Shared Flashcard Set

Details

TEAS Science Section
Glossary of science terms for the TEAS
242
Science
Undergraduate 2
05/21/2009

Additional Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Anion
Definition
an atom or molecule with a negative charge
Term
Androgen
Definition
a hormone that controls male secondary sex characteristics, such as testosterone
Term
Anode
Definition
the negative electrode at which oxidation occurs
Term
Antibody
Definition
a protein molecule that is released by a plasma cell (a daughter cell of an activated B lymphocyte) and that binds specifically to an antigen; an immunoglobulin
Term
Aqueous
Definition
refers to a solution with water as the solvent
Term
Arteries
Definition
blood vessels that conduct blood away from the heart and into cirulation
Term
Ariculation
Definition
the junction of two or more bones; joint
Term
Asexual reproduction
Definition
method of reproducing a new organism from only one parent by means of mitosis
Term
Acetylcholine (ACH)
Definition
chemical transmitter substance released by some nerve endings
Term
Acid
Definition
a compound that yiedls H+ ions in solution or solution with the concentration of H+ exceeding OH-
Term
Acid-base balance
Definition
situation in which the pH of the blood is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45
Term
Actinides
Definition
the row of elements below the periodic table, from thorium to lawrencium
Term
Action potential
Definition
a large transient depolarization event, including polarity reversal, that is conducted along the membrane of a muscle cell or a nerve fiber
Term
Active transport
Definition
membrane transport processes for which ATP is provided e.g. solute pumping and endocytosis
Term
Adaptation
Definition
receive, interpret, and respond to internal and external stimuli via the nervous system
Term
Adhesion
Definition
molecular attraction between dissimilar molecules; attraction between water molecules and molecules that make up the inside of a xylem tube
Term
Adrenergic fibers
Definition
nerve fibers that release norepinephrine
Term
Aerobic
Definition
in the presence of oxygen
Term
Afferent (sensory) nerve
Definition
nerve that contains processes of sensory neurons and carries nerve impulses to the central nervous system.
Term
Agglutination
Definition
clumping of (foreign) cells; induced by crosslinking of antigen-antibody complexes
Term
Agonist
Definition
muscle that bears the major responsibility for effecting a particular movement; a prime mover
Term
Alkali metals
Definition
the column of elements from lithium to francium
Term
Allele
Definition
any of the alternative forms of a gene
Term
Allergy (hypersensitivity)
Definition
overzealous immune response to an otherwise harmless antigen
Term
Alpha particle
Definition
a cluster of 2 protons and 2 neutrons emitted from a nucleus in one type of radioactivity
Term
Amnion
Definition
fetal membrane that forms a fluid-filled sac around the embryo
Term
Anabolism
Definition
energy-requiring building phase of metabolism in which simpler substances are combined to form more complex substances
Term
Anaerobic
Definition
without the presence of oxygen
Term
Atom
Definition
the smallest amount of an element; a nucleus containing protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons
Term
Atomic number
Definition
the number of protons in the nucleus of the chemical element
Term
Atomic weight
Definition
the weight in grams of one mole of the chemical element; approximately the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
Term
Atrophy
Definition
reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or cell resulting from disease or lack of use
Term
Avogadro's Law
Definition
equal volumes of gases contain the same number of molecules
Term
Axon
Definition
neuron process that carries impulses away from the nerve cell body; efferent process; the conducting portion of a nerve cell
Term
Bactericidal
Definition
able to kill bacteria
Term
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Definition
rate at which energy is expended (heat produced) by the body per unit of time under controlled (basal) conditions: 12 hours after a meal, at rest
Term
Base
Definition
a compound that yields OH- ions in solution or a solution with the concentration of OH- exceeding H+
Term
Beta particle
Definition
an electron emitted from a nucleus in one type of radioactivity
Term
Blood pressure
Definition
force exerted by blood against a unit area of the blood vessel walls; differences in blood pressure between different areas of the circulation provide the driving force for blood circulation
Term
Boiling point
Definition
the temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas
Term
Bowman's capsule
Definition
a network of capillaries encased in a membrane in the kidney for purpose of filtration
Term
Boyle's Law
Definition
the volume of gas varies inversely with pressure
Term
Bronchioles
Definition
the branching air passageways inside the lungs
Term
Buffer
Definition
chemical substance or system that minimzes changes in pH by releasing or binding hydrogen ions
Term
Calorie
Definition
a unit of energy, equal to 4.184 joules; the energy required to increase the temperature of 1.0 g of water by one degree Celsius
Term
Capillary action
Definition
