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Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology v.9 Chapters 1-8
General Review for Marieb's Anatomy Textbook, 9th Edition, Chapters 1-8
300
Anatomy
11th Grade
01/13/2010

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Term
Ion
Definition
Atom with a positive or negative electric charge.
Term
Plasma Membrane
Definition
Membrane, composed of three lamina layers, that encloses cell contents; outer limiting cell membrane.
Term
Proton
Definition
Subatomic Particle that bears a positive charge; located in the atomic nucleus.
Term
Carbohydrate
Definition
Organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; includes starches, sugars, cellulose.
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
Valence Shell
Definition
Outermost electron shell (energy level) of an atom that contains electrons.
Term
Axis
Definition
1. the 2nd cervical vertebra; has a vertical projection called the dens around which the atlas rotates
2. the imaginary line about which a joint or structure moves
Term
Diencephalon (interbrain)
Definition
That part of the forebrain between the cerebral hemispheres and the midbrain including the thalamus, the third ventricle, and the hypothalamus.
Term
Smooth Muscle
Definition
Spindle shaped cells with one centrally located nucleus and no externally visible striations (bands). Found mainly in the walls of hollow organs.
Term
Pressure Gradient
Definition
Difference in hydrostatic pressure that drives filtration.
Term
Neutron
Definition
Uncharged subatomic particle; found in the atomic nucleus.
Term
Homeostasis
Definition
A state of body equilibrium or stable internal environment of the body.
Term
Dynamic Equilibrium
Definition
Sense that reports on angular or rotary movements of the head in space.
Term
Cataract
Definition
Clouding of the eye's lens; often congenital or age-related.
Term
Cones
Definition
One of the two types of photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye; provide for color vision.
Term
Hyaline
Definition
Glassy; transparent.
Term
Centriole
Definition
Minute body found near the nucleus of the cell; active in cell division.
Term
Phospholipid
Definition
Modified lipid containing phosphorus.
Term
Pelvis
Definition
1. Basin-shaped bony structure composed of the pelvic girdle, sacrum, and coccyx.
2. Expanded proximal portion of the ureter within the kidney.
Term
Ribosomes
Definition
Cytoplasmic organelles at which proteins are synthesized.
Term
Gene
Definition
One of the biological units of heredity located in chromatin; transmits hereditary information.
Term
Amino acid
Definition
Organic compound containing nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; building block of protein.
Term
Keratin
Definition
Water-soluble protein found in the epidermis, hair, and nails that makes those structures hard and water-repellent; precursor is keratohyalin.
Term
Atomic number
Definition
The number of protons in an atom.
Term
Myofibril
Definition
Rodlike bundle of contractile filaments (myofilaments) found in muscle cells.
Term
Atom
Definition
The smallest part of an element; indivisible by ordinary chemical means.
Term
Fascicle
Definition
Bundle of nerve or muscle fibers bound together by connective tissues.
Term
Serous membrane
Definition
Membrane that lines a cavity without an opening to the outside of the body (except for joint cavities); serosa.
Term
Salt
Definition
Ionic compound that dissociates into charged particles (other than hydrogen or hydroxyl ions) when dissolved in water.
Term
Ligament
Definition
Band of regular fibrous tissue that connects bones.
Term
Edema
Definition
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in body parts or tissues; causes swelling.
Term
Appendicular Skeleton
Definition
Bones of the limbs and limb girdles that are attached to the axial skeleton.
Term
Conjunctiva
Definition
Thin, protective mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the anterior surface of the eye itself.
Term
Acne
Definition
Inflammatory disease of the skin; infection of the sebaceous glands.
Term
Chemoreceptor
Definition
Receptors sensitive to various chemicals in solution.
Term
Sebaceous glands (oil glands)
Definition
Epidermal glands that produce an oily secretion called sebum.
Term
Postganglionic neuron
Definition
Autonomic motor neuron that has its cell body in a peripheral ganglion and projects its axon to an effector.
Term
Covalent Bond
Definition
Chemical bond created by electron sharing between atoms.
Term
Goblet cells
Definition
Individual cells (unicellular glands) that produce mucus.
Term
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Definition
Plasmalike fluid that fills the cavities of the CNS and surrounds the CNS externally; protects the brain and spinal cord.
