Introduction to the human body Flashcards
Define the term anatomy
The science of structure and the relationships among structures
Define the term physiology
The science of body functions, how the body parts work
What are cells? Give 3 examples
-cells are the basic structural and functional units of an organism
-they are the smallest living units in the human body
-e.g muscle cells, nerve cells, blood cells
What are tissues and how are they related to cells?
-tissues are groups of cells and the material surrounding them that work together to perform a particular function
-cells join together to form tissues
What are the 4 basic types of tissue in the body?
-epithelial tissue
-connective tissue
-muscular tissue
-nervous tissue
What are organs and how are they related to tissues?
organs are composed of 2 or more different types of tissues, and have specific functions
Give 5 examples of different organs
-stomach
-heart
-liver
-lungs
-brain
What is an organ system? Give an example
-consists of related organs that have a common function
-e.g the digestive system which breaks down and absorbs nutrients in food
Define the term homeostasis
The maintenance of relatively stable conditions, ensuring that the body’s internal environment remains constant despite changes inside and outside the body
What is interstitial fluid?
Fluid surrounding the body cells
What is a negative feedback system? Give an example
-Reverses a change in a controlled condition to return to normal levels
-e.g regulation of blood pressure
What is a positive feedback system? Give an example
-tends to strengthen or reinforce a change in one of the body’s controlled conditions
-e.g normal childbirth or blood clotting cascade
Give 3 examples of controlled parameters
- temperature
- blood pressure
- fluid balance