the rising of a liquid in a small tube because of adhesive and cohesive forces
Term
Carbohydrate
Definition
organic compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The hydrogen-to-oxygen ratio is 2:1
Term
Catalyst
Definition
a chemical that changes the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being chemically altered
Term
Cathode
Definition
the postitive electrode at which reduction occurs
Term
Cation
Definition
an atom or molecule with a positive charge
Term
Charles' Law
Definition
the volume of a gas varies directly with temperature
Term
Chlorophyll
Definition
green plant pigment that is found in chloroplast and is necessary for photosynthesis
Term
Chloroplast
Definition
plant cell structures containing light-sensitive chlorophyll
Term
Circulation
Definition
transporting oxygen and other nutrients to the tissues via cardiovascular system
Term
Clone
Definition
descendants of a single cell
Term
Coenzyme
Definition
nonprotein substance associated with activating an enzyme, typically a vitamin
Term
Cohesion
Definition
attraction between similar molecules
Term
Colloid
Definition
suspension that does not separate on standing
Term
Colloidal osmotic pressure
Definition
pressure created in a fluid by large non-diffusible molecules, such as plasma proteins, that are prevented from moving through a (capillary) membrane; such substances tend to draw water to them
Term
Colony
Definition
group of bacteria cells
Term
Complemental air
Definition
amount of air that can be forcefully inhaled
Term
Compound
Definition
a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements
Term
Concentration
Definition
the relative abundance of a solute in a solution
Term
Corticosterioids
Definition
steroid hormones released by the adrenal cortex
Term
Cotyledon
Definition
seed leaf that stores food for a plant embryo of seed plants
Term
Covalent bond
Definition
atoms linked together by sharing valence electrons
Term
Cranial nerves
Definition
the 12 nerve pairs that arise from teh brain
Term
Culture medium
Definition
specially prepared nutritious substance used to grow experimental organisms
Term
Cytoplasm
Definition
the cellular material surrounding the nucleus and enclosed by the plasma membrane
Term
Decomposition
Definition
a chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down into simpler compounds or elements
Term
Dehydrate
Definition
to lose water
Term
Dendrite
Definition
branching neurons that transmit the nerve impulse toward the cell body
Term
Disaccharide
Definition
sugar formed by the combination of two simple sugar molecules
Term
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Definition
a nucleic acid found in all living cells which carries the organism's hereditary information
Term
DNA replication
Definition
the process that occurs before cell division and insures that all daughter cells have identical genes
Term
Dominant traits
Definition
occur when one allele masks or suppresses the expression of its partner
Term
Ecosystem
Definition
the interaction of living organisms with their environment
Term
Electrode
Definition
a conducting substance that connects an electrolyte to an external circuit
Term
Electrolyte
Definition
an ionic substance that has high electrical conductivity
Term
Electron
Definition
a light subatomic particle with negative charge; found in orbitals surrounding an atomic nucleus
Term
Element
Definition
a substance that cannot be decomposed by ordinary chemical means; each chemical element is characterized by the number of protons in the nucleus
Term
Elimination
Definition
removing metabolic wastes from the body via renal system
Term
Embryo
Definition
early development of an animal or a plant after vertilization; cyclindrical structure within a seed that develops into a plant
Term
Emulsion
Definition
suspension of two liquids which are incapable of mixing or attaining homogeneity
Term
Endocrine glands
Definition
ductless glands that empty their hormonal products directly into the blood
Term
Endocrine system
Definition
body system that includes internal organs that secrete hormones
Term
Energy
Definition
the concept of motion or heat
Term
Enzyme
Definition
protein catalyst; chemical that changes the rate of a chemical reation in living tissue without itself being chemically altered
Term
Equilibrium
Definition
a balanced condition resulting from two opposing reactions
Term
Erythrocytes
Definition
red blood cells
Term
Estrogen
Definition
hormones that stimulate female secondary sex characteristics; female sex hormones
Term
Expiration
Definition
process of breathing out
Term
Extracellular fluid
Definition
internal fluid located outside cells
Term
Faraday's Laws
Definition
two laws of electrolysis relating the amount of substance to the quantity of electric charge
Term
Fascia
Definition
layers of fibrous tissue covering and separating muscle
Term
Fermentation
Definition
release of energy from sugar without the use of oxygen; anaerobic respiration
Term
Fertilization
Definition
fusion of the sperm and egg nuclei
Term
Fetus
Definition
developmental stage extending from the ninth week of a development to birth
Term
Fibrinogen
Definition
a blood protein that is converted to fibrin (a white, insoluble protein) during blood clotting
Term
Filtrate
Definition