Term
Lysosomes
Definition
Organelles that originate from the Golgi apparatus and contain strong digestive enzymes.
Term
Equilibrium
Definition
Balance; a state when opposite reactions or forces counteract each other exactly.
Term
Atomic weight
Definition
The average of the mass numbers of all the isotopes of an element.
Term
Atlas
Definition
The 1st cervical vertebra; articulates with the occipital bone of the skull and the 2nd cervical vertebra (axis).
Term
Chemical Reaction
Definition
Process in which molecules are formed, changed, or broken down.
Term
Proximal
Definition
Toward the attached end of a limb or the origin of a structure.
Term
Midsagittal (median) section
Definition
Specific sagittal plane that lies exactly in the midline.
Term
Sensory (afferent) nerve
Definition
Nerve that contains processes of sensory neurons and carries impulses to the CNS.
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
Mitosis
Definition
Process during which the chromosomes are redistributed to two daughter nuclei; nuclear division. Consists of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Term
Dermis
Definition
Layer of skin deep to the epidermis; composed of dense irregular tissue.
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
Hydrogen bond
Definition
Weak bond in which a hydrogen atom forms a bridge between two electron-hungry atoms. An important intramolecular bond.
Term
Aqueous Humor
Definition
Watery fluid in the anterior chambers of the eye.
Term
Phalanges
Definition
The bones of the fingers and toes.
Term
Distal
Definition
Away from the attached end of a limb or the origin of a structure.
Term
Melanocyte
Definition
A cell that produces melanin.
Term
Nucleic acid
Definition
Class of organic molecules that includes DNA and RNA.
Term
Motor unit
Definition
A motor neuron and all the muscle cells it stimulates.
Term
Fatty acids
Definition
Linear chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms (hydrocarbon chains) with an organic acid group at one end. A constituent of fat.
Term
Astigmatism
Definition
A condition in which unequal curvatures in different parts of the lens (or cornea) of the eye lead to blurred vision.
Term
Intervertebral discs
Definition
Discs of fibrocartilage between vertebrae.
Term
Inferior (caudal)
Definition
Pertaining to a position near the tail end of the long axis of the body.
Term
Neuroglia
Definition
Nonexcitable cells of neual tissue that support, protect, and insulate the neurons.
Term
Dura mater
Definition
Outermost and toughest of the three membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord.
Term
Skeletal system
Definition
System of protection and support composed primarily of bone and cartilage.
Term
Synergist
Definition
Muscle that aids the action of a prime mover by effecting the same movement or by stabilizing joints across which the prime mover acts to prevent undesirable movements.
Term
Atomic symbol
Definition
The one or two-letter symbol used to indicate an element; usually the first letter(s) of the element's name.
Term
Medial
Definition
Toward the midline of the body.
Term
Cell
Definition
The structural and functional unit of living organisms; contains a nucleus and a variety of organelles enclosed by a limiting membrane.
Term
Antagonist
Definition
Muscle that reverses, or opposes, the action of another muscle.
Term
Lymphatic system
Definition
System consisting of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other lymphoid organs and tissues; drains excess tissue fluid from the extracellular space and provides a site for immune surveillance.
Term
Element
Definition
One of a limited number of unique varieties of matter that composes substances of all kinds; e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen.
Term
Cochlea
Definition
Snail-shaped chamber of the bony labyrinth that houses the receptor for hearing (the organ of Corti).
Term
Interstitial fluid
Definition
Fluid between the cells.
Term
Oxygen
Definition
An abundant and widely distributed chemical element essential to animal and plant life.
Term
Abduct
Definition
To move away from the midline of the body.
Term
Connective Tissue
Definition
A primary tissue; form and function vary extensively. Functions include support, storage, and protection.
Term
Tarsal
Definition
One of the seven bones that form the ankle and heel.
Term
Integumentary system
Definition
Skin and its derivatives; provides the external protective covering of the body.
Term
Fissure
Definition
1. a groove or cleft
2. the deepest depressions or inward folds on the brain
Term
Neoplasm
Definition
An abnormal mass of proliferating cells; benign neoplasms remain localized; malignant neoplasms are cancers, which can spread to other organs.
Term
Flagellum
Definition
Long, whiplike extension of the plasma membrane of some bacteria and a sperm; propel the cell.
