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Vocabulary for Anatomy and Physiology

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
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Term
Definition
Abdominopelvic Cavity   Body cavity consisting of the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity. It contains the stomach, liver, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys, intestines, and urinary bladder  
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Anabolism   Metabolic pathway that constructs molcules  
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Anatomical Position   Position of the body: standing erect and placing the limbs in a supine position  
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Anatomy   Branch of biology concerned with the structures and parts of organisms  
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Anterior   Towards the front  
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Catabolism   Metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules  
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Caudal (Inferior)   Away from the head  
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CT (Computed Tomography)   Medical imaging technique that uses computer-processed combinations of X-Rays taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of a scanned object  
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Cranial Cavity   Cavity within the skull that holds the brain  
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Cranial (Superior)   Towards the head  
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Deep   Far from the surface  
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Development   Process of growth to maturity in a human  
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Differentiation   Process where a stem cell changes into another, more specialized, type of cell  
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Distal   Farther from the point of attachment  
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Dorsal Cavity   Cranial and vertebral cavities, containing the brain and spinal cord  
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Dorsal   Back or upper side  
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Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)   Vertical plane that divides the body into ventral and dorsal sides  
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Gross Anatomy   Anatomy at the visible level  
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Histology   Anatomy at the microscopic level  
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Homeostasis   State of steady internal conditions maintained by the body  
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Lateral   Away from the middle  
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)   Medical imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of organs  
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Medial   Towards the middle  
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Metabolism   Life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food to energy, form macromolecules, and eliminate wastes  
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Negative Feedback   Type of feedback intended to reduce fluctuations in the output, generally to promote stability  
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Normal Range   Range of values deemed safe and stable for a physiologic measurement in a healthy person  
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Nutrient   Substance used by an organism to survive, grow, and reproduce  
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Organ System   Group of organs that work together  
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Organism   Individual that exhibits properties of life  
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Organ   Group of tissues with similar functions  
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Pericardium   Double walled membrane encapsulating the heart  
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Physiology   Branch of biology concerned with the functions and mechanisms of organisms  
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Plane   Flat two dimensional surface that extends infinitely far  
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Positive Feedback   Type of feedback intended to exacerbate the results of an output  
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PET (Positron Emission Tomography)   Medical imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer to observe metabolic processes  
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Posterior   Towards the back  
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Prone   Body position where the subject lies flat with their chest down  
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Proximal   Closer to the point of attachment  
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Regional Anatomy   Anatomy of a specific area of the body  
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Reproduction   Process by which new organisms are produced from their parents  
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Sagittal Plane   Vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sides  
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Serous Membrane   Membrane that covers organs with an inner layer of viscera and an outer parietal layer  
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Spinal Cavity   Cavity containing the spinal cord  
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Superficial   Towards the surface  
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Supine   Body position where the subject lies flat with their chest up  
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Thoracic Cavity   Cavity protected by the rib cage and containing the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive organs  
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Tissue   Group of similar cells that carries out a specific function  
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Transverse Plane   Horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts  
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Ultrasonography (Ultrasound)   Medical imaging technique that used high frequency soundwaves  
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Ventral Cavity   Cavity made up of the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity  
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Ventral   Front or lower side  
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X-Ray   High-energy radiation that can be used to view internal bodily structures  
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Adipose Tissue   Loose connective tissue that makes up body fat  
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Apoptosis   Programmed cell death  
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Areolar Tissue   Loose connective tissue with fibers that are spaced out so interstitial fluid can stay in between them  
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Atrophy   Wasting away of a body part  
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Cardiac Muscle   Type of muscle that is involuntary and striated. It makes up the tissues of the heart  
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Collagen   Protein in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues  
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Connective Tissue   Tissues found in between other tissues everywhere in the body  
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Epithelial Tissue   Tissue that lines the outer surfaces of organs and blood vessels  
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Inflammation   Biological response that results in heat, pain, redness, swelling, and temporary loss of function  
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Mucus   Aqueous secretion produced in the mouth for digestion  
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Myelin   Substance that surrounds axons to insulate them and accelerate electrical impulses  
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Necrosis   Cell injury resulting in premature death of cells  
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Nervous Tissue   Tissue made up of different types of neurons. It is the main component of the nervous system  
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Neuroglia (Glial Cells)   Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system. They produce no electrical impulses, instead maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin, and supporting/protecting neurons  
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Neuron   Cell that communicates with other cells via synapses. They are the main components of nervous tissue  
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Schwann Cell   Main glial cells of the peripheral nervous system  
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Simple Columnar Epithelium   Columnar epithelium with only one layer  
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Simple Cuboidal Epithelium   Cuboidal epithelium with only one layer  
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Simple Squamous Epithelium   Randomly ordered epithelium with only one layer  
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Skeletal Muscle   Type of muscle that is voluntary and striated  
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Smooth Muscle   Type of muscle that is involuntary and non-striated. It makes up the walls of hollow organs and passageways  
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Stratified Columnar Epithelium   Columnar epithelium with multiple layers  
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Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium   Cuboidal epithelium with multiple layers  
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Stratified Squamous Epithelium   Randomly ordered epithelium with multiple layers  
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Acne   Skin disease caused by dead skin cells and oil clogging hair follices  
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Albinism   Absence of pigmentation from skin  
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Bedsore   Localized damage to skin or tissue that occurs over a bony prominence due to long-term pressure  
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Callus   Area of thickened skin formed by repeated friction  
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Dermis   Middle layer of skin  
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Eczema   Group of diseases that cause skin inflammation  
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Epidermis   Outermost layer of skin  
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First-Degree Burn   Burn on the epidermis that heals well and lasts about five to ten days  
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Fourth-Degree Burn   Burn that extends into underlying muscle, fat, and bone. These are painless because they burn through nerve tissue  
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Hair   Protein filament that grows from follicles in the dermis  
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Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Tissues)   Innermost layer of skin  
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Integumentary system   Organ system made of the skin and its appendages. Its purpose is to protect the body from various kinds of damage  
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Keratin   Fibrous proteins that make up hair, nails, and calluses in humans, and feathers, horns, claws, and hooves in animals  
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Melanin   Group of natural pigments found in the skin  
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Melanoma   Type of cancer that develops in the skin, often from moles  
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Scar   Fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury  
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Sebaceous Gland   Glands that produce the oily substance sebum, which lubricates the hair  
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Second-Degree Burn   Burn that extends partially into the dermis. It is very painful and takes two to three weeks to heal, producing redness and blisters  
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Stratum Basale   Deepest layer of the epidermis  
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Stratum Corneum   Outermost layer of the epidermis  
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Stratum Granulosum   Middle layer of the epidermis  
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Stratum Lucidum   Second outermost layer of the epidermis  
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Stratum Spinosum   Second deepest layer of the epidermis  
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Stretch Mark   Form of scarring that forms during rapid growth  
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Sudoriferous Gland   Sweat gland  
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Third-Degree Burn   Burn that extends through the entire dermis. Healing time is very long and scarring is common  
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Vitamin D   Group of vitamins that increases absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in the intestines. The major source of this vitamin is a chemical reaction in the epidermis that is dependent on sunlight  
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Vitiligo   Skin condition characterized by patches of skin losing their pigment  
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Articulation   Connection between bones  
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Bone   Rigid organ that is part of the skeleton  
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Cartilage   Elastic tissue that covers the ends of long bones and is a component of the rib cage, ears, nose, and other body parts  
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Closed Reduction   Manipulation of bone fragments without surgical exposure  
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Compact Bone   Hard outer layer of bone  
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Compound Fracture   Fracture where the bone pierces the epidermis  
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Diaphysis   Midsection of a long bone  
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Epiphysis   Rounded ends of a lone bone  
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Flat Bone   Type of bone that provides protection or a surface for muscle attachment, such as the scapulae or sternum  
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Fracture Hematoma   Bleeding inside of a bone due to a fracture  
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Fracture   Partial or complete break of a bone  
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Hematopoiesis   Formation of blood cellular components  
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Irregular Bone   Type of bone that is not flat, long, short, or sesamoid  
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Long Bone   Type of bone that is longer than it is wide  
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Open Reduction   Manipulation of bone fragments that are exposed by dissection  
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Orthopedics   Surgery concerned with the musculoskeletal system  
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Ossification   Formation of bone tissue  
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Osteoblast   Cells that synthesize bone  
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Osteoclast   Cell that breaks down bone  
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Osteogenesis   Disease in which bones lose mass and become fragile  
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Osteoporosis   Disease in which bones lose mass and become fragile  
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Red Marrow   Bone marrow made mostly of red blood cells  
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Remodeling   Removal of mature bone tissue (through resorption) and formation of new bone tissue (through ossification)  
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Resorption   Breaking down of old bone tissues  
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Sesamoid Bone   Type of bone that is embedded within a tendon or a muscle, such as the patella  
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Short Bone   Type of bone that is wider than it is long  
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Skeletal System   Organ system made of bones and joints. It provides structure, support, and protection to the body  
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Spongy Bone   Internal tissue of bones  
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Yellow Marrow   Bone marrow made mostly of fat cells  
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Atlas   Most superior of the cervical vertebra, located in the neck  
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Axial Skeleton   Division of the skeleton consisting of the bones of the head and trunk, such as the skull and vertebral column  