liquid that passes through the pores in a filter
Term
Follicle
Definition
ovarian structure consisting of a developing egg surrounded by one or more layers of follicle cells; colloid-containing structure of the thyroid gland
Term
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Definition
hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovarian follicle production in females and sperm production in males
Term
Free energy
Definition
the thermodynamic quantity measuring the tendency of a reaction to proceed; also called Gibbs free energy
Term
Freezing point
Definition
the temperature at which a liquid changes to a solid
Term
Fulcrum
Definition
the fixed point on which a lever moves when a force is applied
Term
Gamete
Definition
sex or germ cell
Term
Genetic code
Definition
the rules by which the base sequence of a DNA gene is translated into rotein structures (amino acid sequences)
Term
Genome
Definition
the complete set of chromosomes derived from one parent, the haploid genome, or the two sets of chromosomes, (e.g., one set from one egg, the other from the sperm), the diploid genome
Term
Genotype
Definition
one's genetic makeup or genes
Term
Germinate
Definition
develop from a seed into a plant
Term
Glucose
Definition
one of the simplest and most important sugars which is the basic transportable form of fuel for living organisms
Term
Golgi apparatus
Definition
membranous system close to the cell nucleus that packages protein secretions for export, packages enzymes into lysosomes for cellular use, and modifies proteins destined to become part of cellular membranes
Term
Gram formula weight
Definition
an amount of a substance equal in grams to the sum of the atomic weights
Term
Gray matter
Definition
neural tissue of the brain and spinal cord that contains nerve-cell bodies as well as nerve fibers; is brownish gray color
Term
Halogens
Definition
the column of elements from fluorine to astatine
Term
Heat Capacity
Definition
the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a substance by one degee Celsius or Kelvin
Term
Hemoglobin
Definition
oxygen-trasporting component of erythrocytes
Term
Hepatic (portal) system
Definition
circulation in which the hepatic portal vein carries dissolved nutrients to the liver tissues for processing
Term
Homeostasis
Definition
ability of cell to regulate a stable internal environment by controlling the passage of fluids into and out of the cell
Term
Hormones
Definition
steroidal or amino acid-based molecules released to the blood that act as chemical messengers to regulate specific body functions
Term
Hydrocarbon
Definition
an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
Term
Hypertension
Definition
high blood pressure
Term
Hypertonic solution
Definition
solution having a lower water concentration tha a solution to whcih it is compared
Term
Hypotension
Definition
low blood pressure
Term
Hypotonic solution
Definition
solution having a higher water concentration than a solution to which it is compared
Term
Immune system
Definition
a function system whose components attack foreign substances or prevent their entry into the body
Term
In vitro
Definition
in a test tube, glass, or artifical environment
Term
Inert gases
Definition
the column of elements from helium to radon; also called noble gases
Term
Inflammation
Definition
a nonspecific defensive response of the body to tissue injury, including dilation of blood vessels and an increase in vessel permeability; indicated by redness, hear, swelling, and pain
Term
Inoculation
Definition
placement of bacteria onto a culture medium
Term
Inspiration
Definition
process of breathing in
Term
Ion
Definition
an atom with an electric charge due to gain or loss of electrons
Term
Ionization
Definition
adding or subracting electrons from an atom; alternatively, the dissociation of a solute
Term
Isomers
Definition
several molecules with the same composition but different structures
Term
Isotonic solution
Definition
a solution with a concentration of non-penetrating solutes equal to that found in the reference cell
Term
Isotope
Definition
a variation of an element characterized by a specific number of neutrons in the nucleus
Term
Joule
Definition
a unit of energy equal to 0.239 calorie
Term
Krebs cycle
Definition
aerobic metabolic pathway occurring within mitochondria, in which food metabolites are oxidized and CO2 is liberated, and coenzymes are reduced
Term
Lipid
Definition
organic compound formed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (e.g. fats and cholesterol)
Term
Locomotion
Definition
voluntary and involuntary movement of body via musculoskeletal system
Term
Lymphatic system
Definition
a complex system of thin-walled vessels similar to the blood capillaries, which serve to collect lymph fluid from tissues and organs and to transport the fluid to the venous circulation
Term
Macrophage
Definition
protective cell type common in connective tissue, lymphatic tissue, and certain body organs that phagocytizes tissue cells, bacteria, and other foreign debris; important as an antigen-presenter to T cells and B cells in the immune response
Term
Malignant
Definition
life-threatening; pertains to neoplasms that spread and lead to death; such as cancer
Term
Maltose
Definition
