Term | Definition |
abdominal/pelvic cavity | the space between the diaphragm and the lower portion of the trunk of the body |
absorption | the taking in of substances by cells or membranes |
anatomy | branch of science dealing with the form and structure of body part |
appendicular | pertaining to the upper or lower limbs |
assimilation | the action of chemically changing absorbed substances |
axial | pertaining to the head |
circulation | path of fluid through a system of vessels |
digestion | breaking down of large nutrient molecules into smaller molecules that can be absorbed; hydrolysis |
excretion | elimination of metabolic wastes |
homeostasis | a state of balance in which the body’s internal environment remains in the normal range |
metabolism | all chemical changes within cells considered together |
negative feedback | a mechanism activated by an imbalance that corrects it |
organelle | a part of a cell that performs a specialized function |
organism | an individual living thing |
parietal | pertaining to the wall of a cavity |
pericardial | pertaining to the pericardium |
peritoneal | pertaining to the peritoneum |
physiology | the study of body function |
pleural | pertaining to the pleura or membranes surrounding the lungs |
reproduction | offspring formation |
respiration | cellular process that releases energy from nutrients;breathing |
thoracic | pertaining to the chest |
visceral | pertaining to the contents of a body cavity |