Terminology Flashcards
Anatomy
Study of the structures that form the body. Latin for “cutting up” like in a dissection.
Physiology
How the parts of the body work.
Pathology
Study of abnormalities from normal function.
Physio-
Greek for “nature/natural”
Patho-
Greek for “suffering” or “disease”
-ology
Study of
Homeo-
Of the same kind
stasis
Still or static
intra
inside
extra
outside
cellular
cell
inter-
between (cells)
-stitial
positioned
Cyto-
Cell (“hollow vessel”)
-ology
A field of study
toxic
poison
Eukaryotes
with nucleus
Prokaryotes
without nucleus
DNA
Deoxyribonuclaic acid. DNA is a self replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid. Essential for genetics and protein
synthesis.
Organ-
The Latin ‘oganum’ meaning instrument/tool
organelles
any number of specialised structures within a living cell
phospho-
phosphate
lipid
fat
bilayer
double layer
trans-
across
ions
a molecule with an electric charge, e.g. hydrogen, sodium, potassium
erythro
red
genes
sub-sections of DNA that act as instructions to make protein. Located along chromosomes.
cytoskeleton
network of protein filaments that extends through the cytosol. Formed by microtubules and microfilaments. Help cells to generate movement, and determine cell’s physical shape. Assist in cell division.
mitochondria
second largest organelle and bean shaped. Cell powerhouses because they generate ATP.
ribosomes
act as the sites of protein synthesis. High content of RNA. They are either free (mobile) in cytoplasm or bound to rough endoplasmic reticulum (stationary).
endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Network of membranes in the form of flattened sacs. Rough ER’s outer surface is studded with ribosomes and it synthesises and transports proteins. Smooth ER contains no ribosomes but contains unique enzymes and synthesises lipids and steroid hormones.
golgi apparatus
The cell post office. It modifies, sorts, packages and transports proteins received from the rough ER.
lysosomes
Special types of membrane enclosed vesicles that perform a key role in cell digestion. Contain as many as 60 powerful enzymes and recycle worn out cell structures. Also digest foreign cells.
lyso-
breakdown
soma
body
mito-
Greek for “warp thread”
-osis
process
meiosis
Greek meaning ‘diminish’. The process through wich gametes (sex cells) are formed.
syntheses
production
mRNA
messenger RNA
epi-
covering
-thelial
layer of cells
synovial
lubricating fluid found in many joints
cutaneous
Latin for skin
mucous
a secretion lining mucous membranes
serous
a thin watery fluid
parietal
Latin for walls of a cavity
viscera
referring to organs of the body
supine
lying face UP
prone
lying face DOWN
medial
nearer the midline
lateral
away from the midline
bilateral
both sides
unilateral
one side
ipsilateral
on the same side
contralateral
on the opposite side
proximal
nearer the trunk
distal
further from the trunk
anterior
nearer the front
posterial
nearer the back
superior
towards the top
inferior
towards the bottom
coronal/frontal plane
separating the body front and back
saggital plane
separating the body left and right
horizontal/transverse plane
separating the body top and bottom
osteo-
bone
-cyte
cell