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Axis   Second cervical vertebra, just below the Atlas  
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Brain Case   Upper and back of the skull that protects the brain  
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Calvaria   Roof of the skull  
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Cervical Vertebrae   Seven vertebrae found in the neck, immediately below the skull  
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Carotid Canal   Passageway in the temporal bone through which the carotid artery enters the skull  
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Coccyx   Final segment of the vertebral column. It is the remnant of a vestigial tail  
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Cranium   Part of the skull containing the brain  
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Dens   Small bony projection on the Axis (C2)  
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Facet   Flat area on a bone for articulation or muscle attachment  
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Facial Bones   Fourteen bones that attach to the braincase and form the jaw  
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False Ribs   Ribs that do not directly articulate to the sternum. Eighth to twelfth ribs  
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Floating Ribs   Ribs that are not attached to the sternum. Eleventh and twelfth ribs  
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Glabella   Skin between the eyebrows and above the nose  
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Hyoid Bone   Bone in the anterior midline that does not articulate to any other bone  
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Intervertebral Disc   Disc that lies between vertebrae, allowing for slight movement and functioning as a shock absorber  
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Kyphosis   Roundness of the thoracic spine  
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Lordosis   Inward curvature of the lumbar spine  
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Lumbar Vertebrae   Five vertebrae between the rib cage and pelvis  
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Mandible   Movable bone of the human face. It forms the lower jaw and holds the teeth in place  
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Manubrium   Broad upper part of the sternum  
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Nasal Bone   Bone that forms the bridge of the upper nose  
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Nasal Cavity   Cavity behind the nose in the middle of the face  
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Occipital Bone   Cranial bone of the back and lower skull  
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Orbits   Sockets in the skull that contain the eyes  
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Parietal Bone   Cranial bone of the sides and roof of the skull  
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Rib Cage (Thoracic Cage)   Attachment of ribs to the sternum and vertebrae that encloses the heart and lungs  
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Sacrum   Bone at the base of the spine formed by fused sacral vertebrae. It forms between age eighteen and thirty  
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Scoliosis   Sideways curvature of the spine  
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Skeleton   Collection of bones and joins in the body  
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Skull   Bone that forms the head and jaw  
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Sternum   Flat bone in the chest that connects to the ribs  
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Thoracic Vertebrae   Twelve vertebrae found between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae  
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True Ribs   Ribs that directly articulate with the sternum  
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Vertebral Column   Segmented series of bone separated by intervertebral discs. Replaces the notochord found in chordates  
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Vertebra   Irregular bone found in the spinal column  
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Xiphoid Process   Small cartilage extension of the lower sternum  
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Acetabulum   Cup-shaped cavity where the femur meets with the pelvis  
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Ankle   Where the foot and the leg meet  
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Appendicular Skeleton   Division of the skeleton consisting of bones that support the appendages, such as the limbs, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle  
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Arm   Limb made of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints  
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Calcaneus   Bone that makes up the heel  
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Carpal Tunnel   Passage that connects the forearm to the hand. The associated syndrome is caused when a flexor tendon swells, narrowing the passage  
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Clavicle   Long bone that is between the scapulae and sternum  
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Elbow   Joint between the upper and lower arms  
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Femur   Strongest and longest bone in the body, found in the thigh  
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Fibula   Leg bone on the lateral side of the tibia  
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Foot   Structure that is connected to the leg by the ankle  
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Forearm   Region of the arm between the elbow and wrist  
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Hallux   Big toe  
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Hand   Structure that is connected to the arm by the wrist  
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Hip Joint   Synovial joint formed between the femur and pelvis at the acetabulum  
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Humerus   Long bone in the arm that connects the scapulae and the bones of the lower arm  
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Ilium   Largest and uppermost part of the hip bone  
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Knee   Joint that connects the thigh with the leg  
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Leg   Structure that rotates around the hip join  
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Metacarpals   Elongated bones in the hand that connect the carpal bones of the wrist to the phalanges of the fingers  
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Metatarsals   Elongated bones in the foot that connect the tarsus of the foot and the phalanges of the toes  
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Patella   Circular bone that covers the knee  
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Pelvis   Bone that makes up the lower part of the trunk between the abdomen and the thighs  
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Phalanges   Bones in the hands and feet that make up the fingers and toes  
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Pollex   Thumb  
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Radius   Longer and larger of the two bones in the forearm  
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Scaphoid   Bone of the wrist that forms the radial border of the carpal tunnel  
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Scapula (Shoulder Blade)   Bone that connects the humerus with the clavicle  
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Talus   Bone in the ankle that transmits the weight of the body from the lower legs to the foot  
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Tarsus   Cluster of bones in the foot that articulates with the metatarsals  
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Thigh   Area between the hip and the knee  
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Tibia   Larger and stronger of the two bones in the leg below the knee  
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Ulna   Shorter and smaller of the two bones in the forearm  
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Abduction   Movement away from the midline  
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Adduction   Movement towards the midline  
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Amphiarthrosis   Joint that permits a slight amount of movement  
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Ball and Socket Joint   Synovial joint in which the ball-shaped surface of one bone fits into a cup-like depression on another bone  
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Biaxial Joint   Joint with two degrees of freedom  
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Circumduction   Rotational movement that occurs in ball-and-socket joints  
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Depression   Movement in an inferior direction  
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Dorsiflexion   Ankle flexion that brings the toes closer to the shin  
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Elevation   Movement in a superior direction  
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Extension   Movement that increases the angle between body parts  
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Fascia   Band of connective tissue that encloses or separates muscles and organs  
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Flexion   Movement that decreases the angle between body parts  
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Hinge Joint   Synovial joint that allows for motion in a single plane  
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Hyperextension   Extension past a joints normal range of motion  
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Hyperflexion   Flexion past a joints normal range of motion  
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Inversion   Motion of the sole of the foot towards the medial plane  
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Joint   Connection between bones which allows for movement  
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Ligament   Connective tissue that connects bones to other bones  
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Meniscus   Cartilage structure that partly divides a joint cavity. Can be found in the knee and wrist joints  
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Pivot Joint   Synovial joint that allows only for rotational motion  
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Plane Joint   Synovial joint that allows only for gliding motion  
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Plantarflexion   Ankle flexion that moves the toes away from the shin  
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Pronation   Rotational movement of the forearm so the palm faces downwards  
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Range of Motion   Distance that a joint can move between full flexion and extension  
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Rotator Cuff   Group of muscles that stabilizes the shoulder and enables its range of motion  
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Saddle Joint   Synovial joint where one bone is concave and one is convex, forming a saddle-like structure with two degrees of freedom  
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Supination   Rotational movement of the forearm so the palm faces upwards  
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Synarthrosis   Joint that permits very little or no movement  
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Synovial Fluid   Viscous fluid found in the cavities of certain joints  
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Synovial Joint (Diarthrosis)   Joints that have a cavity filled with fluid and permit high degrees of motion  
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Tendon   Connective tissue that connects muscle to bone  
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Uniaxial Joint   Joint with one degree of freedom  
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Actin and Myosin   Proteins that participate in muscle contraction  
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Action Potential   Rapid rise and fall of a cells membrane potential, causing adjacent cells to depolarize. Plays a role in cell-to-cell communication  
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Aerobic Respiration   Respiration that requires oxygen to create ATP  
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Anaerobic Respiration   Respiration that does not use oxygen  
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Concentric Contraction   Muscle contraction where the muscle shortens  
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Contractility   Ability for self-contraction in muscle tissues  
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Eccentric Contraction   Muscle contraction where the muscle lengthsn  
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Fibrosis   Formation of connective tissue as a response to damage or injury  
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Hypertrophy   Increase in the volume of an organ due to enlargement of its cells  
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Lactic Acid   Acid produced in the body by fermentation  
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Muscle Tone   Continuous partial contraction of the muscles  
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Abductor   Muscle that draws a limb away from the midline of the body  
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Abdomen   Region of the body between the chest and pelvis  
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Adductor   Muscle that draws a limb towards the midline of the body  
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Adductor Brevis   "Short Adductor." It pulls the thigh medially and stabilizes left to right movements of the trunk  
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Adductor Longus   "Long Adductor." It adducts the thigh and forms the medial wall of the femoral triangle  
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Adductor Magnus   "Great Adductor." It is a large triangular muscle on the medial side of the thigh  
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Agonist   Muscles that cause a movement to occur through their own activation  
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Antagonist   Muscles that produce an opposite force from the agonist muscles that stabilizes or enhances a movement  
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Biceps Brachii   Muscle on the front of the upper arm between the shoulder and the elbow. It is involved in elbow flexion and forearm supination  
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Brachialis   Muscle in the upper arm that flexes the elbow joint and lies deeper than the biceps brachii  
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Brachioradialis   Muscle of the forearm that flexes the forearm at the elbow and is capable of producing both pronation and supination  
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Buccinator   Thin muscle near the mandible involved in chewing and blowing  
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Deltoid   Muscle that forms the rounded contour of the human shoulder. It has an anterior, lateral, and posterior head  
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Diaphragm   Muscle that extends across the bottom of the thoracic cavity and is important in respiration  
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Erector Spinae   Muscles that straighten and rotate the back  
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External Oblique   Largest and outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles  
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Gastrocnemius   Muscle in the calf that is active when the knee is extended  
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Gluteus Maximus   Muscle that is the main extensor of the hip and the largest of the gluteal muscles. It is also the largest muscle in the body  
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Gluteus Medius   Muscle that is situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It is a broad gluteal muscle  
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Gluteus Minimus   Muscle that is the smallest of the three gluteal muscles  
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Hamstrings   Three posterior thigh muscles in between the hip and knee consisting of the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles  
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Iliacus   Muscle that forms the lateral portion of the iliopsoas  
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Iliopsoas   Joined psoas and iliacus which function as hip flexors  
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Insertion   Point where a muscle attaches and tends to be moved by contraction  
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Internal Oblique   Muscle of the abdomen that lies below the external oblique  
