Final Study Flashcards
What is the external opening of the anal canal called?
Anus
What is the inferior part of the uterus called?
Cervix
What is fluid-filled cavity within a blastocyst called?
Blastocoele
Definition: Connecting stalk between the fetus and the placenta; contains the allantois, the umbilical arteries, and the umbilical vein.
Term: umbilical cord
The passageway in the temporal bone that leads to the tympanic membrane of the middle ear
external acoustic meatus
The process of spermatid differentiation that leads to the formation of physically mature sperm
spermiogenesis
A muscle of the middle ear whose contraction tenses the auditory ossicles and reduces the forces transmitted to the oval window.
stapedius
Tubular glands of the stomach whose cells produce acid enzymes intrinsic factor and hormones
gastric glands
Early stage in the developing embryo consisting of an outer trophblast and an inner cell mass
blstocys
A hormone released by most tissues, and especially by the kidneys, when oxygen levels decrease; stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) in red bone marrow.
erythropoietin (EPO)
Receptors sensitive to temperature changes
thermoreceptors
Blood vessels that blood away from the heart toward the peripheral capillaries
arteries
The hypothalamic nucleus that coordinates thermoregulatory activities
pre-optic area
Inhalation or exhalation using only the diaphragm
diaphragmatic breathing
the production of lymphocytes from lymphoid stem cells
lymphopoiesis
Triangular region of the urinary bladder bounded by the exits of the ureters and the entrance of the urethra
trigone
Fluid contents of the membranous labyrinth (the saccule, utricle, semicircular ducts, and cochlear duct) of the internal ear.
endolymph
Disorder characterized by polyuria (excessive urination) and glycosuria (glucose in the urine), most commonly due to the inadequate production or diminished sensitivity to insulin with a resulting increase of blood glucose levels
diabetes mellitus
Tear gland on the posterior, lateral surface of the eye.
lacrimal gland
Transfer of blood from a donor directly into the bloodstream of another person.
transfusion
The most caudal of the brain regions, also known as the myelencephalon.
medulla oblongata
The auricle, external acoustic meatus, and tympanic membrane
external ear
The hormone secreted by C cells of the thyroid when calcium ion concentrations are abnormally high; restores homeostasis by increasing the rate of bone deposition and the rate of calcium loss by the kidneys.
calcitonin (CT)
Movement of air in and out of the lungs.
pulmonary ventilation
Sensory receptors in the skin, mucous membranes, and special sense organs that provide information about the external environment and our position within it.
exteroceptors
A muscular tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the exterior.
urethra
Sensory organs that monitor the position and movement of skeletal muscles and joints.
proprioceptors
Cranial nerves that provide sensations to the pharynx and posterior third of the tongue; they also carry motor fibers to the stylopharyngeus muscle.
glossopharyngeal nerves (N IX)
The inactive proenzyme that is secreted by chief cells of the gastric pits; after secretion it is converted to the proteolytic enzyme pepsin.
pepsinogen
A sensory region monitored by the posterior rami of a single spinal segment.
dermatome
Stem cells whose mitotic divisions give rise to other stem cells and spermatocytes.
spermatogonia
Fusion of a secondary oocyte and sperm to form a zygote.
fertilization
A membranous sac at the tip of a spermatozoon that contains hyaluronidase; also called acrosomal cap.
acrosome
Glands on the inner surface of the prepuce that produce a viscous, odorous secretion called smegma.
preputial glands
Sensory receptors monitoring the functions and status of internal organs and systems.
interoceptors
A class of steroid sex hormones that includes estradiol.
estrogens
An enzyme present in some exocrine secretions that has antibiotic properties.
lysozyme
Conical tip of the spinal cord that gives rise to the filum terminale.
conus medullaris
An axon that carries impulses away from the central nervous system.
efferent fiber
A violent hit to the head with resulting loss of consciousness
concussion
A fringes; used to describe the fingerlike processes that surround the entrance to the uterine tube.
fimbriae
Modified neurons in the retina that facilitate or inhibit communication between bipolar and ganglion cells.
amacrine cells
A duct that carries bile between the gallbladder and the common bile duct.
cystic duct
The condition marked by a decrease in the hematocrit, the hemoglobin content of the blood, or both.
anemia
Cranial nerves controlling the superior oblique muscle of the eye
trochlear nerves (N IV)
Lymphoid organ important for red blood cell phagocytosis, the immune response, and lymphocyte production.