Term
Lamina
Definition
1. a thin layer or flat plate
2. the portion of a vertebra between the transverse process and the spinous process.
Term
Suture
Definition
An immovable fibrous joint; with one exception, all bones of the skull are united by sutures.
Term
Isometric
Definition
Of the same length.
Term
Skeletal system
Definition
System of protection and support composed primarily of bone and cartilage.
Term
Matter
Definition
Anything that occupies space and has mass.
Term
Muscle fiber
Definition
A muscle cell.
Term
Optic chiasma
Definition
The partial crossover of fibers of the optic nerves.
Term
Serous fluid
Definition
Clear, watery fluid secreted by cells of a serous membrane.
Term
Articular capsule
Definition
Double-layered capsule composed of an outer fibrous capsule lined by synovial membrane; encloses the joint cavity of a synovial joint.
Term
Allergy (hypersensitivity)
Definition
Overzealous immune response to an otherwise harmless antigen.
Term
Paraplegia
Definition
Paralysis of the lower limbs.
Term
Epidermis
Definition
Superficial layer of the skin; composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
Term
Muscle twitch
Definition
The response of a muscle to a single brief threshold stimulus.
Term
Sagittal section
Definition
A longitudinal (vertical) plane that divides the body or any of its parts into right and left portions.
Term
Pectoral
Definition
Pertaining to the chest.
Term
Ventral
Definition
Pertaining to the front; anterior.
Term
Fascia
Definition
Layers of fibrous tissue covering and separating muscles.
Term
Frontal (coronal) section
Definition
Longitudinal (vertical) plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
Term
Cartilage
Definition
White, semiopaque connective tissue.
Term
Endocrine system
Definition
Body system that includes internal organs that secrete hormones.
Term
Ulcer
Definition
Lesion or erosion of the mucous membrane, such as a gastric ulcer of the stomach.
Term
Synthesis (combination) reaction
Definition
A chemical reaction in which larger, more complex atoms or molecules are formed from simpler ones.
Term
Melanin
Definition
Dark pigment formed by cells called melanocytes; imparts color to skin and hair.
Term
Electrolytes
Definition
Chemical substances, such as salts, acids, and bases, that ionize and dissociate in water and are capable of conducting an electrical current.
Term
Basal nuclei (basal ganglia)
Definition
Gray matter areas located deep within the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres.
Term
Tissue
Definition
A group of similar cells (and their intercellular substance) specialized to perform a specific function; primary types of the body are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
Term
Crenation
Definition
The shriveling of a cell, for example an ethrocyte, resulting from loss of water.
Term
Origin
Definition
Attachment of a muscle that remains relatively fixed during muscular contraction.
Term
Osmosis
Definition
DIffusion of a solvent through a membrane from a dilute solution into a more concentrated one.
Term
Hydrolysis
Definition
Process in which water is used to split a substance into smaller particles.
Term
Thalamus
Definition
A mass of gray matter in the diencephalon of the brain.
Term
Cutaneous membrane
Definition
The skin; composed of epidermal and dermal layers.
Term
Physiology
Definition
Study of the function of living organisms.
Term
Radiant (electromagnetic) energy
Definition
Energy form that travels in waves.
Term
Apocrine gland
Definition
The less numerous type of sweat gland; produces a secretion containing water, salts, proteins, and fatty acids.
Term
Transverse (horizontal) section
Definition
A plane running from right to left, dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.
Term
Osteoblasts
Definition
Bone-forming cells.
Term
Glycerol
Definition
A modified simple sugar (a sugar alcohol).
Term
Refract
Definition
Bend; usually refers to light.
Term
Stratum
Definition
A layer.
Term
Radioisotope
Definition
Isotope that exhibits radioactive behavior.
Term
Myelin sheath
Definition
Fatty insulating sheath that surrounds all but the smallest nerve fibers.
Term
Cupula
Definition
A domelike structure.
Term
Mucous membranes
Definition
Membranes that form the linings of body cavities open to the exterior (digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts).
Term
Amphiarthrosis
Definition
A slightly movable joint.
Term
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Definition
Efferent division of the PNS that innervates cardiac and smooth muscles and glands; also called the involuntary or visceral motor system.
Term
Neuromuscular junction
Definition
Region where a motor neuron comes into close contact with a skeletal muscle cell.
