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human 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 |
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 | the chemical produced by an endocrine gland , a chemical that affects growth and development |
stress | the reaction of a persons body to potentially threatening challenging , or disturbing events |
interactions | the direct effect that one thing has on another. |
stable | resistant to sudden changes |
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 bodys cell need to carry out all their essential processes. |
absorption | the process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of the digestive system into the blood. |
carbohydrates | a energy rich organic compound , such as sugar or starch , that is made of the elements carbon, hydrogen , and oxygen. |
peristalsis | waves of smooth muscle contractions that move food through the esophagus toward the stomach. |
saliva | fluid released from glands in the mouth that play an important role in mechanical and chemical digestion |
enzymes | proteins that speed up 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 carriers blood away from the heart |
vein | a blood vessel that carriers 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 , and 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 in 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 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 by which a system is turned off by the condition it produces. |