spleen
A cell in nervous tissue that is specialized for intercellular communication through changes in membrane potential and synaptic connections.
neuron
A peripheral gland or muscle cell innervated by a motor neuron.
effector
The centers in the medulla oblongata that set the background pace of respiration; includes inspiratory and expiratory centers.
respiratory rhythmicity centers
Outer layer or region of an organ or bone.
cortex
Sensory organs that monitor the position and movement of skeletal muscles and joints.
proprioceptors
Regions where adjacent cardiocytes interlock and where gap junctions permit electrical coupling between the cells.
intercalated discs
Terminal axonal branches that end in axon terminals.
telodendria
The fluid ground substance of whole blood; what remains after the cells have been removed from a sample of whole blood.
plasma
Collection of neuron cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.
ganglion/ganglia
Blood plasma from which clotting agents have been removed.
serum
Isolation of the central nervous system, from the general circulation; primarily the result of astrocyte regulation of capillary permeabilities.
blood brain barrier (BBB)
Receptors that have the ability to detect changes in pressure.
baroreceptors
Two pairs of flattened, bladelike teeth located at the front of the dental arches in both the upper and lower jaws.
incisors
A reduction in the diameter of arterioles due to the contraction of smooth muscles in the tunica media; increases peripheral resistance; may occur in response to local factors, through the action of hormones, or from the stimulation of the vasomotor center.
vasoconstriction
Sensory receptors monitoring the functions and status of internal organs and systems.
interoceptors
Removal of most of a patient’s blood followed by replacement of an equal amount of blood from donors.
exchange transfusion
A corticosteroid secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal (suprarenal) cortex; a glucocorticoid.
corticosterone
Processes of the arachnoid mater that project into the superior sagittal sinus; sites where cerebrospinal fluid enters the venous circulation.
arachnoid granulations
Small secretory sacs or glands.
follicles
The innermost layer of the meninges bound to the underlying nervous tissue.
pia mater
The perilymph-filled chamber of the internal ear, adjacent to the basilar membrane; pressure changes there distort the round window; also called tympanic duct.
scala tympani
Large salivary glands that secrete saliva with high concentrations of salivary (alpha) amylase.
parotid glands
Network formed by branches of spinal nerves C5–T1 en route to innervate the upper limb.
brachial plexus
Inflammation of the stomach.
gastritis
Movable folds that cover the front of the eyeballs; also called palpebrae.
eyelids
The middle portion of the pharynx, bounded superiorly by the nasopharynx, anteriorly by the oral cavity, and inferiorly by the laryngopharynx.
oropharynx
Swallowing.
deglutition
The expanded ends of the olfactory tracts; the sites where the axons of the first cranial nerves (N I) synapse on central nervous system interneurons that lie inferior to the frontal lobes of the cerebrum.
olfactory bulbs
The bones of the middle ear: malleus, incus, and stapes.
auditory ossicles
The throat; a muscular passageway shared by the digestive and respiratory tracts.
pharynx
The sense of smell.
olfaction
Loose-fitting, fleshy pouch that encloses the testes of the male.
scrotum
Definition: Sperm production.
spermatogenesis
A pair of small laryngeal cartilages.
corniculate cartilages
A chamber or pocket.
antrum
An endocrine organ that is located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone and is connected to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum; includes the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) and the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis); also called the hypophysis.
pituitary gland
An endocrine gland whose lobes are lateral to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
thyroid gland
A propagated change in the membrane potential of excitable cells, initiated by a change in the membrane permeability to sodium ions: see nerve impulse.
action potential
Stiffening of the penis prior to copulation due to the engorgement of the erectile tissues of the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum.
erection
The percentage of formed elements in a sample of blood; also called volume of packed red cells (VPRC) or packed cell volume (PCV).
hematocrit
A cell whose meiotic divisions will produce a single ovum and three polar bodies.
oocyte
Integumentary glands that secrete cerumen.
ceruminous glands
Steroid hormones produced by the adrenal (suprarenal) cortex.
corticosteroids
Lymphocytes capable of differentiating into plasma cells, which produce antibodies.