Term
Acromion
Definition
The outer projection of the spine of the scapula; the highest point of the shoulder.
Term
Anterior
Definition
The front of an organism, organ, or part; the ventral surface.
Term
Urinary system
Definition
System primarily responsible for water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance and removal of nitrogenous wastes.
Term
Mechanical energy
Definition
The energy directly involved in moving matter; e.g., in bicycle riding, the legs provide the mechanical energy that moves the pedals.
Term
Diffusion
Definition
The spreading of particles in a gas or solution with a movement toward uniform distribution of particles.
Term
Articular capsule
Definition
Double-layered capsule composed of an outer fibrous capsule lined by synovial membrane; encloses the joint cavity of a synovial joint.
Term
Tympanic membrane
Definition
Eardrum.
Term
Hyperopia
Definition
A condition in which visual images are routinely focused behind the retina; commonly known as farsightedness.
Term
Ionic bond
Definition
Chemical bond formed by electron transfer between atoms.
Term
Osteoporosis
Definition
Increased softening of the bone resulting from a gradual decrease in rate of bone formation.
Term
Acetabulum
Definition
Cuplike cavity on lateral surface of the hip bone that receives the femur.
Term
Gray matter
Definition
Gray area of the CNS; contains cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers of neurons.
Term
Efferent neurons
Definition
Neurons that conduct impulses away from the CNS.
Term
Synovial membrane
Definition
Membrane that lines the capsule of a joint.
Term
Radioactivity
Definition
The process of spontaneous decay seen in some of the heavier isotopes, during which particles or energy is emitted from the atomic nucleus; results in the atom becoming more stable.
Term
Negative feedback mechanisms
Definition
The most common of homeostatic control mechanisms. The net effect is that the output of the system shuts off the original stimulus or reduces its intensity.
Term
Reduction
Definition
Chemical reaction in which electrons and energy are gained by a molecule (often accompanied by a gain of hydrogen ions) or oxygen is lost.
Term
Ganglion
Definition
Collection of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS.
Term
Cytokinesis
Definition
The division of cytoplasm that occurs after the cell nucleus has divided.
Term
Canaliculis
Definition
Extremely small tubular passage or channel.
Term
Perimysium
Definition
Connective tissue enveloping bundles of muscle fibers.
Term
Sex chromosomes
Definition
The chromosomes, X and Y, that determine genetic sex (XX=female; XY=male); the 23rd pair of chromosomes.
Term
Cartilaginous joint
Definition
Bones united by cartilage; no joint cavity is present.
Term
RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
Definition
Nucleic acid that contains ribose and the bases A,G,C, and U. Carries out DNA's instructions for protein synthesis.
Term
Static equilibrium
Definition
Sense of head position in space with respect to gravity.
Term
Extension
Definition
Movement that increases the angle of a joint, e.g., straightening a flexed knee.
Term
Fibrous joint
Definition
Bones joined by fibrous tissue; no joint cavity is present.
Term
Axilla
Definition
Armpit.
Term
Skull
Definition
Bony protective encasement of the brain and the organs of hearing and equilibrium; includes the facial bones. Also called the cranium.
Term
Osteoclasts
Definition
Large cells that resorb or break down bone matrix.
Term
Autonomic
Definition
Self-directed; self-regulating; independent.
Term
Ossicles
Definition
Malleus, Incus, and Stapes.
Term
Vertebral Column (spine)
Definition
Formed of a number of individual bones called vertebrae and two composite bones (sacrum and coccyx).
Term
Nervous system
Definition
Fast-acting control system that triggers muscle contraction or gland secretion.
Term
Arteriosclerosis
Definition
Any of a number of proliferative and degenerative changes in the arteries leading to their decreased activity.
Term
Osteon
Definition
System of interconnecting canals in the microscopic structure of adult compact bone; unit of bone; also called Haversian system.
Term
Brachial
Definition
Pertaining to the arm.
Term
Lysozyme
Definition
Enzyme in sweat, saliva and tears that is capable of destroying certain kinds of bacteria.
Term
Graded potential
Definition
A local change in membrane potential that varies directly with the strength of the stimulus, declines with distance.
Term
Subcutaneous
Definition
Beneath the skin.
Term
Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
Definition
Division of the PNS that provides the motor innervation of skeletal muscles; also called the voluntary nervous system.