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Latissimus Dorsi   Muscle of the back that stretches to the sides and is partly covered by the trapezius. It is the largest muscle of the upper body  
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Obique   Muscles of the abdomen that are found on the lateral sides of the trunk  
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Origin   Point where a muscle attaches and tends to be more stable during contractions  
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Pectoralis Major   Muscles situated at the chest  
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Pectoralis Minor   Muscle found below the pectoralis major  
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Prime Mover   Muscle that produces the majority of motion during contraction  
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Psoas Major   Muscle that joins the iliacus to form the iliopsoas  
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Quadriceps   Muscle group that includes the four muscles on the anterior thigh consisting of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis muscles  
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Rectus Abdominis   Muscle that runs vertically on each side of the anterior wall of the abdomen  
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Rhomboids   Muscles with a rhombus shape associated with the scapulae and located under the trapezius muscles  
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Serratus Anterior   Muscle that originates on the surface of the true ribs and inserts along the anterior length of the medial border of the scapula  
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Soleus   Muscle in the calf that is the prime mover when the knee is flexed  
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Synergist   Muscle that helps perform the same motion as the agonist  
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Transversus Abdominis   Muscle layer of the anterior and lateral abdomen which is deep to the internal oblique muscle  
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Trapezius   Muscle that extends from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae of the spine and scapula  
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Triceps Brachii   Muscle on the back of the upper arm responsible for elbow extension  
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Autonomic Nervous System   Division of the nervous system that acts unconsciously and regulates bodily functions  
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Axon   Part of the neuron that transmits action potentials to other cells  
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Brain   Organ that serves as the center of the nervous system  
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Central Nervous System   Division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord  
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Cerebrospinal Fluid   Clear and colorless fluid found in the brain and spinal cord  
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Chemical Synapse   Junctions through which neurons send signals to non-neuronal cells  
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Dendrite   Part of the neuron that receives action potentials from other neurons  
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Enteric Nervous System   Division of the autonomic nervous system that governs the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract  
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Graded Potential   Change in membrane potential that varies depending on the size of the stimulus  
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Gray Matter   Region of the brain made mostly of cell bodies and few myelinated axons  
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Integration   Nervous system function that combines sensory perceptions and cognitive functions (memory, learning, etc.) to produce a response  
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Myelin Sheath   Layer of insulation surrounding an axon  
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Nerve   Bundle of axons that transmits inputs and outputs to and from the central nervous system  
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Neurotransmitter   Chemical signal release from a synapse to cause a change in a target cell  
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Parasympathetic Nervous System   Division of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for sexual arousal, salivation, urination, digestion, and defecation  
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Peripheral Nervous System   Division of the nervous system found outside of the cranial and vertebral cavities  
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Response   Nervous system function where a muscle or gland produces an event due to a stimuli  
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Sensation   Nervous system function that receives information from external stimuli and translates it into electrical signals of nervous tissue  
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Soma (Cell Body)   Part of the neuron that contains the nucleus  
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Somatic Nervous System   Division of the nervous system that governs conscious perception, voluntary movement, and skeletal muscle reflexes  
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Spinal Cord   Organ that is connected to the peripheral nervous system through nerves  
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Stimulus   Event outside the body that registers as activity in a neuron  
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Sympathetic Nervous System   Division of the autonomic nervous system that stimulates the fight-flight-or-freeze response  
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Synapse   Structure that enables electrical signals to pass between neurons  
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White Matter   Region of the brain made mostly of myelinated axons and few cell bodies  
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Abducens Nerve   Sixth cranial nerve. Contracts one of the eye muscles  
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Accessory Nerve   Eleventh cranial nerve. Supplies the trapezius and one of the neck muscles  
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Amygdala   Part of the brain in the temporal lobe that is related to memory, emotional behavior, and primal drives like fear and aggression  
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Broca's Area   Part of the brain in the frontal lobe associated with forming speech  
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Brain Stem   Part of the brain that includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata  
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Cerebellum   Part of the brain connected to the pons that coordinates muscle movement and balance  
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Cerebral Cortex   Part of the brain consisting of a grey matter cover on the forebrain involved in cognition  
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Cerebral Hemisphere   One half of the bilaterally symmetrical cerebrum  
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Cerebrum   Part of the brain responsible for all voluntary actions. It is the majority of the brain's mass and is divided into hemispheres  
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Cranial Nerves   Twelve nerves connected to the brain that are responsible for sensory or motor functions of the head and neck  
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Facial Nerve   Seventh cranial nerve. Contracts the face muscles and causes saliva productoin  
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Forebrain   Front of the brain  
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Frontal Lobe   Lobe found directly beneath the frontal bone that controls abstract thought and logic  
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Glossopharyngeal Nerve   Ninth cranial nerve. Provides sensation to the tongue  
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Hindbrain   Back of the brain  
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Hippocampus   Part of the brain made of grey matter and found deep in the temporal lobe. It is important for long-term memory function  
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Hypoglossal Nerve   Twelfth cranial nerve. Contracts the muscles of the tongue  
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Hypothalamus   Part of the brain responsible for regulating temperature, appetite, sleep, and other autonomic functions  
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Jugular Veins   Blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from the head and neck to the lungs  
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Kinesthesia   Sensory perception of movement of the body  
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Limbic System   Structures at the edge of the forebrain and hindbrain associated with emotional behavior and memory formation  
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Medulla Oblongata   Part of the brainstem responsible for autonomic functions like vomiting, sneezing, breathing, and heart rate  
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Midbrain   Middle of the brain  
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Occipital Lobe   Lobe at the back of the brain below the occipital bone that processes visual information  
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Oculomotor Nerve   Third cranial nerve. Contraction of four of the eye muscles  
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Olfactory Nerve   First cranial nerve. Responsible for the sense of smell  
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Optic Nerve   Second cranial nerve. Responsible for visual sensation  
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Parietal Lobe   Lobe at the top of the brain behind the frontal lobe that receives sensory information  
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Plexus   Network of nerves or nervous tissue  
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Pons   Part of the brainstem that conducts signals from the brain into the cerebellum and medulla and contracts facial muscles  
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Proprioceptoin   General perceptions about location and body movement  
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Temporal Lobe   Lobe below the parietal and frontal lobes that processes auditory information  
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Thalamus   Part of the brain that relays information between the cerebrum, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system  
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Trigeminal Nerve   Fifth cranial nerve. Sensation of the face and contraction of muscles for chewing  
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Trochlear Nerve   Fourth cranial nerve. Contraction of one of the extraocular muscles  
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Vagus Nerve   Tenth cranial nerve. Autonomic control of organs in the thoracic and upper abdominal cavities  
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Vestibulocochlear Nerve   Eighth cranial nerve. Sensations of hearing and balance  
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Amacrine Cell   Cell in the retina that acts as an interneuron, connecting two brain regions  
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Anosmia   Loss of sense of smell  
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Aqueous Humor   Fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye  
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Ascending Pathway   Structure that sends sensory information from the periphery to the brain  
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Association Area   Region of the cortex that processes sensory information and generates more complex thoughts  
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Audition   Sense of hearing  
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Capsaicin   Molecule that is the basis for "hot" sensations in spicy food  
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Chemoreceptor   Sensory receptor that responds to chemical stimuli  
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Choroid   Tissue in the wall of the eye that supplies the outer retina with blood  
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Ciliary Body   Structure on the interior of the iris that controls the shape of the lens  
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Circadian Rhythm   Perception of the daily cycle based on retinal activity from sunlight  
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Cochlea   Part of the inner ear involved in hearing  
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Cones   Photoreceptors that provide color vision in bright light  
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Conjunctiva   Membrane on the inner eyelids that covers the surface of the iris  
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Cornea   Fibrous and transparent cover on the eye  
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External Ear   Organ on the side of the head responsible for hearing  
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Exteroceptor   Sensory receptor that responds to external stimuli  
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Extraocular Muscle   One of the six muscles that moves the eye  
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Fovea Centralis   Center of the retina at which visual stimuli is highly focused  
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General Sense   Sensory system distributed throughout multiple organs  
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Gustation   Sense of taste  
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Incus (Anvil)   Ossicle that connects the malleus to the stapes  
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Inner Ear   Structure within the temporal bone that contains organs for hearing and balance  
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Interoceptor   Sensory receptor that responds to internal stimuli  
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Iris   Colored portion of the eye surrounding the pupil  
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Lacrimal Duct   Duct that trains tears into the nasal cavity  
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Lacrimal Gland   Gland that produces tears  
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Lens   Component of the eye that focuses light on the retina  
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Malleus (Hammer)   Ossicle that is attached to the tympanic membrane  
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Middle Ear   Space in the temporal bone where ossicles amplify sound waves  
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Nociception   Sense of pain  
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Olfaction   Sense of smell  
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Olfactory Bulb   Organ that directs the sense of smell  
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Organ of Corti   Structure of the cochlea in which hair cells convert sound waves into electrochemical signals  
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Osmoreceptor   Sensory receptor that responds to changes in bodily fluid concentration  
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Ossicles   Three small bones in the ear that transmit sound to the cochlea  
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Papilla   Bump on the tongue that contains taste buds  
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Photoreceptor   Sensory receptor that responds to light  
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Pupil   Hole at the center of the iris through which light passes into the eye  
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Receptor Cell   Cell that converts stimuli into neural signals  
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Retina   Tissue of the eye that forms visual imagery to be transmitted to the brain  
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Rods   Photoreceptors that function in low-light environments  
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Saccule   Structure of the inner ear that processes changes in vertical acceleration  
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Sclera   White part of the eye  
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Somatosensation   Sense of touch  
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Stapes (Stirrup)   Ossicle that is attached to the inner ear  
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Taste Buds   Structures in a papilla that contain gustation receptors  
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Thermoreceptor   Sensory receptor that responds to temperature  
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Transduction   Changing an environmental stimuli into an electrochemical signal  
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Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum)   Structure that transmits sound from the air to the ossicles of the middle ear  