B cells
Regions in the central nervous system (CNS) that are dominated by myelinated axons.
white matter
Muscular ridges projecting from the walls of the ventricles of the heart.
trabeculae carneae
Disorder of the pituitary gland characterized by polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) that results from inadequate production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
diabetes insipidus
Longitudinal canal in the center of an osteon that contains blood vessels and nerves, also called the Haversian canal; a passageway along the longitudinal axis of the spinal cord that contains cerebrospinal fluid.
central canal
A fluid similar in composition to cerebrospinal fluid; found in the spaces between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear.
perilymph
Gelatinous membrane suspended over the hair cells of the spiral organ.
tectorial membrane
Phagocytic neuroglia in the central nervous system, derived from the monocytes of the blood.
microglia
An arteriole bringing blood to the glomerulus of the kidney.
afferent arterioles
A temporary structure in the uterine wall that permits diffusion between the fetal and maternal circulatory systems.
placenta
Thalamic nucleus involved in the integration of sensory information prior to projection to the cerebral hemispheres.
putamen
Liver cells.
hepatocytes
Nuclei in the hypothalamus that affect eating reflexes and behaviors; a component of the limbic system.
mammillary bodies
Serous membrane covering the outer surface of the heart; also called the visceral pericardium.
epicardium
Space between the superior portion of each of the three aortic valve cusps and the dilated portion of the wall of the ascending aorta.
aortic sinus
The primary estrogen secreted by ovarian follicles.
estradiol
Activated B cells that secrete antibodies.
plasma cells
An unusually high hematocrit due to the presence of excess numbers of formed elements, especially RBCs.
polycythemia
An interwoven network of blood vessels or passageways.
rete testis
Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones of the thyroid gland; hormones that stimulate tissue metabolism, energy utilization, and growth.
thyroid hormones
Proteolytic enzyme secreted by the chief cells of the gastric glands in the stomach.
pepsin
The middle part of the small intestine.
jejunum
Vascular connection between the pulmonary trunk and the aorta that functions throughout fetal life; normally closes at birth or shortly thereafter, and persists as the ligamentum arteriosum.
ductus arteriosus
In a skeletal muscle, the point of attachment that does not change position when the muscle contracts; usually defined in terms of movements from the anatomical position.
origin
Childbirth, delivery.
parturition
Fluid similar to perilymph or cerebrospinal fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye.
aqueous humor
Reversible constriction of smooth muscles around respiratory passageways, frequently caused by an allergic response.
asthma
The segment of the nephron between glomerular’s capsule and the nephron loop; the major site of active reabsorption from the filtrate.
proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)
Cortical area of the cerebrum that is responsible for the integration of sensory inputs and/or motor commands.
association area
The smaller, medial subdivision of the posterior funiculus.
gracile fasciculus
Having a normal blood volume.
normovolemic
Superficial layer of connective tissue surrounding an internal organ; fibers are continuous with those of surrounding tissues, providing support and stabilization.
adventitia
The midbrain.
mesencephalon
Descending tracts that carry involuntary motor commands issued by the red nucleus of the mesencephalon.
rubrospinal tracts
A fold of mucous membrane that guards the connection between the ileum and the cecum.
ileocecal valve
Small blood vessels, located between arterioles and venules, whose thin walls permit the diffusion of gases, nutrients, and wastes between the plasma and interstitial fluids.
capillaries
The nuclei and centers in the cerebrum and diencephalon that are involved with emotional states, memories, and behavioral drives.
limbic system
A passageway that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct; also called the vas deferens.
ductus deferens
A muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach
esophagus
The mucous membrane lining the uterus.
endometrium
Hormones that stimulate the gonads (testes or ovaries).
gonadotropins
A natural communication, direct or indirect, between an artery and a vein.
arteriovenous anastomoses
Flap-like structure that maintains unidirectional blood flow.
valves
An enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid; produced by some bacteria and found in the acrosomeof sperm.
hyaluronidase
Receptors sensitive to vibration.
lamellar corpuscles
A hormone released by most tissues, and especially by the kidneys, when oxygen levels decrease; stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) in red bone marrow.
erythropoietin (EPO)
Microtubules in the cytoplasm of a neuron.
neurotubules
Small, posterior, medial area of the thalamus.
epithalamus
An arch or the space bounded by an arch; in the brain, an arching tract that connects the hippocampus with the mammillary bodies; in the eye, a slender pocket located where the epithelium of the ocular conjunctiva folds back on itself as the palpebral conjunctiva; in the vagina, the shallow recess surrounding the protrusion of the cervix.
fornix
Circulating antibodies.
immunoglobulins
A mineralocorticoid produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex; stimulates the kidneys to conserve sodium and water; secreted in response to the presence of angiotensin II.
aldosterone
An opening in the bony labyrinth of the internal ear that exposes the membranous wall of the tympanic duct to the air of the middle ear cavity.