Term
Organic compound
Definition
Any compound composed of atoms (some of which are carbon) held together by covalent (shared electron) bonds.
Term
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Definition
Organic molecule that stores and releases chemical energy for use in body cells.
Term
Fixator
Definition
Muscle that immobilizes one or more bones, allowing other muscles to act from a stable base.
Term
Protein
Definition
Complex substance containing carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen; composes 10% to 30% of cell mass.
Term
Diarthrosis
Definition
Freely movable joint.
Term
Axon
Definition
Neuron process that carries impulses away from the nerve cell body; efferent process; the conducting portion of a nerve cell.
Term
Iris
Definition
The pigmented, involuntary muscle that acts as the diaphragm of the eye, controlling the amount of light passing through the cornea.
Term
Polysaccharide
Definition
Literally, many sugars, a polymer of linked monosaccharides; e.g., starch, glycogen.
Term
Intracellular fluid
Definition
Fluid within a cell.
Term
Skeletal muscle
Definition
Muscle composed of cylindrical multinucleate cells with obvious striations; the muscle(s) attached to the body's skeleton; voluntary muscle.
Term
Hypotonic
Definition
Below normal tone or tension.
Term
Gland
Definition
Organ specialized to secrete or excrete substances for further use in the body or for elimination.
Term
Triglycerides
Definition
Fats and oils composed of fatty acids and glycerol; are the body's most concentrated source of energy fuel; also known as neutral fats.
Term
Exchange (displacement) reaction
Definition
Chemical reaction in which bonds are both made and broken; atoms become combined with different atoms.
Term
Receptor
Definition
1. a cell or nerve ending of a sensory neuron specialized to respond to particular types of stimuli.
2. Molecule that binds specifically with other molecules e.g., neurotransmitters, hormones, antigens.
Term
Efferent
Definition
Carrying away or away from, especially a nerve fiber that carries impulses away from the CNS.
Term
Organelles
Definition
Small cellular structures (ribosomes, mitochondria, and others) that perform specific metabolic functions for the cell as a whole.
Term
Epimysium
Definition
Sheath of fibrous connective tissue surrounding a muscle.
Term
Base
Definition
A substance capable of binding with hydrogen ions; a proton acceptor.
Term
Muscular dystrophy
Definition
A group of inherited muscle-destroying diseases.
Term
Bony thorax (thoracic cage)
Definition
Bones that form the framework of the thorax; includes sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.
Term
Nucleotide
Definition
Building block of nucleic acids; consists of a sugar, a nitrogen-containing base, and a phosphate group.
Term
Glucose
Definition
Principal blood sugar, a hexose.
Term
Irritability
Definition
Ability to respond to a stimulus.
Term
Phagocytosis
Definition
Engulfing of foreign solids by (phagocytic) cells.
Term
Aerobic
Definition
Oxygen-requiring.
Term
Glycogen
Definition
Main carbohydrate stored in animal cells; a polysaccharide.
Term
Auditory
Definition
Pertaining to the sense of hearing.
Term
Monosaccharide
Definition
Literally, one sugar; building block of carbohydrates; e.g., glucose.
Term
Shoulder girdle
Definition
Composite of two bones, scapula and clavicle, that attach the upper limb to the axial skeleton; also called the pectoral girdle.
Term
Organ
Definition
A part of the body formed of two or more tissues and adapted to carry out a specific function; e.g., the stomach.
Term
Adipose
Definition
Fatty.
Term
Osteocyte
Definition
Mature bone cell.
Term
Tendon
Definition
Cord of dense fibrous tissue attaching muscle to bone.
Term
Myosin
Definition
One of the principal contractile proteins found in muscle.
Term
Glaucoma
Definition
Condition in which intraocular pressure increases to level that cause compression of the retina and optic nerve; results in blindness unless detected early.
Term
Joint (articulation)
Definition
The junction of two or more bones.
Term
Chromosomes
Definition
Barlike bodies of tightly coiled chromatin; visible during cell division.
Term
Acid
Definition
A substance that releases hydrogen ions when in solution (compare with Base); a proton donor.
Term
Mitochondria
Definition
Cytoplasmic organelles responsible for ATP generation for cellular activities.
Term
Electric energy
Definition
Energy formed by the movement of charged particles across cell membranes.
Term
Sulcus
Definition
A furrow on the brain, less deep than a fissure.