a disaccharide or double sugar made of two glucose molecules
Term
Mast cells
Definition
immune cells that function to detect foreign substances in the tissue spaces and initiate local inflammatory responses against them; typically found clustered deep to an epithelium or along blood vessels
Term
Mechanical disadvantage (speed lever)
Definition
a condition that occurs when the load is far from the fulcrum and the effort is applied near the fulcrum; the effort applied must be greater than the load to be moved
Term
Mechanical energy
Definition
the energy directly involved in moving matter (e.g. in cycle riding, the legs provide the mechanical energy that moves the pedals)
Term
Metals
Definition
the elements in the middle and left parts of the periodic table, except for hydrogen
Term
Metamorphosis
Definition
series of changes that take place as an egg develops into an adult, including the four stages of egg, larva, pupa, and adult
Term
Milliequivalent per liter (mEQ/L)
Definition
the units used to measure electrolyte concentrations of body fluids; a measure of the number of electrical charges in 1 liter of solution
Term
Mitosis
Definition
process of cell duplication, in which two daughter cells receive exactly the same nuclear material as the original cell
Term
Molarity
Definition
the number of moles of solute in 1 liter of solution
Term
Mole
Definition
an amount of a substance equal in grams to the sum of the atomic weights
Term
Molecule
Definition
a group of atoms linked together by covalent bonds
Term
Monosaccharide
Definition
a simple sugar that cannot be broken down by hydrolysis (e.g. glucose, fructose, and galactose); building block of carbohydrates
Term
Motor neurons
Definition
special nerve cells that transmit impulses to the muscles
Term
Mucous membranes
Definition
membranes that form the lining of body cavities open to the exterior (digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts)
Term
Muscle tone
Definition
sustained partial contraction of a muscle in response to stretch receptor inputs; keeps the muscle healthy and ready to act
Term
Nephron
Definition
structural and functional unit of the kidney; consists of the glomerulus and renal tubule
Term
Neutralization
Definition
the chemical reaction of an acid and base to yield a salt and water
Term
Neutron
Definition
a heavy subatomic particle with zero charge; found in an atomic nucleus
Term
Nonmetals
Definition
the elements in the upper-right part of the periodic table, and also hydrogen
Term
Nucleus
Definition
the core of an atom, contains protons and neutrons
Term
Nutrient
Definition
nourishment; food that promotes growth in living organisms
Term
Nutrition
Definition
taking in and breaking down nutrients to be used for metabolism via digestive system
Term
Operant conditioning
Definition
a method of using rewards to train an animal to perform tasks that are not innate
Term
Ophthalmic
Definition
pertaining to the eye
Term
Optic
Definition
pertaining to the eye or vision
Term
Orbital
Definition
a classification of the energy level occupied by electrons indicating the probable location of the electrons
Term
Organ
Definition
a part of the body formed by two or more tissues and adapted to carry out a specific function
Term
Organ
Definition
a part of the body formed by two or more tissues and adapted to carry out a specific function
Term
Organ system
Definition
a group of organs that work together to perform a vital body function
Term
Organic
Definition
refers to compounds based on carbon
Term
Osmosis
Definition
movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from an area of greater water concentration to an area of lesser water concentration
Term
Osmotic pressure
Definition
force produced by the pressure of water diffusing through a semipermeable membrane; the greater the difference in water concentration on either side of the membrane, the greater the osmotic pressure
Term
Oxidation
Definition
a reaction involving the loss of electrons by an element
Term
Oxidation-reduction reaction
Definition
a reaction that couples the oxidation (loss of electrons) of one substance with the reduction (gain of electrons) of another substance
Term
Oxygenation
Definition
taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide via respiratory system
Term
Pathogen
Definition
disease-causing microorganism
Term
Periodic Table
Definition
display of the elements in order of atomic number with similar elements falling into columns
Term
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Definition
portion of the nervous system consisting of nerves and ganglia that lie outside of the brain and spinal cord
Term
Peristalsis
Definition
wavelike contractions of muscles in tubular organs; motion that forces food through the human digestive organs; means of locomotion in earthworms
Term
Permeability
Definition
that property of membranes that permits passage of molecules and ions
Term
pH
Definition
a number describing the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution
Term
Photosynthesis
Definition
energy-making reaction in plants; formation of carbohydrates in chlorophyll-containing tissue of plants exposed to light
Term
Phototropism
Definition
growth response of plants to light
Term
Pituitary gland
Definition