round window
The formation of lymphocytes.
lymphocytopoiesis
Superficial layer of connective tissue surrounding an internal organ; fibers are continuous with those of surrounding tissues, providing support and stabilization.
adventitia
Portion of the retina providing the sharpest vision, with the highest concentration of cones; also called the fovea.
fovea centralis
The product of meiosis in the male, cells that differentiate into sperm.
spermatids
Surgical incision of the vulva to prevent laceration during delivery.
episiotomy
The superficial region of the adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones; also called the suprarenal cortex.
adrenal cortex
White blood cells.
leukocytes
A dilated segment of the internal carotid artery whose walls contain baroreceptors sensitive to changes in blood pressure.
carotid sinus
The period of intra-uterine development.
gestation
Distinct outgrowths of nerve cell dendrites that are the sites of synaptic axodendritic contact; they are absent in motor neurons and numerous in pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex and Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex.
dendritic spines
The receptor, sensory neuron, motor neuron, and effector involved in a particular reflex; interneurons may or may not be present, depending on the reflex considered.
reflex arc
A decrease in receptor sensitivity or perception after chronic stimulation; a change in pupillary size in response to changes in light intensity; physiological responses that produce acclimatization.
adaptation
The vessels of the lymphatic system; also called lymphatics.
lymphatic vessels
A mucous membrane; the epithelium plus the lamina propria; also called mucous membrane.
mucosa
Small packets of cytoplasm that contain enzymes important in the clotting response; manufactured in the bone marrow by cells called megakaryocytes.
platelets
The segment of the nephron between the proximal and distal convoluted tubules that creates the concentration gradient; also called loop of Henle.
nephron loop
The anterior edge of the neural retina.
ora serrata
Ascending tracts carrying poorly localized touch, pressure, pain, vibration, and temperature sensations to the thalamus.
spinothalamic tracts
Region between the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa.
submucosa
A receptor complex, located in the saccule or utricle of the internal ear, that responds to linear acceleration or gravity.
macula
Isolation of the seminiferous tubules from the general circulation, due to the activities of the nurse (Sertoli) cells.
blood testis barrier
Meningeal space containing cerebrospinal fluid; the area between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater.
subarachnoid space
Hormones secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal (suprarenal) cortex to modify glucose metabolism; cortisol and corticosterone are important examples.
glucocorticoids (GCs)
The fibrous, outer layer of the eye forming the white area of the anterior surface; a portion of the fibrous layer of the eye.
sclera
The shedding of blood and endometrial tissue at menses.
menstruation
The fluid ejaculate that contains spermatozoa and the secretions of accessory glands of the male reproductive tract.
semen
The primary estrogen secreted by ovarian follicles.
estradiol
Nerve cells forming a pathway from the brain or spinal cord to an effector (muscular or glandular) tissue.
motor neurons
Descending tracts of the extrapyramidal system, carrying involuntary motor commands issued by the vestibular nucleus to stabilize the position of the head.
vestibulospinal tracts
Hormone produced by enteroendocrine cells of the stomach, when exposed to mechanical stimuli or vagal stimulation, and the duodenum, when exposed to chyme containing undigested proteins.
gastrin
Involuntary, continual movement of the eyes as if to adjust to constant motion.
nystagmus
Gastric enzyme that breaks down milk proteins.
rennin
The middle germ layer that lies between the ectoderm and endoderm of the embryo.
mesoderm
The opposing surfaces of the teeth that come into contact when chewing food.
occlusal surface
Loose fold of skin that surrounds the glans penis (males) or the clitoris (females).
prepuce
Waste products eliminated by the digestive tract at the anus; contain indigestible residue, bacteria, mucus, and epithelial cells.
feces
Space between the spinal dura mater and the walls of the vertebral foramen; contains blood vessels and adipose tissue; a frequent site of injection for regional anesthesia.
epidural space
Term: white matter
Definition: Regions in the central nervous system (CNS) that are dominated by myelinated axons.
white matter
Situated behind or outside of the peritoneal cavity.
retroperitoneal
Placental hormone that stimulates the functional development of the mammary glands.
human placental lactogen (HPL)
The layer of peritoneum on the abdominal organs.
visceral peritoneum
Red blood cells (RBCs); have no nucleus and contain large quantities of hemoglobin.
erythrocytes
Midsagittal band of neural cortex on the surface of the cerebellum
vermis
Expanded portions of the cerebrum covered in neural cortex.