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Umami   Fifth flavor. Sensitivity to the concentration of amino acids  
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Utricle   Structure of the inner ear that processes changes in horizontal acceleration  
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Vestibule   Structure of the inner ear responsible for a sense of balance and equilibrium  
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Visceral Sense   Sense of your internal organs  
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Vision   Sense of sight  
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Vitreous Humor   Fluid that fills the posterior chamber of the eye  
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Anticholinergic Drug   Drug that interrupts the parasympathetic nervous system  
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Endogenous Chemical   Substance produced within the body  
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Exogenous Chemical   Substance produced outside the body  
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Fight-or-Flight Response   Set of responses in the sympathetic nervous system due to perceived danger  
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Long Reflex   Reflex arc that includes the central nervous system  
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Mydriasis   Dilation of the pupil  
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Reflex Arc   Reflex circuit involving a sensory input, integrating center, and motor output  
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Rest and Digest   Set of functions of the parasympathetic system  
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Short Reflex   Reflex arc that excludes the central nervous system  
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Anterograde Amnesia   Loss of the ability to create new memories  
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Aphasia   Loss of the ability to understand or express speech  
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Ataxia   Loss of voluntary coordination of certain movements  
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Conductive Hearing Loss   Loss of hearing that occurs due to problems along the pathway through the outer ear, tympanic membrane, or ossicles  
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Conjugate Gaze   Motion of both eyes in the same direction concurrently  
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Convergence   Motion of both eyes towards each other  
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Diplopia   Perception of two images of a single object simultaneously  
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Edema   Buildup of fluid in the body's tissue  
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Embolus   Unattached mass that travels through the bloodstream and can clog arteries  
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Episodic Memory   Memory of everyday events  
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Fasciculation (Muscle Twitch)   Small, involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation  
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Fibrillation   Rapid, unsynchronized, and irregular contractions of muscle fibers, such as in the heart  
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Flaccid Paralysis   Loss of muscle tone without obvious causes  
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Gait   Pattern of limb movement  
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Graphesthesia   Ability to recognize writing on the skin by somatosensation  
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Hyperreflexia   Overactive or overresponsive reflexes  
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Hypotonicity   Low muscle tone  
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Hypovolemia   State of decreased intravascular volume caused by a loss of salt and water or a decrease in blood volume  
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Paresis   Weakness or partial loss of voluntary movement  
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Plegia   Complete loss of voluntary movement. Mono- is loss of control over one limb. Hemi- is loss of control over one half of the body. Quadri- is loss of control over all limbs  
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Retrograde Amnesia   Loss of memory access to past events  
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Short-Term Memory   Capacity of memory over a brief period of time  
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Stroke   Poor blood flow to the brain resulting in cell death  
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Wernicke's Area   Part of the brain in which speech comprehension is localized  
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Acromegaly   Disorder where abnormally high levels of growth hormones trigger growth of bones in the face, hands, and feet  
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Adrenal Cortex   Part of the adrenal glands that produces mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids  
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Adrenal Glands   Small glands near the top of the kidneys. They have two parts: a cortex and a medulla  
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Adrenal Medulla   Part of the adrenal glands that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine  
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Adrenaline (Epinephrine)   Hormone made by the adrenal glands. It is involved in the fight or flight response  
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Alpha Cell   Cells in the pancreas that produce glucagon  
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Beta Cell   Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin  
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Delta Cell   Cells in the stomach, pancreas, and intestines that produce somatostatin  
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Diabetes Mellitus   Disorder caused by the dysfunction of beta cells in the pancreas or high insulin resistance that results in high levels of blood glucose  
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Downregulation   Decrease in the number of hormone receptors in response to excessive levels of a hormone  
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Endocrine Gland   Gland with no ducts that secretes hormones into the blood  
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Endocrine System   Organ system that secretes hormones into the bloodstream  
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Estrogen   Female sex hormone important for the development of the female reproductive tract and secondary sex characteristics  
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Exocrine Gland   Gland with ducts that secretes hormones onto the skin  
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Gigantism   Disorder where abnormally high levels of growth hormone causes excessive growth  
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Glucagon   Hormone that stimulates the catabolism of glycogen to glucose, thereby raising blood glucose levels  
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Goiter   Enlargement of the thyroid due to iodine deficiency or hyperthyroidism  
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Growth Hormone   Hormone that promotes tissue building  
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Hormone Receptor   Protein that binds to a hormone in a cell  
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Hormone   Secretion of an endocrine gland that travels in the bloodstream to induce a response in target cells  
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Hyperglycemia   Abnormally high blood glucose levels  
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Hypoglycemia   Abnormally low blood glucose levels  
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Hyperthyroidism   Elevated levels of the thyroid hormone. Causes an increased metabolic rate, excess body heat, sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, and increased heart rate  
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Hypothyroidism   Low levels of the thyroid hormone. Causes a low metabolic rate, weight gain, cold extremities, constipation, and reduced mental activity  
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Insulin   Hormone of the pancreas that promotes cellular uptake of glucose  
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Leptin   Hormone secreted by adipose tissue in response to food consumption that promotes satiety  
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Melatonin   Hormone that is secreted in response to low light, causing drowsiness  
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Norepinephrine   Hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to short term stress  
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Oxytocin   Hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates milk ejection during breastfeeding and feelings of attachment  
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Pancreas   Organ with endocrine and exocrine functions that is important for the regulation of blood glucose  
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Pancreatic Islets   Clusters of cells on the pancreas with endocrine functions  
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Pineal Gland   Gland in the brain that produces melatonin  
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Pituitary Gland   Gland suspended from the hypothalamus that secretes many different hormones  
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Progesterone   Female sex hormone important in regulating the reproductive cycle and maintaining pregnancy  
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Prolactin   Hormone that promotes development of the mammary glands and production of breast milk  
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Somatostatin (GHIH)   Hormone that inhibits growth hormones  
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Testosterone   Male sex hormone that develops the male reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics  
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Thyroid   Endocrine gland that produces hormones involved in metabolism  
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Upregulation   Increase in the number of hormone receptors in response to reduced levels of a hormone  
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ABO Blood Group   Blood-type classification based on the presence or absence of A and B glycoproteins  
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Agglutination   Clustering of cells linked by antibodies  
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Albumin   Abundant plasma protein that accounts for most of the osmotic pressure of plasma  
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Anemia   Deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin  
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Anticoagulant   Substance that opposes coagulation  
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B Lymphocytes   Lymphocytes that produce antibodies and provide specific immunity  
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Biliverdin   Green bile pigment produced when the non-iron portion of heme is degraded into a waste product  
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Blood   Liquid connective tissue composed of formed elements and plasma  
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Bone Marrow Biopsy   Diagnostic test of a sample of red bone marrow  
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Bone Marrow Transplant   Treatment in which a donor's healthy bone marrow replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow of a patient  
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Clotting Factors   Group of twelve substances active in coagulation  
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Coagulation (Clotting)   Formation of a blood clot  
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Cross Matching   Blood test that identifies blood type using antibodies and small samples of blood  
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Diapedesis   Process by which white blood cells squeeze through adjacent cells in a blood vessel wall to enter tissues  
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Embolism   Lodging of an embolus inside a blood vessel  
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Embolus   Mass that has broken from the blood vessel wall and entered circulation  
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Erythrocyte (Red Blood Cell)   Mature blood cell composed mostly of hemoglobin that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide  
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Ferritin   Protein-containing form of iron found in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen  
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Fibrin   Insoluble protein that forms the structure of a blood clot  
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Formed Elements   Cellular components of blood, such as the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets  
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Globin   Heme-containing protein that is a constituent of hemoglobin  
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Heme   Red, iron-containing pigment to which oxygen binds in hemoglobin  
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Hemolysis   Destruction of red blood cells and the release of their hemoglobin into circulation  
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Hemophilia   Genetic disorder characterized by the inadequate synthesis of clotting factors  
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Hemopoiesis   Production of the formed elements of blood  
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Hemorrhage   Excessive bleeding  
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Hemostasis   Physiological process by which bleeding is stopped  
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Hypoxemia   Below-normal level of oxygen saturation of blood  
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Leukemia   Cancer involving the white blood cells  
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Leukocyte (White Blood Cell)   Colorless, nucleated blood cell that protects the body from disease  
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Lymphoma   Form of cancer in which masses of malignant T or B lymphocytes collect in the lymph nodes or other tissues  
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Lymphocyte   Subtype of a white blood cell that includes natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells  
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Natural Killer Cells   Lymphocytes that provide generalized, nonspecific immunity  
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Oxyhemoglobin   Molecule of hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound  
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Plasma   Extracellular matrix in blood composed of water that circulates the formed elements throughout the cardiovascular system  
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Rh Blood Group   Blood-type classification based on the presence or absence of the antigen Rh on the surface of erythrocytes  
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Serum   Blood plasma that does not contain clotting factors  
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Sickle Cell Anemia   Inherited blood disorder in which hemoglobin molecules are malformed, leading to the breakdown of red blood cells into a sickle shape  
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T Lymphocytes   Lymphocytes that provide cellular-level immunity by physically attacking diseased cells  
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Thrombocytes (Platelets)   One of the formed elements of blood. Involved in coagulation  
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Thrombosis   Excessive clot formation  
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Universal Donor   Individual with type O- blood  
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Universal Recipient   Individual with type AB+ blood  
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Vascular Spasm   Initial step in hemostasis, in which the smooth muscle in the walls of the ruptured or damaged blood vessel contracts  
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Afterload   Pressure that the heart must work against to eject blood during systole  
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Anastomosis   Connection or opening between two blood vessels  
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Artificial Pacemaker   Device that transmits electrical signals to the heart to ensure proper contraction and pumping of blood  
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Atrioventricular Valve   One-way valve located between the atria and ventricles. The right is called the tricuspid valve, while the left is the bicuspid valve  
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Atrium   Upper or receiving chamber of the heart that pumps blood into the lower chambers prior to contraction. The right receives blood from the systemic circuit. The left receives blood from the pulmonary circuit.  
