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Units 5-6
*7.13ABCD Organization, Body Systems, Reproduction, & Selection
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Offspring | new organisms produced through reproduction |
| Asexual Reproduction | reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent |
| Sexual Reproduction | reproductive process that involves two parents combining their genetic material to produces offspring that differ from both parents |
| Inherit | to obtain genetic material from a parent |
| Trait | a specific characteristic that an organism can pass to its offspring through genetic material during reproduction |
| Artificial Selection | process by which humans breed only those organisms with desired traits |
| Natural Selection | process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more than other members of the same species |
| Generation | group of organisms that make up a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor |
| Uniform | The same all the way through; consistent. |
| Diverse | Different; varied. |
| Advantage | Something that is helpful or useful. |
| Disadvantage | An unfavorable situation that is not good. |
| tissue | a group of similar cells that perform a specific function |
| organ | a structure in a plant or animal that is composed of different kinds of tissues that perform a specific function or group of function |
| organ system | a group of organs that work together to perform a major function for an organism |
| brain | main organ of the nervous system that controls most of the functions of the body |
| spinal cord | thick column of nervous tissue that links the brain to nerves in the body |
| neuron | a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system |
| nerve | bundle of neurons that transmits impulses between the nervous system and other parts of the body |
| central nervous system | part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord, controlling most functions of the body and mind |
| peripheral nervous system | network of nerves that branches out from the central nervous system to the rest of the body |
| reflex | involuntary, automatic response to a stimulus that occurs rapidly and without conscious control |
| gland | organ that produces and releases chemicals either through the ducts or directly into the bloodstream |
| hormone | chemical produced by a cell or gland in one part of the body that affects functions of other parts of the body |
| metabolism | combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up and breaks down materials |
| egg | female sex cell |
| sperm | male sex cell |
| fertilization | process in which a sperm cell and an egg cell join to form a new organism |
| testes | male organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone |
| ovaries | female organs that produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone |
| uterus | hollow, muscular organ where a developing baby grows |
| bone | organ that is made up of multiple tissues and forms the skeleton |
| skeleton | inner framework of bone and connective tissue that provides shape and support to the body |
| marrow | soft, spongy tissue found at the center of bones |
| joint | point where two or more bones come together |
| cardiac muscle | involuntary muscle found in the heart |
| skeletal muscle | voluntary muscle that attaches to the bones by connective tissue and produces the body’s movement |
| smooth muscle | involuntary muscle that facilitates muscle movement of the internal organs and blood vessels and is responsible for moving nutrients and waste through the body |
| blood | the main transporter of all materials necessary for the body to function |
| heart | hollow, muscular organ that is responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system |
| lungs | organs of the respiratory system that bring oxygen into the body and remove waste gases |
| digestion | process by which the body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules |
| absorption | process by which nutrient molecules pass from your digestive system into your blood |
| stomach | muscular organ where a major part of digestion occurs |
| small intestine | long, tube-like organ where most chemical digestion and absorption take place |
| large intestine | tube-like organ that absorbs water and eliminates unabsorbed materials |
| excretion | process by which wastes are removed from the body |
| kidneys | main organs of the urinary system that act like filters for the blood |
| urea | a waste chemical removed from blood and excreted into urine |
| pathogen | a microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes infection |
| inflammatory response | 2nd line of defense in which fluid and white blood cells leak from blood vessels and engulf pathogens in nearby tissues |
| immune response | process that occurs when the cells of the immune system react to each kind of pathogen with a specifically targeted defense |
| immunity | the body’s ability to destroy pathogens before they cause disease |
| Circulatory system | transports oxygen, waste, nutrients, hormones, heat, etc... around the body |
| Digestive system | breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the blood for distribution to body cells |
| Endocrine system | glands secrete hormones that regulate processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use (metabolism) by body cells |
| Urinary system | cleanses the blood; rids the body of waste; raintains salt and water balance |
| Integumentary system | consists of the skin, hair, and nails; body's first line of defense |
| Immune system | complex response system that protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances |
| Muscular system | enables movement of the body and internal organs; consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle |
| Nervous system | network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body |
| Reproductive system | system of organs involved in producing offspring |
| Respiratory system | system of organs functioning in gas exchange (breathing) between the body and the environment; consists of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs |
| Skeletal system | protects and supports body organs; provides a framework the muscles use to support movement; made up of bones and joints |
| cell | basic unit of structure and function in living things |
| organism | individual living thing |
| blood vessels | tubelike structures that carry blood throughout the body; arteries, veins, capillaries |
| esophagus | muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach |
| skin | largest organ of the body |
| trachea | allows air to pass to and from lungs; windpipe |
| ureter | tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder |
| bladder | elastic, hollow, muscular organ that provides temporary storage for urine |