cerebral hemispheres
The release of a secondary oocyte, surrounded by cells of the corona radiata, after the rupture of the wall of a tertiary follicle; in females, the periodic release of an oocyte from an ovary.
ovulation
Type of lymphocyte that can kill target cells without previous sensitivity.
natural killer (NK) cells
A nerve bundle containing the myelinated preganglionic axons of sympathetic motor neurons en route to the sympathetic chain or to a collateral ganglion.
white ramus communicans
In nervous tissue, the spread of excitation from one neuron to many neurons; an organizational pattern common along sensory pathways of the central nervous system.
divergence
Glands that contain exocrine and endocrine cells, or an exocrine gland that produces serous and mucous secretions.
mixed glands
Overproduction and accumulation of peritoneal fluid
ascites
A digestive organ containing exocrine and endocrine tissues; the exocrine portion secretes pancreatic juice, and the endocrine portion secretes hormones, including insulin and glucagon.
pancreas
The collection of afferent and efferent fibers of the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, visible on gross dissection of the brain.
internal capsule
The smallest living structural units in the human body.
cells
A fibrous extension of the spinal cord that extends from the conus medullaris to the coccygeal ligament.
filum terminale
The anterior portion of each cerebral hemisphere; thought to be involved with higher intellectual functions, predictions, and calculations.
prefrontal cortex
A portion of the limbic system that is concerned with the organization and storage of memories.
hippocampus
Sections of myelinated nerve fibers between two successive nodes.
internodes
Inability to speak.
aphasia
Glands of the male reproductive tract that produce roughly 60 percent of the volume of semen. Also known as seminal vesicles.
seminal glands
Cellular organelle that contains DNA, RNA, and proteins; a mass of gray matter in the CNS.
nucleus/nuclei
The production of milk by the mammary glands.
lactation
A narrow band of tissue connecting two larger masses.
isthmus
A receptor complex in the scala media of the cochlea that includes the inner and outer hair cells, supporting cells and structures, and the tectorial membrane; provides the sensation of hearing; also called the organ of Corti.
spiral organ
Groups of neurons between sensory and motor neurons that control a coordinated activity.
Interneurons
Removal of soluble substances and water by transfer across the peritoneum.
peritoneal dialysis
Diffuse network of gray matter that extends the entire length of the brainstem.
reticular formation
The vascular complex in the roof of the third and fourth ventricles of the brain, responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid.
choroid plexus
Lymphocytes whose secretions and other activities coordinate cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immunities; also called TH cells
helper T cells
The opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eye.
pupil
Waxy secretion of ceruminous glands along the external acoustic meatus.
cerumen
Monthly cycle of gamete development in the ovaries, associated with cyclical changes in the production of sex hormones (estrogens and progestins).
ovarian cycle
The dilation of the bronchial passages; can be caused by sympathetic stimulation.
bronchodilation
Cells of the lymphatic system that play a role in the immune response.
lymphocytes
Hormone secreted by the pineal gland; inhibits secretion of MSH and GnRH.
melatonin
The fusion of male and female pronuclei following fertilization.
amphimixis
The layer of the peritoneum (serous sac) that lines the abdominal walls.
parietal peritoneum
Type of lymphocyte that can kill target cells without previous sensitivity.
natural killer (NK) cells
A hormone that causes an increase in systemic blood pressure, stimulates the secretion of aldosterone, promotes thirst, and causes the release of antidiuretic hormone; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in lung capillaries converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II.
angiotensin II
The large, elastic artery that carries blood away from the left ventricle and into the systemic circuit.
aorta
The outermost layer of the eye, composed of the sclera and cornea; also called fibrous tunic.
fibrous layer
One of the large, dome-shaped papillae on the superior surface of the tongue that forms a V, separating the body of the tongue from the root.
vallate papillae
The tubular component of the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear; responds to rotational movements of the head.
semicircular duct
An abnormally high blood volume.
hypervolemic
Network of nerves arising from the anterior rami of the first four cervical spinal nerves.
cervical plexus
The transparent refractive structure of the eye that is between the iris and the vitreous humor.
lens
Cell division that produces gametes with half of the normal somatic chromosome complement.
meiosis
The reduction in size of the bronchial passages.
bronchoconstriction
Cells in the pancreatic islets that secrete glucagon.
alpha (α) cells
Inability to coordinate muscular movement.
ataxia
An extra-embryonic membrane, consisting of the trophoblast and underlying mesoderm, that forms the placenta.