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Aorta   Main and largest artery that pumps oxygenated blood throughout the entire body  
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Bicuspid Valve   Valve located between the left atrium and ventricle. It consists of two flaps of tissue  
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Cardiac Plexus   Complex network of nerve fibers near the base of the heart that receives sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulations to regulate the heart  
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Cardiac Reflexes   Series of autonomic reflexes that enable the cardiovascular centers to regulate heart function based upon sensory stimuli  
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Coronary Arteries   Branches of the aorta that supply blood to the heart, feeding the atriums and ventricles  
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Diastole   Period of time when the heart muscle is relaxed and the chambers fill with blood  
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Electrocardiogram   Recording of the electrical activity of the heart that can be used for diagnosis of irregular heart function  
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Endocardium   Innermost layer of the heart wall. It lines the heart chambers and valves, and is composed of endothelium  
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Endothelium   Layer of smooth, simple, squamous epithelium that lines the endocardium and blood vessels  
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Epicardium   Outermost layer of the heart  
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Heart Block   Interruption in the normal conduction pathway of the heart  
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Heart Bulge   Prominent feature on the anterior surface of the heart, reflecting early cardiac development  
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Heart Rate   Number of times the heart contracts per minute  
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Heart Sounds   Sounds heard with a stethoscope of the closing of the atrioventricular valves ("lub") and semilunar valves ("dub")  
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Murmur   Unusual heart sound  
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Myocardium   Thickest layer of the heart. It is made of cardiac muscle cells and collagenous fibers  
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Pacemaker   Cluster of myocardial cells that regulates heart rate  
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Pericardial Cavity   Cavity surrounding the heart filled with a lubricating fluid that reduces friction as the heart contracts  
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Pericardium   Membrane that separates the heart from other structures. It consists of two fused sublayers  
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Preload   Stretch experienced by the cardiac muscles during diastole  
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Pulmonary Arteries   Artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs  
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Pulmonary Circuit   Blood flow to and from the lungs  
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Pulmonary Trunk   Large arterial vessel that carries blood ejected from the right ventricle and divides into the left and right pulmonary arteries  
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Pulmonary Veins   Veins that carry highly oxygenated blood into the left atrium  
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Septum   Partition that divides the chambers of the heart  
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Systemic Circuit   Blood flow to and from nearly all of the tissues of the body  
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Systole   Period of time when the heart muscle is contracting  
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Target Heart Rate   Range in which the heart and lungs receive maximum benefit from aerobic exercise  
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Tricuspid Valve   Valve located between the right atrium and ventricle. It consists of three flaps of tissue  
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Valve   Specialized structure within the heart or vessels that ensures one-way flow of blood  
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Ventricle   Lower or pumping chamber of the heart. The left ejects blood into the systemic circuit via the aorta. The right ejects blood into the pulmonary circuit via the pulmonary trunk.  
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Adrenal Artery   Artery that supplies the adrenal glands  
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Adrenal Vein   Vein that drains the adrenal glands  
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Anaphylactic Shock   Type of shock that follows a severe allergic reaction  
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Arteriole   Very small artery that leads to a capillary  
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Artery   Blood vessel that conducts blood away from the heart  
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Blood Flow   Movement of blood through a vessel, tissue, or organ. Expressed in volume per unit of time  
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Blood Islands   Masses of developing blood vessels and formed elements  
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Blood Pressure   Force exerted by the blood against the wall of a vessel of heart chamber  
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Bronchial Artery   Artery that provides oxygenated blood to the lungs  
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Capacitance   Ability of a vein to store blood  
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Capillary   Smallest type of blood vessel, where physical exchange occurs between the blood and tissue cells  
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Cardiogenic Shock   Type of shock that results from the inability of the heart to maintain cardiac output  
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Carotid Artery   One of two arteries that supplies the head and neck with oxygenated blood  
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Compliance   Degree to which a blood vessel can stretch  
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Diastolic Pressure   Lower number recorded when measuring arterial blood pressure  
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Digital Arteries   Arteries that supply blood to the fingers and toes  
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Digital Veins   Veins that drain the fingers and toes of deoxygenated blood  
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Esophageal Artery   Artery that supplies blood to the esophagus  
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Esophageal Vein   Vein that drains the inferior portions of the esophagus  
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Femoral Artery   Artery that supplies the thigh and leg  
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Femoral Vein   Vein that drains the thigh and leg  
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Filtration   Movement of material from a capillary into the interstitial fluid  
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Genicular Artery   Branch of the femoral artery that supplies the knee  
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Gonadal Artery   Branch of the abdominal artery that supplies the reproductive organs  
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Gonadal Vein   Vein that drains the reproductive organs  
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Hypertension   Chronic blood pressure measurements of 140/90 mmHg or above  
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Hypervolemia   Abnormally high levels of blood  
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Hypovolemia   Abnormally low levels of blood  
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Hypoxia   Lack of oxygen supply to the tissues  
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Ischemia   Insufficient blood flow to the tissues  
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Jugular Vein   Vein that drains the head  
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Korotkoff Sounds   Noises created by blood flow through the vessels  
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Lumbar Arteries   Arteries that supply the spinal cord and lumbar region  
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Lumbar Veins   Veins that drain the spinal cord and lumbar region  
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Microcirculation   Blood flow through the capillaries  
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Ophthalmic Artery   Artery that supplies the eyes  
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Perfusion   Distribution of blood into the capillaries  
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Pericardial Artery   Artery that supplies the pericardium  
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Phrenic Vein   Vein that drains the diaphragm  
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Plantar Vein   Vein that drains the foot  
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Pulse   Alternating expansion and contraction of an artery as blood moves through the vessel  
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Resistance   Any condition that slows or counteracts blood flow  
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Sepsis   Condition where the body's immune response causes damage to its own organs and tissues  
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Septic Shock   Type of shock that results from sepsis-induced hypotension  
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Shock   Life-threatening medical condition in which the circulatory system cannot supply enough blood to provide adequate oxygen and other nutrients  
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Splenic Artery   Artery that supplies the spleen  
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Trunk   Large vessel that gives rise to smaller vessels  
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Vasoconstriction   Constriction of smooth muscle of a blood vessel  
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Vasodilation   Relaxation of smooth muscle of a blood vessel  
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Vein   Blood vessel that conducts blood towards the heart  
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Active Immunity   Immunity developed from a person's own immune system  
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Acute Inflammation   Inflammation occurring for a limited period of time  
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Antibody   Antigen-specific protein secreted by plasma cells that neutralizes pathogens  
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Antigen   Molecule whose presence in the body triggers the immune response  
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Barrier Defenses   Antipathogen defenses deriving from a physical barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the body  
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Bone Marrow   Tissue found inside the bones. It is the site of all blood cell differentiation and maturation of B lymphocytes  
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Chronic Inflammation   Inflammation occurring for a long period of time  
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Chyle   Lipid-rich lymph inside the lymphatic capillaries of the small intestine  
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Early Induced Immune Response   Proteins stimulated during the first several days of an infection  
