bladder, certain reproductive organs, parts of the small and large intestine, and the anus

Question 21

abdominolpelvic cavity

ab-dom-i-nō-PEL-vik) (KAV-i-tē

Answer 21

both the pelvic and abdominal cavities