Definitions Flashcards
Organelle
A specialised part of a cell having some specific function
Anatomy
The study, classification and science of the physical structure of organisms and the inter relationship of their parts
Physiology
- The branch of biology that deals with the internal workings of living things, including such functions as metabolism, respiration and reproduction rather than shape/structure
- The way a particular body, organism or organ functions
Pathology
The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development and consequences.
Homeostasis
Homeo - sameness
Stasis - standing still
Condition of equilibrium (balance) in the human body’s internal environment maintained by the body’s own regulatory processes
Dynamic and changing but within narrow limits
Cytology
The study of cells
Metabolism
All the chemical processes in the body
Cells
Smallest living unit in the body
The basic structural and functional unit of an organism
Tissues
Groups of cells that work together to perform a function
Organs
Groups of tissues working together with a specific function
Systems
Related organs that have a common function form a system
Vital Force
Life energy throughout the body creating life
The organism
All parts of the body functioning together make the living organism
Endocrine
From Greek endo (from within) and krnein (to separate)
Relating to endocrine (hormone secreting) glands or the hormones secreted by them
Lymphatic system
Part of the circulatory system and part of the immune system
Comprises of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph directionally towards the heart.
Integumentary system
Organ system that protects the body from damage such as loss of water or abrasion from the outside
Comprises the skin and its appendages (hair/nails etc)
Eukaryotes
A single-felled or multicellular organism whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus
Prokaryotes
Any of the group of organisms primarily characterised by the lack of true nucleus and other membrane bound cell compartments eg mitochondria and chloroplasts
Possess a single loop of stable chromosomal DNA
Ribosomes
The protein builders or the protein synthesisers of the cell
Connect one amino acid at a time and build long chains
Found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Hydrophilic
Having an affinity for water
Readily absorbing or dissolving in water
Hydrophobic
Repelling, tending not to combine with or incapable of dissolving in water
Chromosome
A thread like linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carries the genes and functions the transmission of hereditary information
Mitochondria
Spherical or rod-shaped organelles found within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
The powerhouse of the cell, site of production of high-energy compounds (Eg ATP) which are vital energy source for several cellular processes
Endoplasmic Reticulum
An extensive intracellular membrane system whose functions include synthesis and transport of lipids and in regions where ribosomes are attached, of proteins.
