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Human Physio (1-6)
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | The study of body structure and the relationships between parts. |
| Physiology | The study of how body parts function to maintain life. |
| Homeostasis | The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. |
| Negative Feedback | A control mechanism that reverses a change to keep conditions near a set point (e.g., body temperature regulation). |
| Positive Feedback | A process that amplifies a change, moving the system away from balance (e.g., labor contractions). |
| Metabolism | The sum of all chemical reactions in the body (catabolism + anabolism). |
| Anabolism | The building up of complex substances from simpler ones; requires energy. |
| Catabolism | The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones; releases energy. |
| Cell | The basic structural and functional unit of life. |
| Tissue | A group of similar cells performing a specific function. |
| Organ | A structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function. |
| Organ System | A group of organs that work together to perform vital functions. |
| Organism | The entire living being that represents the highest level of organization. |
| Extracellular Fluid (ECF) | Fluid outside cells; includes plasma and interstitial fluid. |
| Intracellular Fluid (ICF) | Fluid within cells containing cytoplasm and organelles. |
| Element | A pure substance made of only one kind of atom. |
| Atom | The smallest unit of an element that retains its properties. |
| Molecule | Two or more atoms bonded together. |
| Compound | A molecule composed of atoms of different elements. |
| Ion | An atom or molecule with a positive or negative charge. |
| Electrolyte | A substance that dissociates in water to form ions and conduct electricity. |
| pH | A measure of hydrogen ion concentration; indicates acidity or alkalinity. |
| Buffer | A chemical that resists pH changes by neutralizing acids or bases. |
| Organic Compounds | Carbon-based molecules (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). |
| Inorganic Compounds | Molecules not based on carbon (e.g., water, salts). |
| ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) | The primary energy carrier in cells. |
| Enzyme | A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions. |
| Plasma Membrane | A selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell. |
| Cytoplasm | The fluid inside a cell that holds organelles. |
| Nucleus | The control center containing DNA. |
| Ribosome | Organelle that synthesizes proteins. |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) | Network for protein and lipid synthesis (rough ER = with ribosomes; smooth ER = no ribosomes). |
| Golgi Apparatus | Packages and ships proteins and lipids for secretion. |
| Mitochondria | The “powerhouse” of the cell; site of ATP production. |
| Lysosome | Contains digestive enzymes for breaking down waste. |
| Diffusion | Movement of molecules from high → low concentration. |
| Osmosis | Diffusion of water through a semipermeable membrane. |
| Active Transport | Movement of substances against their gradient using energy (ATP). |
| Endocytosis / Exocytosis | Processes for bringing materials into or out of the cell via vesicles. |
| Epithelial Tissue | Covers surfaces and lines cavities; involved in protection, secretion, absorption. |
| Connective Tissue | Supports, binds, and protects other tissues (e.g., bone, blood, fat). |
| Muscle Tissue | Responsible for movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. |