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Graft-versus-Host Disease   Disease that can occur after a bone marrow transplant where transplanted cells mount an immune response against the recipient  
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Histamine   Substance that is involved in the inflammatory response  
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Immune System   Series of barriers, cells, and soluble mediators that combine to respond to the presence of pathogens in the body  
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Inflammation   Basic immune response characterized by heat, redness, pain, and swelling  
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Innate Immune Response   Rapid but nonspecific immune response  
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Interferons   Proteins made in virally infected cells that cause nearby cells to make antiviral proteins  
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Lymph Node   Organ associated with the lymphatic vessels  
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Lymphatic System   Network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and ducts that carries lymph from the tissues and back to the bloodstream  
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Lymph   Fluid found in the lymphatic system  
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Neutralization   Inactivation of a virus by the binding of a specific antibody  
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Passive Immunity   Transfer of immunity to a person that lacks immunity. Usually done by the injection of antibodies  
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Phagocytosis   Movement of material from the outside to the inside of the cells  
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Sensitization   First exposure to an antigen  
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Spleen   Secondary lymphoid organ that filters pathogens from the blood and removes damaged red blood cells  
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Thymus   Primary lymphoid organ that produces T lymphocytes  
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Tonsils   Lymphoid nodule that is often removed in adolescence  
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Acclimatization   Adjusting of the respiratory system to high altitudes  
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Acute Mountain Sickness   Condition caused by acute exposure to high altitude due to a low partial pressure of oxygen  
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Alveolar Duct   Small tube that leads from the terminal bronchiole to the respiratory bronchiole and is the point of attachment for alveoli  
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Alveolar Macrophage   Immune system cell of the alveolus that removes debris and pathogens  
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Alveolar Pore   Opening that allows airflow between neighboring alveoli  
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Alveolar Sac   Cluster of alveoli  
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Alveolus   Small, grape-like sac that performs gas exchange in the lungs  
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Anatomical Dead Space   Air space present in the airway that never reaches the alveoli and therefore never participates in gas exchange  
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Apex   Tip of the external nose  
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Atmospheric Pressure   Amount of force that is exerted by gases in the air surrounding any givensurface  
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Bohr Effect   Inverse relationship between blood acidity and oxygen dissociated from hemoglobin  
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Bridge   Portion of the external nose near the nasal bones  
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Bronchial Tree   Collective name for the branches of the bronchi and bronchioles of the respiratory system  
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Bronchiole   Branches of bronchi that are one millimeter or less in diameter  
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Bronchoconstriction   Decrease in the size of the bronchiole  
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Bronchodilation   Increase in the size of the bronchiole  
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Bronchus   Tube connected to the trachea that branches into many subsidiaries and provides a passageway for air to enter and leave the lungs  
🗑
Cardiac Notch   Indentation on the surface of the left lung that allows space for the heart  
🗑
Central Chemoreceptor   One of the specialized receptors that sense changes in chemical concentrations in the brain  
🗑
Diaphragm   Sheet of skeletal muscle along the bottom of the thoracic cavity that can create pressure in the lungs  
🗑
Dorsum Nasi   Intermediate portion of the external nose that connects the bridge to the apex and is supported by the nasal bone  
🗑
Epiglottis   Leaf-shaped piece of cartilage on the larynx that closes the trachea after swallowing  
🗑
Exhalation (Expiration)   When air leaves the lungs  
🗑
External Nose   Region of the nose that is visible to an observer  
🗑
External Respiration   Gas exchange that occurs in the alveoli  
🗑
Glottis   Opening between the vocal folds through which air passes when producing speech  
🗑
Haldane Effect   Relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and the affinity of hemoglobin to bind to carbon dioxide  
🗑
Hilum   Concave structure on the lungs where blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, and a bronchus enter the lung  
🗑
Hyperpnea (Deep Breathing)   Increased volume of air during breathing  
🗑
Hyperventilation   Increased ventilation rate that leads to abnormally low blood carbon dioxide levels and high alkaline blood pH  
🗑
Inhalation (Inspiration)   When air enters the lungs  
🗑
Internal Respiration   Gas exchange that occurs at the level of body tissues  
🗑
Laryngeal Prominence   Scientific name for the "Adam's apple"  
🗑
Larynx (Voicebox)   Cartilaginous structure that produces the voice, prevents food from entering the trachea, and regulates the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs  
🗑
Lung   Organ of the respiratory system that performs gas exchange  
🗑
Naris (Nostril)   Opening of the nose  
🗑
Nasal Bone   Bone of the skull that lies under the root and bridge of the nose  
🗑
Nasal Septum   Wall of bone and cartilage that separates the right and left nasal cavities  
🗑
Pharynx   Part of the throat behind the mouth and above the esophagus and larynx. It is involved in respiration, digestion, and speech  
🗑
Pulmonary Plexus   Network of nervous system fibers found near the hilum  
🗑
Quiet Breathing   Breathing that occurs at rest and does not require cognitive thought  
🗑
Respiratory Cycle   One sequence of inhalation and exhalation  
🗑
Respiratory Rate   Total number of breaths per minute  
🗑
Respiratory Volume   Amount of air within the lungs at a given time  
🗑
Respiratory Zone   Structures of the respiratory system that are directly involved in gas exchange  
🗑
Root   Part of the external nose between the eyebrows  
🗑
Tidal Volume   Amount of air that enters the lungs during quiet breathing  
🗑
Total Lung Capacity   Total amount of air that can be held in the lungs  
🗑
Trachea (Windpipe)   Tube of cartilaginous rings that connects the bronchi and the larynx. It provides a route for air to enter and exit the lung  
🗑
True Vocal Cord   One of the pair of folded membranes that oscillate as air passes through to produce sound  
🗑
Ventilation   Movement of air into and out of the lungs. Consists of inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration)  
🗑
Absorption   Passage of digested products from the intestines into the bloodstream  
🗑
Accessory Digestive Organ   Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas  
🗑
Accessory Duct   Duct that runs from the pancreas into the duodenum  
🗑
Acinus   Cluster of epithelial cells in the pancreas that secretes pancreatic juice into the organ; in general, refers to any cluster of cells that resembles a "berry"  
🗑
Alimentary Canal   Muscular digestive tube that extends from the mouth to the anus; also referred to as the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract  
🗑
Anal Canal   Final segment of the large intestine  
🗑
Anal Column   Long fold of mucosa in the anal canal  
🗑
Appendix   Coiled tube attached to the cecum; once considered to be a vestigial organ  
🗑
Ascending Colon   First region of the colon  
🗑
Bacterial Flora   Bacteria in the large intestine  
🗑
Bile   Alkaline solution produced by the liver; it is important for the emulsification of lipids  
🗑
Bilirubin   Main bile pigment; responsible for the brown color of feces  
🗑
Body   Mid-portion of the stomach  
🗑
Bolus   Mass of chewed food  
🗑
Canine   Pointed tooth used for tearing and shredding food; also called a cuspid; there are two upper and two lower ones  
🗑
Cecum   Pouch forming the beginning of the large intestine; it receives chyme from the ileum, and connects to the ascending colon of the large intestine  
🗑
Cementum   Bone-like tissue covering the root of a tooth  
🗑
Central Vein   Vein that receives blood from hepatic capillaries  
🗑
Cephalic Phase   Initial phase of gastric secretion that occurs before food enters the stomach  
🗑
Chemical Digestion   Enzymatic breakdown of food  
🗑
Chyme   Soupy liquid created when food is mixed with digestive juices  
🗑
Colon   Part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum  
🗑
Crown   Portion of a tooth visible superior to the gum line  
🗑
Cystic Duct   Duct through which bile drains and enters the gallbladder  
🗑
Deciduous Tooth   One of twenty "baby teeth"  
🗑
Defecation   Elimination of undigested substances from the body in the form of feces  
🗑
Deglutition   Three-stage process of swallowing  
🗑
Dens   Scientific word for tooth  
🗑
Dentin   Bone-like tissue immediately deep to the enamel of the crown or cementum of the root  
🗑
Dentition   Whole set of teeth  
🗑
Descending Colon   Part of the colon between the transverse colon and the sigmoid colon  
🗑
Duodenal Gland   Mucous-secreting gland in the duodenal submucosa  
🗑
Duodenum   First part of the small intestine, which starts at the pyloric splinter and ends at the jejunum  
🗑
Enamel   Covering of the dentin on the crown of a tooth  
🗑
Esophagus   Muscular tube that runs from the pharynx to the stomach  
🗑
Feces   Semisolid waste product of digestion  
🗑
Flatus   Gas in the intestine  
🗑
Gallbladder   Accessory digestive organ that stores and concentrates bile  
🗑
Gastric Emptying   Process by which mixing waves gradually cause the release of chyme into the duodenum  
🗑
Gastric Gland   Gland in the stomach that produces gastric juice  
🗑
Gastric Phase   Phase of gastric secretion that begins when food enters the stomach  
🗑
Gastric Pit   Narrow channel formed by the epithelial lining of the stomach mucosa  
🗑
Gastrin   Peptide hormone that stimulates secretion of hydrochloric acid and gut motility  
🗑
Gingiva   Scientific term for gums  
🗑
Hepatic Artery   Artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver  
🗑
Hepatic Portal Vein   Vein that supplies deoxygenated nutrient-rich blood to the liver  
🗑
Hepatic Sinusoid   Blood capillaries between rows of hepatocytes that receive blood from the hepatic portal vein and the branches of the hepatic artery  
🗑
Hepatic Vein   Vein that drains into the inferior vena cava  
🗑
Hepatocytes   Major functional cells of the liver  
🗑
Hydrochloric Acid   Digestive acid secreted by parietal cells in the stomach  
🗑
Ileum   End of the small intestine between the jejunum and the large intestine  
🗑
Incisor   Midline, chisel-shaped tooth used for cutting into food; they are the front teeth, two on each side, top and bottom.  
