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human body systems
body systems
Term | Definition |
---|---|
tissue | a group of similar cells that perform a specific function |
organ | a body structure that is composed of different kinds of tissues that work together |
organ system | a group of organs that work together to perform a major function |
gland | an organ that produces and releases chemicals either through ducts or into the bloodstream |
hormone | (1) the chemical produced by an endocrine gland (2) a chemical that affects growth and development |
stress | the reaction of the person's body to potentially threatening, challenging, or disturbing |
interactions | the direct effect that one thing has on another |
stable | resistant to sudden change |
digestion | the process by which your body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules |
nutrients | the substances in food that provide the raw materials the body's cells need to carry out all their essential processes. |
absorption | the process by which nutrients molecules pass through the wall of the digestive system into the blood |
carbohydrates | an energy-rich organic compound, such as sugar or starch, that is made of the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen |
peristalsis | waves of smooth |
saliva | fluid released from gland in the mouth that play an important role in mechanical and chemical digestion |
enzymes | proteins that speed up the chemical reactions in the body |
elimination | act of removal of materials from the body |
circulatory system | an organ system that transports needed materials to cells and removes waste |
contract | to draw together; to reduce in size |
artery | a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart |
vein | a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart |
capillary | a tiny blood vessel where substances are exchanged between the blood and body cells |
lymph | fluid that travels through the lymphatic system consisting of water, white blood cells, dissolved materials |
bronchi | the two passages that direct air into the lungs |
alveoli | tiny thin-walled sacs of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gases between air and blood |
excretion | the process of moving wastes |
nephron | small filtering structure in the kidneys that removes wastes from blood and produces urine |
neuron | a cell that carries information through the nervous system |
synapse | the junction where one neuron can transfer an impulse to another neuron |
impulse | the message carried by a neuron |
brain | the part of the central nervous system that is located in the skull and controls most functions of the body |
spinal cord | thick column of nervous tissue that links the brain to most of the nerves that branch out through the body |
reflex | automatic response that occurs without conscious control through the somatic nervous system |
negative feedback | the process which by a system is turned off by the condition it produces |