neuroendocrine gland located beneath the brain that serves a variety of functions including regulation of gonads, thyroid, adrenal cortex, lactation, and water balance
Term
Pleural cavities
Definition
a subdivision of the thoracic cavity; each houses a lung
Term
Polymer
Definition
a large molecule formed by many small molecules linked together in chain-like fashion
Term
Potential energy
Definition
stored or inactive energy
Term
Pressure gradient
Definition
difference in hydrostatic pressure that drives filtration
Term
Progesterone
Definition
hormone partly responsible for preparing the uterus for the fertilized ovum
Term
Prostate gland
Definition
accessory reproductive gland, produces one-third of semen volume, including fluids that activate sperm
Term
Proton
Definition
a heavy subatomic particle with a positive charge; found in an atomic nucleus
Term
Radioactivity
Definition
the emission of subatomic particles from a nucleus
Term
Recessive traits
Definition
a trait due to a particular allele that does not manifest itself in the presence of other alleles that generate traits dominant to it; must be present in double dose in order to be expressed
Term
Reduction
Definition
a reaction involving the gain of electrons by an element
Term
Regeneration
Definition
replacement of destroyed tissue with the same kind of tissue
Term
Regulation
Definition
hormonal control of bodily function via endocrine system
Term
Renal
Definition
pertaining to the kidney
Term
Reserve air
Definition
amount of air that can be forced out of the lungs after normal expiration
Term
Residual air
Definition
amount of air left in the lungs after forced expiration
Term
Respiration
Definition
reaction in the cells of plants and animals that use oxygen and sugar to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy
Term
RNA (ribonucleic acid)
Definition
genetic material that assists with protein synthesis
Term
Salt
Definition
a solid compound composed of both metallic and nonmetallic elements
Term
Saturated
Definition
describes a solution that has as much solutes as it can hold at a given temperature
Term
Scientific method
Definition
a series of logically related steps used to gather information in order to solve a problem
Term
Self-duplication
Definition
production of offspring via the reproductive system
Term
Semipermeable membrane
Definition
a membrane that selectively allows materials to pass through
Term
Sensory neurons
Definition
special nerve cells that transmit impulses from a stimulus to a receptor
Term
Sex-linked inheritance
Definition
inherited traits determined by genes on the sex chromosomes
Term
Shell
Definition
a set of electron orbitals with the same principal quantum number
Term
Skeletal muscle
Definition
muscle composed of cylindrical multinucleated cells with striations; skeletal muscle, a voluntary muscle, attaches to the body's skeleton
Term
Solubility
Definition
the upper limit to the concentration of a solute
Term
Solubility product
Definition
the constant obtained by multiplying the ion concentrations in a saturated solution
Term
Solute
Definition
the substance that is dissolved in a solution
Term
Solvent
Definition
the host substance of dominant abundance in a solution
Term
Stimulus receptors
Definition
sensory organs that respond to stimuli; organs that respond to sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste
Term
Sublimation
Definition
the transformation of a solid directly to a gas without an intervening liquiq state
Term
Substrate
Definition
substance on which an enzyme operates
Term
Tidal air
Definition
amount of air involved during normal breathing
Term
Tropism
Definition
movement of plants in resposne to stimuli
Term
Valence
Definition
a signed integer describing the combining power of an atom as a real or hypothetical charge
Term
Ventrally
Definition
in the front, near the bottom
Term
Vital capacity
Definition
maximum volume of air inhaled or exhaled during forced breathing
Term
Anatomical position
Definition
a standard position in which the body is facing forward, feet are parallel, adn teh arms are at the sides with palms facing forward
Term
Superior
Definition
toward the upper end of the body
Term
Inferior
Definition
toward the lower end of the body
Term
Anterior
Definition
toward the front of the body
Term
Posterior
Definition
toward the back of the body
Term
Medial
Definition
toward the middle of the body
Term
Lateral
Definition
toward the outer side of the body
Term
Intermediate
Definition
between medial and lateral
Term
Proximal
Definition
close to the trunk of the body
Term
Distal
Definition
away from the trunk of the body
Term
Superficial
Definition
toward or at the body surface
Term
Deep
Definition
away from the body surface
Term
Sagittal section
Definition
cut made along a longitudinal place dividing the body into right and left parts
Term
Midsagittal section
Definition
sagittal section made down the median of the body
Term
Transverse section (cross section)
Definition
cut made along a horizontal plane to divide the body into upper and lower regions
Term
Frontal section (coronal section)
Definition
cut made along a longitudinal place that divides the body into front and back regions
Term
Dorsal body cavity
Definition
contains the cranial cavity adn spinal column
Supporting users have an ad free experience!