Terms Flashcards
Catabolism
Process whereby complex nutrients are broken down to simpler substances and energy is released. Cata- means down, bol means to cast, and -ism is a process.
Cell membrane
Structure surrounding and protecting the cell. It determines what enters and leaves the cell.
Chromosomes
Rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that contain regions of DNA called genes. There are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in every cell except for the egg and sperm cells, which contain only 23 individual, unpaired chromosomes.
Cytoplasm
All the material that is outside the nucleus and yet contained within the cell membrane.
DNA
Chemical found within each chromosome. Arranged like a sequence of recipes in code, it contains the activities of the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum
Network of canals within the cytoplasm of the cell. Here, large proteins are made from small protein pieces.
Genes
Regions of DNA within each chromosome.
Karyotype
Picture of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. The chromosomes are arranged in numerical order to determine their number and structure.
Metabolism
Total of chemical processes in the cell. It includes catabolism and anabolism. Meta- means change, bol means to cast, and -ism means a process.
Mitochondria
Structures in the cytoplasm that provide the principal source of energy (miniature “power plants”) for the cell. Catabolism is the process that occurs in mitochondria.
Nucleus
Control of the cell. It contains chromosomes and directs the activities of the cell.
Andipose tissue
Collection of fat cells.
Cartilage
Flexible connective tissue attached to bones at joints. For example, it surrounds the trachea and forms part of the external ear and nose.
Epithelial cells
Skin that cover the outside of the body and line the internal surfaces of organs.
Histologist
Specialist in the study of tissues.
Larynx
Voice box. Located at the upper part of the trachea.
Pharynx
Throat. The pharynx serves as the common passageway for food (from the mouth going to the esophagus) and air (from the nose to the trachea).
Pituitary gland
Endocrine gland at the base of the brain.
Thyroid gland
Endocrine gland that surrounds the trachea in the neck.
Trachea
Windpipe. Tube leading from the throat to the bronchial tubes.
Abdominal cavity
Space below the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines.
Cranial cavity
Space in the head containing the brain and surrounded by the skull. Cranial means pertaining to the skull.
Diaphragm
Muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The diaphragm moves up and down and aids in breathing.
Dorsal
Posterior. Pertaining to the back.
Mediastinum
Centrally located outside of and between the lungs.
Pelvic cavity
Space below the abdomen containing portions of the intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs.
Peritoneum
Double-folded membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity.
Pleura
Double-folded membrane surrounding each lung. Pleural means pertaining to the pleura.
Spinal cavity
Space within the spinal column containing the spinal cord.
Thoracic cavity
Space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus, and other organs.
Ventral
Anterior. Pertaining to the front.
Anabolism
Process of building up large proteins from small protein pieces called amino acids. Ana- means up, bol means to cast, and -ism is a process
