Science Flashcards
Science
system of acquiring knowledge through observation and experimentation to describe the natural world
Scientific Method
a method designed to logically formulate, test, and evaluate a problem or hypothesis
Hypothesis
an idea or a suggestion often developed to explain something, the cause of which is unknown
Anatomy
the study of the structure of the body
Physiology
the study of the function of the body
Differentiation
process through which cells of the body vary according to their specific function
Nucleus
the “brain” of a cell; directs all activities and contains genetic information
Chromosome
threadlike structure found in the nucleus of most living cells; carries genetic information
Cell Membrane
the outer layer of a cell that holds the cell together
Cytoplasm
transparent, gel-like substance inside of every cell; cellular activities occur here
DNA
genetic material shaped like a double helix; part of all living cells
Stem Cells
cells in the body that evolve into specific cells in a particular organ system
Tissues
groups of cells that work together to accomplish the same task
Organs
two or more groups of tissues working together to perform specific functions
Homeostasis
state of internal balance achieved by adjusting the physiological systems of the body
Bone Marrow
soft, spongy, blood-forming tissue found inside bones
Joints
physical point of connection between two bones; articulation
Ligaments
tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone
Tendons
fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bone
Central Nervous System (CNS)
part of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord
Endocrine Glands
glands that secrete chemical substances called hormones, which regulate body functions; part of the endocrine system
Hormones
chemicals secreted by endocrine glands to regulate body functions
Metabolism
term for the chemical processes occurring within a living organism that maintains life
Respiration
the act of supplying oxygen to the cells and removing carbon dioxide; also called breathing
Immunity
ability to resist pathogens
Lymph
colorless fluid from the body’s tissues that carries white blood cells; collects and transports bacteria to the lymph nodes for destruction; carries fats from the digestive system
Lymphocyte
white blood cell that destroys pathogenic microorganisms
Antigen
any foreign substance, either outside or inside the body, that causes the immune system to produce antibodies
Antibody
a protein produced by the immune system; circulates in the plasma in response to the presence of foreign antigens
Phagocytosis
process in which white blood cells surround, ingest, and destroy a foreign invader
pH Scale
system for measuring a substance’s acidity or alkalinity; ranges from 0-14
Puberty
a stage of life beginning between the ages of 8 and 14; indicates sexual reproduction is possible
Human Reproduction
process that occurs when the male sex cell and female sex cell unite to create a new human being
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
an infection transferred from one person to another through sexual contact