chorion
Opening in the bony labyrinth where the stapes attaches to the membranous wall of the scala vestibuli (vestibular duct).
oval window
Blood protein produced by the liver that is converted to angiotensin I by the enzyme renin.
angiotensinogen
A modified sympathetic ganglion that secretes catecholamines into the blood during sympathetic activation; the core of the adrenal gland; also called suprarenal medulla.
adrenal medulla
See ductus deferens.
vas deferens
Thymic hormone essential to the development and differentiation of T cells.
thymosin
The pear-shaped reservoir for bile after it is secreted by the liver.
gallbladder
Exchange vessels that are similar in general structure to fenestrated capillaries. The two differ in size (sinusoids are larger and more irregular in cross section), continuity (sinusoids have gaps between endothelial cells), and support (sinusoids have thin basement membranes, if present at all).
sinusoids
Abnormally low platelet count in the circulating blood.
thrombocytopenia
The second cranial nerves, which carry signals from the retina of the eye to the optic chiasm.
optic nerves (N II)
Positive feedback along a chain of neurons such that they remain active once stimulated.
reverberation
An elevated epithelial projection on the surface of the breast, containing the openings of the lactiferous sinuses.
nipple
Stem cells in the ovaries whose divisions give rise to oocytes.
oogonia
The base of an organ such as the stomach, uterus, or gallbladder
fundus
Male gametes; also called spermatozoon/spermatozoa.
sperm
Formation and development of an oocyte.
oogenesis
Terminal pockets at the end of the respiratory tree, lined by a simple squamous epithelium and surrounded by a capillary network; sites of gas exchange with the blood; a bony socket that holds the root of a tooth.
alveolus/alveoli
Enzyme necessary for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
Network of vessels that carry blood from capillaries in the hypothalamus to capillaries in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis).
hypophyseal portal system
Receptors that can detect mechanical stimuli, such as touch, pressure, or vibration.
mechanoreceptors
Tracts carrying information from the spinal cord to the brain.
ascending tracts
The cessation of uterine cycles as a consequence of the aging process and exhaustion of viable follicles.
menopause
Vessels between the aortic valve and the entrance to the right atrium; the circulatory system other than vessels of the pulmonary circuit.
systemic circuit
Small arterial branches that deliver blood to a capillary network.
arterioles
Any agent or factor that induces or increases the risk of abnormal prenatal development.
teratogen
Painful menstruation.
dysmenorrhea
A compact mass; usually refers to compacted ingested material (food) on its way to the stomach.
bolus
A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands when blood calcium levels decrease below the normal range; causes increased osteoclast activity, increased intestinal calcium uptake, and decreased calcium ion loss by the kidneys.
parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Series of fibers connecting the ciliary body with the lens of the eye
ciliary zonule
Sudden loss of neurologic function with complete recovery.
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Passageway that transports tears from the nasolacrimal sac to the nasal cavity.
nasolacrimal duct
A hormone, produced by nurse cells of the testes and follicular cells of the ovaries, that inhibits the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
inhibin
Region of the adrenal cortex that secretes androgens.
zona reticularis
Compounds containing relatively small lipids bound to a protein.
lipoproteins
The superficial region of the adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones; also called the suprarenal cortex.
adrenal cortex
The fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, and whose inner, serous lining is continuous with the epicardium.
pericardium
T lymphocytes that provide immunologic memory, enabling an enhanced immune response when reexposed to a specific antigen.
memory T cells
Fluid bathing the internal and external surfaces of the central nervous system; secreted by the choroid plexus.
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Gastric region between the body of the stomach and the duodenum; includes the pyloric sphincter.
pylorus
A region of the temporal lobe that is visible only after opening the lateral sulcus.
insula
Membrane that separates the external acoustic meatus from the middle ear; membrane whose vibrations are transferred to the auditory ossicles and ultimately to the oval window; the “eardrum.”
tympanic membrane
A thyroid hormone; also called T4 or tetraiodothyronine.
thyroxine
Impaired ability to comprehend written words.
dyslexia
One of the three primary germ layers; covers the surface of the embryo and gives rise to the nervous system, the epidermis and associated glands, and a variety of other structures.
ectoderm
The brain and spinal cord.
central nervous system (CNS)
The floor of the diencephalon; region of the brain containing centers involved with the unconscious regulation of visceral functions, emotions, drives, and the coordination of neural and endocrine functions.
hypothalamus
Sensory processes of a neuron.
dendrites
