Module 2: Terms Pertaining to the Body as a Whole Flashcards
What is an atom?
The basic unit of all matter. Different types with their own name, mass, and size
What is a molecule?
Composed of one or more atoms. Molecules are the smallest property of a substance
What is an organelle?
Composed of more than one molecule to create complex structures that are membrane-bound and perform specific functions within a cell
What is a cell?
Is a fundamental unit of all living tissue
What is the cell membrane?
Each cell has a protective outer layer and regulates the exchange of materials between the cell and its environment
What is cytoplasm?
Inside each cell is a gelatinous substance that holds the organelles
What is the nucleus?
The central controlling body of the cell that regulates cell reproduction and determines the function of that cell
Cyt/o
Cell
-plasm
Formation
Nucle/o
Nucleus
What are chromosomes?
Rod-like structures within the nucleus. All cells have 46 except for mature sex cells which have 26 and unite during fertilization
What is deoxyribonucleic acid?
DNA
What is DNA?
A code that directs the activities of the cell
What are genes?
Regions inside chromosome that each contain a chemical called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Chrom/o
Colour
-some
Body
What is the importance of a genetic code?
They determine our individual traits like hair colour, skin colour, and eye colour
What is a karyotype?
A microscopic photograph of chromosomes within the nucleus and is used to study the form, number, size, and arrangement
Kary/o
Nucleus
-type
Picture or classification
Why do we study karyotypes?
To ensure the developing fetus has the correct number of chromosomes per cell
What happens if there is an abnormal number (too many or too few) of chromosomes per cell?
An abnormal karyotype can indicate significant challenges for the fetus, like Down Syndrome aka Trisomy 21 Syndrome (47 instead of 46 chromosomes)
What is the Mitochondria? (sing. mitochondrion)
An organelle that provides the main source of energy for a cell and has both an outer and inner membrane
Describe the inner membrane of the mitochondria
It is convoluted forming folds called cristae (sing. crista). The energy level of the cell is related to how many mitochondria it has and how many cristae are in each one
How do mitochondria produce energy for the cell?
Through a process called catabolism
What is catabolism?
Complex nutrients are broken down into simpler substances. Those substances are burned in the presence of oxygen and the released energy is made available for the work of the cell
Cata-
Down
Bol/o
To cast
-ism
Process or condition
What is the endoplasmic reticulum?
A network of canals distributed throughout the cytoplasm
What are ribosomes?
Attach themselves to the endoplasmic reticulum and manufactures proteins for the cell
How do ribosomes manufacture proteins for the cell?
They synthesize proteins with the cell converting simple proteins into complex compounds in a process called anabolism
Ana-
Up
Bol
To cast
What does anabolism do?
It supports new cell growth
What is metabolism?
Uses both processes (catabolism and anabolism) and is the sum of all chemical processes that happen in the cells of living organisms to sustain life
Meta-
Change
What are muscle cells?
They make it possible for the body to move because they can contract. They are made up of tiny fibers that forcefully slide together
What are epithelial cells?
They form linings of the internal organs and outer surfaces of the skin/ body. This cell is usually flat and square
What are nerve cells?
They have long extensions to help transmit impulses to and from the brain (kind of like tree branches)
What are fat cells?
Large with little cytoplasm and a displaced nucleus to allow for more fat storage (kind of like an egg)
What is tissue?
A collection of similar cells that perform a particular function. Different types of tissue can combine into organs
What are the different types of tissue?
Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nerve
Hist/o
Tissue
What is epithelial tissue?
Forms the outer covering of the body and lines cavities, internal organs, or viscera. Offers protection from injury/ disease and performs absorption, secretion, and sensation functions
Epi-
Above
Viscer/o
Viscera
What is muscle tissue?
Composed of slender cells called fibers which enable movement by contracting
What are the different types of muscle tissue?
Skeletal, Smooth, Cardiac
What is skeletal muscle tissue?
Attaches to the bones and is called voluntary muscle tissue because its contractions are consciously controlled
What is smooth muscle tissue?
Found in the hollow internal structures such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels and has involuntary muscle movement
What is cardiac muscle tissue?
Comprises the walls of the heart and has involuntary muscle movement
What is connective tissue?
Tissue that supports and shapes the body, binds internal organs in place, and transports substances between body parts
What is are examples of connective tissue?
Bone, cartilage, adipose (fatty tissue), and blood
Chondr/o
Cartilage
Adip/o
Fat or fatty tissue
What is nerve tissue?
Found in nerve cells, spinal cord, and the brain and coordinates/ controls body activities. All cells have the ability to react to stimuli and conduct impulses to various organs in the body
Neur/o
Nerves
What are organs?
A group of tissues that work together to do a specific job
What is the medical term for internal body organs
Viscera (sing. viscus)
What is a body system?
A group of organs that work together to perform related functions
Which organs make up the digestive system?
The mouth, throat (or pharynx), esophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, small intestines, and large intestines
urin/o
Urine
-ary
Pertaining to
re-
again
spir/o
to breathe
endo-
within
-crine
to secrete
cardi/o
Heart
vascul/o
Vessel
-ar
Pertaining to
muscul/o
Muscle
Skelet/o
Skeleton
-al
Pertaining to
Integument
Covering
What is the urinary system?
Consists of all the organs involved with the production and elimination of urine
What organs make up the urinary system?
The kidneys, ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra
What are ureters?
Tubes from the kidney to the urinary bladder
What is the urethra?
A tub from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body
What is micturition or voiding?
When the urine travels down the ureters to the urinary bladder and out of the body through the urethra
Urinary
Excretory; Pertaining to urine
Cardiovascular
Circulatory; Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels