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Physiology 2
Physiology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ACTION POTENTIAL | A rapid change in membrane potential allowing nerve impulses to travel along neurons |
| SYNAPSE | A small gap between neurons where nerve signals are transmitted chemically or electrically |
| NEUROTRANSMITTER | A chemical messenger released at synapses to communicate signals between neurons |
| HORMONE | A chemical substance secreted by endocrine glands that travels through the blood to affect target organs |
| ERYTHROCYTE | A red blood cell tasked with transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream |
| CARDIAC OUTPUT | The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute; calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume |
| CAPILLARY EXCHANGE | The movement of substances between blood and tissues through the thin walls of capillaries |
| ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY | The body’s tailored immune response involving specific recognition and memory of pathogens |
| ALVEOLUS | A tiny air sac in the lungs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place |
| PERISTALSIS | A series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves food through the digestive tract |