Skeletal and Muscular Systems Flashcards
Anatomy
The study of the structure of living organisms
Physiology
The study of body parts and how the performance of one affects the others
Cell
The basic structure of life; come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and have a variety of functions; all mammalian cells contain a cell membrane, organelles, cytoplasm, and a nucleus
Organs
Composed of groups of tissues that have a common function and work together
Tissue
Identical or closely related cells grouped together
Active Transport Process
Substances that move across the membrane require energy expenditure, unlike passive transport
Mitosis
Cell reproduction by dividing to yield two identical cells
Bones
Points of attachment for your muscles, levers for muscle action, mineral storage structures, and sites for production of blood cells
Cancellous Bone
Spongy bone that acts as a shock absorber; found near the center of the bone and houses the bone marrow
Compact Bone
Highly structured series of bone layers found in the outer portions of the bone; composed of a series of tubelike structures arranged so that the tube shafts are parallel to the bone shaft
Haversian Canal
The space through which blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves travel through compact bone
Bone Marrow
The reddish-brown tissue found in the middle of a bone; primarily responsible for producing blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, from the stem cells
Axial Skeleton
The body’s central framework; includes the bones of the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum
Appendicular Skeleton
Supports the axial skeleton; includes the bones of the legs, shoulders, and pelvis
Ligaments
Bands of tough, fibrous connective tissue that connects bones at joints
Tendons
Bands that attach muscles to bones
Thoracic Limbs
Support the front end of the body during walking
Pelvic Limbs
Support the rear end of the body during walking
Joints
The connection between two bones that help hold bones together and give the skeleton flexibility for movement
Diaphragm
The muscle that separates the thorax and abdomen
Skeletal muscle
The most abundant muscle tissue; also called voluntary muscle because it’s under voluntary control; appears striped under a microscope
Visceral muscle
Involuntary, smooth muscle found in the internal organs such as the urinary bladder and blood vessels
Cardiac Muscle
Found only in the heart; somewhat striated in appearance but not under voluntary control
Neurotransmitters
Chemical substances released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse which, by diffusing across the synapses or junction, cause the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure
Flexor muscles
Skeletal muscles that flex, or bend, a joint
Extensor muscles
Skeletal muscles that extend, or straighten, a joint