Term
Chromatin
Definition
Structures in the nucleus that carry the hereditary factors (genes).
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
Brain region most involved in producing smooth, coordinating skeletal muscle activity.
Term
Tendon
Definition
Cord of dense fibrous tissue attaching muscle to bone.
Term
Brain stem
Definition
Collectively the midbrain, pons, and medulla of the brain.
Term
Pectoral (shoulder) girdle
Definition
Bones that attach the upper limbs to the axial skeleton; includes the clavicle and scapula.
Term
Flexion
Definition
Movement that decreases the angle of the joint, e.g., bending the knee from a straight to an angled position.
Term
Cholesterol
Definition
Steriod found in animal fats as well as in most body tissues; made by the liver.
Term
Cerumen
Definition
Earwax.
Term
Visual acuity
Definition
The ability of the eye to distinguish detail.
Term
Atomic mass number
Definition
Sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Insertion
Definition
Movable attachment of a muscle.
Term
Cranial nerves
Definition
The 12 nerve pairs that arise from the brain.
Term
Cholinergic fibers
Definition
Nerve endings that, upon stimulation, release acetylcholine.
Term
Synovial joint
Definition
Freely movable joint exhibiting a joint cavity; also called a diarthrosis.
Term
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Definition
A nucleic acid found in all living cell; it carries the organism's hereditary information.
Term
Pronation
Definition
Inward rotation of the forearm causing the radius to cross diagonally over the ulna; palms face posteriorly; opposite of supination.
Term
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Definition
Graphic record of the electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain.
Term
Nerve impulse
Definition
A self-propogating wave of depolarization; also called an action potential.
Term
Parasympathetic division
Definition
A division of the ANS; also referred to as the craniosacral division.
Term
Afferent
Definition
Carrying to or toward a center.
Term
Adduct
Definition
To move toward the midline of the body.
Term
Hamstring muscles
Definition
The posterior thigh muscles: the biceps femoris, semimembronosus, and semitendinosus.
Term
Diaphysis
Definition
Elongated shaft of a long bone.
Term
Inguinal
Definition
Pertaining to the groin region.
Term
Decomposition reaction
Definition
Chemical reaction in which a molecule is broken down into smaller molecules or its constituent atoms.
Term
Myopia
Definition
A condition in which visual images are focused in front of rather than on the retina; commonly called nearsightedness.
Term
Gyrus
Definition
An outward fold of the surface of the cerebral cortex.
Term
Axial skeleton
Definition
The bones of the skull, vertebral column, thorax, and sternum.
Term
Extracellular matrix
Definition
Nonliving material that separates the living cells in connective tissue consisting of ground substance and fibers.
Term
Actin
Definition
A contractile protein of muscle.
Term
Receptor
Definition
1. A cell or nerve ending of a sensory neuron specialized to respond to particular types of stimuli.
2. Molecule that binds specifically with other molecules e.g., neurotransmitters, hormones, antigens.
Term
Atrophy
Definition
Reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or cell resulting from disease or lack of use.
Term
Lactic acid
Definition
Product of anaerobic metabolism, especially in muscle.
Term
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Definition
Chemical transmitter substance released by some nerve endings.
Term
Association neurons
Definition
Completes the pathway between afferent and efferent neurons.
Term
Preganglionic neuron
Definition
Autonomic motor neuron that has its cell body in the CNS and projects its axon to a peripheral ganglion.
Term
Arachnoid
Definition
Weblike; specifically, the weblike middle layer of the three meninges.
Term
Flaccid
Definition
Soft; flabby; relaxed.
Term
Dehydration synthesis
Definition
Process by which a large molecule is synthesized by covalently bonding smaller molecules together.
Term
Epithelium (epithelial tissue)
Definition
Pertaining to a primary tissue that covers the body surface, lines its internal cavities, and forms glands.
Term
Myofilament
Definition
Filament that constitutes myofibrils. Of two types: actin and myosin.
Term
Energy
Definition
The capacity to do work; may be stored (potential energy) or in action (kinetic energy).
Term
Isotopes
Definition
Different atomic forms of the same element, vary only in the number of neutrons they contain; the heavier species tend to be radioactive.
Term
Pons
Definition
1. Any bridgelike structure or part
2. The part of the brain stem connecting the medulla with the midbrain, providing linkage between upper and lower levels of the CNS.
