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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 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 events |
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 cell needs 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 | an 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 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 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 |
Neuron | small filtering structure in the kidneys that removes wastes from blood and produces urine |
Synapse | the junction where one neuron can transfer an impulse to another 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 |