Chapter 3 Terminology Flashcards
Anatomy for Sterile Processing Technicians
Anatomy
The study of the structure and relationship between body parts
Physiology
The study of the functions of body parts and the body as a whole
Cell
The basic unit of life; the smallest structural unit of living organisms capable of performing all functions of life
Cell Membrane
Outer covering of a cell that regulates what enters and leaves it
Cytoplasm
The clear, jelly-like substance of a cell between the cell membrane and nucleus
Nucleus
The functional center of a cell that governs activity and heredity
Tissue
A group of similar cells that perform a specialized function
Organ
A part of the body containing two or more tissues that function together for a specific purpose
Body System
A group of organs that work together to carry out a specific activity
Tendon
A cord of fibrous tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone
Ligament
A band of connective tissue that connects a bone to another bone
Cartilage
A type of flexible connective tissue
Ossification
The process by which cartilage is replaced by bone
Joint
A place where two bones meet
Fascia
Band or sheet of fibrous connective tissue
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
All nerve tissue outside of the CNS
Brain
The main control unit of the CNS
Cerebrum
The largest part of the brain. It controls mental activities and movement
Cerebellum
The second largest part of the brain. It controls muscle coordination, body balance and posture
Brain Stem
Controls many automatic body functions such as heartbeat and breathing
Peristalsis
The rippling motion of muscles in the digestive tract that mixes food with gastric juices to form a thin liquid
Hormones
Chemical messengers that travel through the blood and act on target organs
Metabolism
The total chemical changes by which the nutritional and functional activities of an organism are maintained
Insulin
A hormone that reduces the level of sugar in the blood
Glucagon
A hormone that can increase the blood sugar level
Sperm
Male sex cell
Ovum
Female sex cell (egg)
Chromosomes
Rod shaped structures responsible for inherited characteristics passed on from parent to child
Testes
Male reproductive gland that forms and secretes sperm and several fluid elements in semen
Scrotum
Sac in which testes are suspended
Epididymis
A tube that cares sperm cells from the testes to the vas deferens
Vas Deferens
A duct that transfers sperm from the epididymis to the seminal vesicle
Seminal Vesicle
A gland that produces semen
Semen
Mixture of sperm cells and secretions from several male reproductive glands
Ejaculatory Duct
A duct formed by joining the seminal vesicle with the vas deferens, through which semen moves during ejaculation
Urethra
Tube that discharges urine
Prostate Gland
Produces a fluid element in semen that stimulates the movement of sperm
Vagina
Muscular canal in a female that extends from an external opening to the neck of the uterus
Cervix
Lower end (neck) of the uterus
Endometrium
Lining of the uterus
Fallopian Tubes
Slender tubes that convey the ova (eggs) from the ovaries to the uterus
Fimbriae
Finger-like projections extending from the fallopian tubes that draw ova (eggs) into the uterus
Ovaries
Female reproductive organs
Kidneys
Organs that remove excess water and waste substances from the blood in a process that yields urine
Ureters
Tube-like structures extending from the kidneys to the urinary bladder that move urine between these organs
Urinary Bladder
The reservoir for urine
Penis
Male organ of urination and intercourse
Liver
An organ that filters the blood to remove amino acids and neutralize some harmful toxins
Skin
This organ contains sweat glands that, through the process of perspiration, produce and excrete sweat