🗑
Ingestion   Taking food into the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth  
🗑
Intestinal Juice   Mixture of water and mucus that helps absorb nutrients from chyme  
🗑
Intestinal Phase   Phase of gastric secretion that begins when chyme enters the intestine  
🗑
Jejunum   Middle part of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum  
🗑
Labium   Scientific term for the lip  
🗑
Lactase   Enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose  
🗑
Large Intestine   Terminal portion of the gastrointestinal tract  
🗑
Liver   Largest gland in the body; its main digestive functions are the production of bile, synthesis of some proteins, and detoxification of metabolites  
🗑
Maltase   Enzyme that breaks down maltose into glucose  
🗑
Mass Movement   Long, slow, peristaltic wave in the large intestine  
🗑
Mastication   Scientific term for chewing  
🗑
Mechanical Digestion   Chewing, mixing, and segmentation that prepares food for chemical digestion  
🗑
Molar   Tooth used for crushing and grinding food; they are large and flat, found at the back of the mouth  
🗑
Motility   Movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract  
🗑
Mucosa   Innermost lining of the gastrointestinal tract  
🗑
Oral Cavity   Scientific term for the mouth  
🗑
Orval Vestibule   Part of the mouth bounded externally by the cheeks and lips, and internally by the gums and teeth  
🗑
Pancreas   Accessory digestive organ that secretes pancreatic juice  
🗑
Parietal Cell   Gastric gland cell that secretes hydrochloric acid  
🗑
Parotid Gland   One of a pair of major salivary glands located inferior and anterior to the ears  
🗑
Peristalsis   Muscular contractions and relaxations that propel food through the gastrointestinal tract  
🗑
Permanent Tooth   One of the thirty two adult teeth  
🗑
Portal Triad   Bile duct, hepatic artery branch, and hepatic portal vein branch  
🗑
Premolar   Transitional tooth used for chewing, crushing, and grinding food; also called a bicuspid; they are found between the canines and the molars  
🗑
Pulp   Deepest portion of a tooth, containing nerve endings and blood vessels  
🗑
Rectum   Final part of the large intestine, between the sigmoid colon and the anal canal; it temporarily stores fecal matter  
🗑
Root   Portion of a tooth embedded beneath the gum line  
🗑
Salivary Amylase   Digestive enzyme in saliva that acts on starch  
🗑
Salivary Gland   Exocrine gland that secretes saliva  
🗑
Saliva   Aqueous solution of proteins and ions secreted into the mouth  
🗑
Salivation   Secretion of saliva  
🗑
Segmentation   Alternating contractions and relaxations of non-adjacent segments of the intestine that move food forward and backward, breaking it apart and mixing it with digestive juices  
🗑
Sigmoid Colon   End portion of the colon, which terminates at the rectum  
🗑
Small Intestine   Section of the gastrointestinal tract where most digestion and absorption occurs  
🗑
Stomach   Digestive organ that contributes to chemical and mechanical digestion of food from the esophagus before releasing it as chyme to the small intestine  
🗑
Sucrase   Enzyme that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose  
🗑
Tongue   Accessory digestive organ of the mouth composed of skeletal muscle  
🗑
Transverse Colon   Part of the colon between the ascending and descending colon  
🗑
Valsalva's Maneuver (Valsalva Technique)   Voluntary contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal wall muscles and closing of the glottis, which increases intra-abdominal pressure and facilitates defecation  
🗑
Voluntary Phase   Initial phase of deglutition, in which the bolus moves from the mouth to the oropharynx  
🗑
ATP Synthase   Protein complex that creates ATP  
🗑
Absorptive State   Metabolic state in which the body is digesting food and absorbing nutrients; occurs during the first few hours after ingesting food  
🗑
Anabolic Hormones   Hormones that stimulate the synthesis of new, larger molecules  
🗑
Anabolic Reactions   Reactions that build smaller molecules into larger molecules  
🗑
Basal Metabolic Rate   Amount of energy expended by the body at rest  
🗑
Bile Salts   Salts that are released from the liver in response to lipid ingestion and surround the insoluble triglycerides to aid in their conversion to monoglycerides and free fatty acids  
🗑
Body Mass Index   Relative amount of body weight compared to overall height; 18 to 24.9 is normal weight; 25 to 29.9 is overweight; greater than 30 is obese  
🗑
Calorie   Unit that measures the energy content of food  
🗑
Catabolic Hormones   Hormones that stimulate the breakdown of large molecules  
🗑
Catabolic Reactions   Reactions that break down larger molecules into their constituent parts  
🗑
Cellular Respiration   Production of ATP from glucose oxidation via glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation  
🗑
Gluconeogenesis   Process of glucose synthesis from pyruvate and other molecules  
🗑
Glycogen   Form that glucose assumes when it is stored  
🗑
Glycolysis   Series of metabolic reactions that break down glucose into pyruvate and produce ATP  
🗑
Insulin   Hormone secreted by the pancreas that stimulates the uptake of glucose into the cells  
🗑
Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)   Converts pyruvate into CO2 and high-energy FADH2, NADH, and ATP molecules  
🗑
Ketone Bodies   Alternative source of energy when glucose is limited, created when too much acetyl CoA is made during fatty acid oxidation  
🗑
Lipogenesis   Synthesis of lipids that occurs in the liver or adipose tissues  
🗑
Lipolysis   Breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids  
🗑
Metabolic Rate   Amount of energy consumed minus the amount of energy expended by the body  
🗑
Metabolism   Sum of all catabolic and anabolic reactions that take place in the body  
🗑
Minerals   Inorganic compounds required by the body to ensure proper function  
🗑
Monosaccharide   Smallest, monomeric sugar molecule  
🗑
Polysaccharide   Complex carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharides  
🗑
Postabsorptive State   Metabolic state occurring after digestion when food is no longer the body's source of energy and it must rely on stored glycogen  
🗑
Secretin   Hormone released in the small intestine to aid in digestion  
🗑
Thermoneutral   External temperature at which the body does not expend any energy for thermoregulation (84 F)  
🗑
Thermoregulation   Process of regulating the temperature of the body  
🗑
Urea Cycle   Process that converts potentially toxic nitrogen waste into urea that can be eliminated through the kidneys  
🗑
Vitamins   Organic compounds required by the body to perform biochemical reactions like metabolism and bone, cell, and tissue growth  
🗑
Anatomical Sphincter   Muscle surrounding the lumen of a vessel or hollow organ that can restrict flow when contracted  
🗑
Anuria   Absence of urine produced; production of fifty milliliters or less per day  
🗑
Detrusor Muscle   Muscle in the bladder wall; fibers run in all directions to reduce the size of the organ when emptying it of urine  
🗑
Diuretic   Compound that increases urine output, leading to decreased water conservation  
🗑
External Urinary Sphincter   Muscle that must be relaxed to release urine from the body  
🗑
Incontinence   Loss of ability to control urination  
🗑
Kidneys   Two bean-shaped organs that participate in the control of the volume of various body fluid compartments and removal of toxins  
🗑
Micturition   Scientific term for urination or voiding  
🗑
Nephrons   Functional units of the kidney. They carry out all filtration and modification to produce urine.  
