Glossary

anatomical position

(Human Body) Standing upright, toes forward, upper limbs held at the sides with palms facing forward.

anatomy

The study of structure of living things. Anatomy includes composition (what its made of--molecules, cells, tissues, etc.) and location in the body.

atom

The smallest unit of an element that can enter into a chemical reaction.

cell

The smallest unit of life.

control center

Compares incoming sensory information to a set-point and determines if a response is necessary.

effector

A muscle or gland that carries out a response. A muscle will contract and a gland will secrete.

Gross anatomy

Study of anatomy that can be seen with the naked eye (macroscopic).

histology

The study of cells and tissues (microscopic).

Homeostasis

Describes how a cell or organism can sense and respond to its environment in order to maintain a stable internal state.

molecule

Two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

organ

Two or more tissues that work together to perform a specific function(s).

organ system

Two or more organs that work together to perform a specific function(s).

organism

An entire living being.

physiology

The study of the function of living things, it includes chemical reactions that carry out the functions.

Positive feedback

Feedback mechanism that works to increase the stimulus.

receptor

Specialized cell that monitors a change in a stimulus.

set point

Physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates.

tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function(s).

License

Human Biology Copyright © by Karen Reeds. All Rights Reserved.

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