A&P Unit 1 vocabulary

the science of the structure of living organisms

the science of the functioning of living organisms

the smallest part of an element; indivisible chemical means

the basic biological unit of living organisms, enclosed by a limiting membrane; cells in more complex organisms contain a nucleus and a variety of organelles

a group of similar cells socialized to perform a specific function; primary tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues

a part of the body formed of two or more tissues that performs a specialized function

a group of organs that work together to perform a vital body function

an individual living thing

the skin and its accessory organs

system of protection and support composed primarily of bone and cartilage

organ system consisting of skeletal muscles and their connective tissue attachments

fast-acting control system that employs nerve impulses to trigger muscle contraction or gland secretion

body system that includes internal organs that secrete hormones

organ system that distributes blood to all parts of the body

the lymphatic vessels, and the lymphoid tissues and organs including lymph nodes

organ system that carries out gas exchange; includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

system that processes food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible wastes

system primarily responsible for water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance and the removal of nitrogen-containing wastes from the blood

organ system that functions to produce offspring

an act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed

the ability to sense changes (stimuli) in the environment and then to react to them; see also irritability

the body process of breaking down foods chemicals and mechanically

the sum total of the chemical reactions that occur in the body

the elimination of waste products from the body

the action or process of making a copy of something

the process of increasing in physical size

a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life

the odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life

the typical temperature range found in humans

the pressure of the air outside the body

a state of body equilibrium or stable internal environment of the body

(1) a peripheral nerve ending specialized for response to particular types of stimuli; (2) molecule that binds spe- cifically with other molecules, e.g., hormones and neurotransmitters.

the body structure that determines the normal range of the variable, or set point

an organ, gland, or muscle capable of being activated by nerve endings

occurs when a system’s output acts to reduce or dampen the processes that lead to the output of that system, resulting in less output

intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition rather than reversing it

an inability of the body to restore a functional, stable internal environment

describes the body in standing position when feet and head are facing forward; arms to the side with palms facing the front

describes the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body

describe the different parts of the body by the structures and functions of a specific region

a segment or subdivision of an organ

an imaginary vertical and horizontal line used to divide the body into sections for descriptive purposes

spaces within the body that contain and protect special organs