Chapter 2: The Body's Physical Systems Flashcards
Autonomic Nervous System
A division of the peripheral nervous system that carries messages between the central nervous system and the internal organs. It has two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Brainstem
The lowest portion of the brain, located at the top of the spinal cord, consisting of the midbrain, reticular system, pons, and medulla.
Central Nervous System
That part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum
A large portion of the brain that coordinates motor activities and maintains body balance.
Cerebrum
The upper and largest portion of the human brain. It has primary control over motor and mental activity.
Hypothalamus
A part of the forebrain that contains control centres for many body functions, such as eating, drinking, and sexual activity.
Limbic System
A set of structures in the forebrain that seems to play a role in emotional expression.
Neurotransmitter
A chemical involved in the transmission of impulses across the synapse from one neuron to another.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
A division of the autonomic nervous system that helps the body conserve energy and restore the normal body state after arousal.
Peripheral Nervous System
The network of nerve fibres that carries messages between the central nervous system and the skin, skeletal muscles, and internal organs. This network has two parts: the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Somatic Nervous System
A division of the peripheral nervous system that transmits sensory and motor impulses.
Spinal Cord
The major neural pathway that carries impulses between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.
Sympathetic Nervous System
A division of the autonomic nervous system that enables the body to mobilize and expend energy during physical and emotional arousal.
Thalmus
A structure in the forebrain that serves as a relay station for sensory impulses to and commands from the cerebrum.
Adrenal Glands
Endocrine glands that secrete several hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, that are involved in stress reactions.
Endocrine System
An array of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones
Chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands that affect body functions and behaviour.
Pituitary Gland
An endocrine gland that has connections to the brain and secretes hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to secrete.
Digestive System
The network of organs that processes ingested food by breaking it down for the body’s use and excreting the remains.
Enzymes
Substances that increase the speed of chemical reactions in cells.
Metabolism
The chemical reactions of the body’s cells that synthesize new cell material, regulate body processes, and create energy.
Respiratory System
A network of organs that supply oxygen for metabolism and expel carbon dioxide.
Arteriosclerosis
A condition in which fatty patches have accumulated and hardened onto artery walls, thereby reducing the elasticity of these walls.
Atherosclerosis
The condition in which fatty patches (plaques) form on artery walls.
Blood Pressure
The force of the blood against the inner walls of the arteries.
Cardiovascular System
A network of organs that circulates blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells and removes wastes and other substances.
Lipids
Fatty materials, such as the cholesterol found in blood.
Antibodies
Protein molecules created to protect against specific antigens in body fluids.
Antibody-mediated Immunity
The immune process that employs antibodies to attack antigens while they are still in body fluids and before they have invaded the cells
Antigen
Any substance that can trigger the immune system to respond.
B-Cells
Lymphocytes that lead to the formation of antibodies.
Cell-mediated immunity
The immune process that operates at the cellular level, using T cells to attack infected cells.
Immune system
The organs and structures that protect the body against harmful substances or agents such as bacteria and viruses.
Lymphocytes
Various types of white blood cells that have several important functions in the body’s immune response.
Phagocytes
Certain types of white blood cells that engulf and ingest any kind of invading particles.
T-Cells
A class of lymphocytes; some attack antigens directly, and some work to regulate other immune functions.