🗑
Oliguria   Below normal urine production of four hundred to five hundred milliliters a day  
🗑
Physiological Sphincter   Sphincter consisting of circular smooth muscle indistinguishable from adjacent muscle but functioning as a sphincter  
🗑
Urea   Main nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals  
🗑
Urethra   Tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside environment  
🗑
Urinalysis   Analysis of urine to diagnose disease  
🗑
Antidiuretic Hormone   Hormone that increases the volume of water reabsorbed by the kidneys  
🗑
Dehydration   State of containing insufficient water in blood and other tissues  
🗑
Diuresis   Excess production of urine  
🗑
Extracellular Fluid   Fluid exterior to cells, such as interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and others  
🗑
Fluid Compartment   System of fluids that is segregated from other systems  
🗑
Hydrostatic Pressure   Pressure exerted by a fluid against a wall, caused by its own weight or pumping force  
🗑
Hypercalcemia   Abnormally high levels of blood calcium  
🗑
Hypercapnia   Abnormally high levels of blood carbon dioxide  
🗑
Hyperchloremia   Abnormally high levels of blood chlorine  
🗑
Hyperkalemia   Abnormally high levels of blood potassium  
🗑
Hypernatremia   Abnormally high levels of blood sodium  
🗑
Hyperphosphatemia   Abnormally high levels of blood phosphate  
🗑
Hypocalcemia   Abnormally low levels of blood calcium  
🗑
Hypocapnia   Abnormally low levels of blood carbon dioxide  
🗑
Hypochloremia   Abnormally low levels of blood chlorine  
🗑
Hypokalemia   Abnormally low levels of blood potassium  
🗑
Hyponatremia   Abnormally low levels of blood sodium  
🗑
Hypophosphatemia   Abnormally low levels of blood phosphate  
🗑
Interstitial Fluid   Fluid in the small spaces between cells not contained within blood vessels  
🗑
Intracellular Fluid   Fluid in the cytosol of cells  
🗑
Metabolic Acidosis   Condition wherein a deficiency of bicarbonate causes the blood to be overly acidic  
🗑
Metabolic Alkalosis   Condition wherein an excess of bicarbonate causes the blood to be overly alkaline  
🗑
Plasma Osmolality   Ratio of solute to a volume of solvent in the plasma; reflects a person's hydration  
🗑
Respiratory Acidosis   Condition wherein an excess of carbon dioxide causes the blood to be overly acidic  
🗑
Respiratory Alkalosis   Condition wherein a deficiency of carbon dioxide causes the blood to be overly alkaline  
🗑
Alveoli   Milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland  
🗑
Areola   Highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing the areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling  
🗑
Body of Uterus   Middle section of the uterus  
🗑
Cervix   Elongated inferior end of the uterus that contains the vagina  
🗑
Clitoris   Nerve-rich area of the vulva that contributes to sexual sensation during intercourse  
🗑
Ejaculatory Duct   Duct that connects the ampulla of the vas deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle at the prostatic urethra  
🗑
Epididymis   Coiled tubular structure in which sperm mature and are stored until ejaculation  
🗑
Fallopian Tubes   Ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus  
🗑
Gamete   Haploid reproductive cell that contributes genetic material to form an offspring  
🗑
Glans Penis   Bulbous end of the penis that contains a large number of nerve endings  
🗑
Gonads   Reproductive organs that produce gametes and reproductive hormones  
🗑
Hymen   Membrane that covers part of the opening of the vagina  
🗑
Lactiferous Ducts   Ducts that connect the mammary glands to the nipple and allow for transport of milk  
🗑
Mammary Glands   Glands inside the breasts that secrete milk  
🗑
Menarche   First menstruation in a pubertal female  
🗑
Menses Phase   Phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrial lining is shed  
🗑
Menstruation   Shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out through the vagina  
🗑
Menstrual cycle   Twenty-eight day cycle of changes in the uterus  
🗑
Mons Pubis   Mound of fatty tissue located at the front of the vulva  
🗑
Oogenesis   Process by which oocytes are produced, which later become ovum  
🗑
Ovarian Cycle   Changes in the ovaries consisting of a follicular phase (ending with ovulation) and a luteal phase  
🗑
Ovaries   Female gonads that produce oocytes and sex steroid hormones  
🗑
Ovulation   Release of a secondary oocyte and associated cells from an ovary  
🗑
Ovum (Egg)   Haploid female gamete resulting from completion of meiosis II at fertilization  
🗑
Penis   Male organ of copulation  
🗑
Prepuce (Foreskin)   Flap of skin that forms a collar around the glans penis  
🗑
Prostate Gland   Doughnut-shaped gland at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra and contributing fluid to semen during ejaculation  
🗑
Puberty   Life stage during which a male or female adolescent becomes capable of reproduction  
🗑
Scrotum   External pouch of skin and muscle that houses the testes  
🗑
Semen   Ejaculatory fluid composed of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles and prostate  
🗑
Seminal Vesicle   Gland that produces seminal fluid, which contributes to semen  
🗑
Spermatogenesis   Formation of new sperm  
🗑
Sperm   Male gamete  
🗑
Testes   Male gonads  
🗑
Uterus   Muscular hollow organ in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus  
🗑
Vagina   Tunnel-like organ that provides access to the uterus for the insertion of semen and from the uterus for the birth of a baby  
🗑
Vas Deferens   Duct that transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord and into the ejaculatory duct  
🗑
Vulva   External female genitalia  
🗑
Acrosome   Cap-like vesicle located at the anterior region of a sperm that is rich with lysosomal enzymes capable of digesting the protective layers surrounding the oocyte  
🗑
Afterbirth   Third stage of childbirth in which the placenta and associated fetal membranes are expelled  
🗑
Alleles   Alternative forms of a gene  
🗑
Amnion   Transparent membranous sac that encloses the developing fetus and fills with amniotic fluid  
🗑
Autosomal Chromosome   Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome (allosome)  
🗑
Autosomal Dominant   Dominant inheritance for a gene on one of the autosomes  
🗑
Autosomal Recessive   Recessive inheritance for a gene on one of the autosomes  
🗑
Breech Birth   When a baby is born bottom first instead of head first  
🗑
Cesarean Section   Use of surgery - often an incision - to deliver a baby  
🗑
Capacitation   Process that occurs in the female reproductive tract in which sperm are prepared for fertilization  
🗑
Carrier   Heterozygous individual who does not display symptoms of a recessive genetic disorder but can transmit the disorder to his or her offspring  
🗑
Cleavage   Cell division in which the cell divides but the total volume remains unchanged, producing smaller and smaller cells  
🗑
Codominance   Inheritance pattern that corresponds to the simultaneous expression of two different alleles  
🗑
Dilation   First stage of childbirth, involving an increase in cervical diameter  
🗑
Dominant Lethal   Inheritance pattern in which individuals with one or two copies of a lethal allele do not survive in utero or have a shortened lifespan  
🗑
Dominant   Describes a trait that is expressed in both homozygous and heterozygous forms  
🗑
Ectopic Pregnancy   Implantation of an embryo outside of the uterus  
🗑
Embryo   Developing human during weeks three to eight  
🗑
Episiotomy   Incision made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum that facilitates vaginal birth  
🗑
Explusion   Second stage of childbirth, during which the mother bears down with contractions; this stage ends in birth  
🗑
Fertilization   Unification of genetic material from male and female haploid gametes  
🗑
Fetus   Developing human during the time from the end of the embryonic period to birth  
🗑
Foremilk   Watery, translucent breast milk that is secreted first during a feeding and is rich in lactose and protein; quenches the infant's thirst  
🗑
Gastrulation   Process of cell migration and differentiation into three primary germ layers following cleavage and implantation  
🗑
Genome   Complete genetic makeup of an individual  
🗑
Genotype   Organism's set of heritable genes  
🗑
Gestation (Pregnancy)   Period required for embryonic and fetal development  
🗑
Heterozygous   Having two different alleles for a given gene  
🗑
Hindmilk   Opaque, creamy breast milk delivered toward the end of a feeding, satisfying the infant's appetite  
🗑
Homozygous   Having two identical alleles for a given gene  
🗑
Implantation   Process by which a blastocyst embeds itself in the uterine endometrium  
🗑
Involution   Postpartum shrinkage of the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy volume  
🗑
In Vitro Fertilization   Fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body and them implanted into the same or another woman's uterus  
🗑
Lactation   Process by which milk is synthesized and secreted from the mammary glands of the postpartum female breast in response to sucking at the nipple  
🗑
Mutation   Change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA  
🗑
Neurulation   Embryonic process that establishes the central nervous system  
🗑
Notochord   Rod-shaped, mesoderm-derived structure that provides support for a growing fetus  
🗑
Organogenesis   Development of the rudimentary structure of all an embryo's organs from the germ layers  
🗑
Punnett Square   Grid used to display all possible combinations of alleles transmitted by parents to offspring and predict the mathematical probability of offspring inheriting a given phenotype  
🗑
Parturtion   Scientific term for childbirth  
🗑
Phenotype   Physical or biochemical manifestation of the genotype; expression of the alleles  
🗑
Placenta   Organ that forms during pregnancy to nourish the developing fetus; also regulates waste and gas exchange between mother and fetus  
🗑
Placentation   Formation of the placenta  
🗑
Polyspermy   Penetration of an oocyte by more than one sperm  
🗑
Quickening   Fetal movements that are strong enough to be felt by the mother  
🗑
Recessive Lethal   Inheritance pattern in which individuals with two copies of a lethal allele do not survive in utero or have a shortened life span  
🗑
Recessive   Describes a trait that is only expressed in homozygous form and is masked in heterozygous form  
🗑
Sex Chromosomes (Allosomes)   Pair of chromosomes involved in sex determination; in males, the XY chromosomes; in females, the XX chromosomes  
🗑
Trait   Variation of an expressed characteristic  
🗑
Trimester   Division of the duration of a pregnancy into three three-month terms  
🗑
True Labor   Regular contractions that immediately precede childbirth; they do not abate with hydration or rest, and they become more frequent and more powerful with time  
🗑
Umbilical Cord   Connection between the developing conceptus and the placenta; carries deoxygenated blood and wastes from the fetus and returns nutrients and oxygen from the mother  
🗑
Zygote   Fertilized egg; a diploid cell resulting from the fertilization of haploid gametes from the male and female lines  
🗑
Lightening   Descent of the fetus lower into the pelvis in late pregnancy  
🗑


   

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