Term
Fontanels
Definition
Fibrous membranes at the angles of cranial bones that accomodate brain growth in the fetus and infant.
Term
Organ system
Definition
A group of organs that work together to perform a vital body function; e.g., the nervous system.
Term
Microvilli
Definition
Tiny projections on the free surfaces of some epithelial cells; increase surface area for absorption.
Term
Lacrimal
Definition
Pertaining to tears.
Term
Photoreceptor
Definition
Specialized receptor cells that respond to light energy.
Term
Adrenergic fibers
Definition
Nerve fibers that release norepinephrine.
Term
Neurotransmitter
Definition
Chemical released by neurons that may, upos binding to receptors of neurons or effector cells, stimulate or inhibit them.
Term
Striated muscle
Definition
Muscle consisting of cross-striated muscle fibers; includes cardiac and skeletal muscle.
Term
Pupil
Definition
Opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eye.
Term
Myelin
Definition
A white, fatty lipid substance.
Term
Excretion
Definition
Elimination of waste products from the body.
Term
Cerebral aqueduct
Definition
The slender cavity of the midbrain that connects the 3rd and 4th ventricles; also called the aqueduct of Sylvius.
Term
Metacarpal
Definition
One of the five bones of the palm of the hand.
Term
Reflex
Definition
Automatic reaction to stimuli.
Term
Mechanoreceptor
Definition
Receptor sensitive to mechanical pressure such as touch, sound, or exerted by muscle contraction.
Term
Sensory neuron
Definition
An initiator of nerve impulses following receptor stimulation.
Term
Muscular system
Definition
The organ system consisting of the skeletal muscles of the body and their connective tissue attachments.
Term
Rods
Definition
One of the two types of photosensitive cells in the retina.
Term
Solution
Definition
A homogenous mixture of two or more components.
Term
Dendrite
Definition
Branching neuron process that serves as a receptive, or input, region; transmits that nerve impulse toward the cell body.
Term
Basement membrane
Definition
Extracellular material consisting of a basal lamina secreted by epithelial cells and a reticular lamina secreted by underlying connective tissue cells.
Term
Sebum
Definition
Oily secretion of sebaceous glands.
Term
Quadriplegia
Definition
Paralysis of all four extremities.
Term
Kinetic energy
Definition
The energy of motion or movement, e.g., the constant movement of atoms, or the push given to a swinging door that sets it into motion.
Term
Gustation
Definition
Taste.
Term
Active transport
Definition
Membrane transport processes for which ATP is provided, e.g., solute pumping and endocytosis.
Term
Sympathetic division
Definition
A division of the ANS; opposes parasympathetic functions; called the fight-or-flight division.
Term
Auditory ossicles
Definition
The three tiny bones serving as transmitters of vibrations and located within the middle ear.
Term
Aponeurosis
Definition
Fibrous or membranous sheet connecting a muscle and the part it moves.
Term
Disaccharide
Definition
Literally, double sugar; e.g., sucrose, lactose.
Term
Blood-brain barrier
Definition
Mechanism that inhibits passage of materials from the blood into brain tissues; reflects relative impermeability of brain capillaries.
Term
Chemical bond
Definition
An energy relationship holding atoms together; involves the interaction of electrons.
Term
Spinal nerves
Definition
The 31 nerve pairs that arise from the spinal cord.
Term
Plantar
Definition
Pertaining to the sole of the foot.
Term
Ventricle
Definition
1. Paired, inferiorly located heart chambers that function as the major blood pumps.
2. cavities in the brain.
Term
Convergence
Definition
Turning toward a common point from different directions.
Term
Synapse
Definition
Functional junction or point of close contact between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell.
Term
Pelvic girdle (hip girdle)
Definition
Consists of the paired coxal bones that attach the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.
Term
Effector
Definition
Organ, gland, or muscle capable of being activated by nerve endings.
Term
Mucus
Definition
A sticky, thick fluid secreted by mucous glands and mucous membranes; keeps the free surface of membranes moist.
Term
Graded response
Definition
A response that varies directly with the strength of the stimulus.
Term
Cornea
Definition
Transparent anterior portion of the eyeball; part of the fibrous tunic.
Term
pH
Definition
The symbol for hydrogen ion concentration; a measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
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