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Nutrition-Exam 2
Ch 3
96
Biology
Undergraduate 3
10/22/2009

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Term
tissues
Definition
collections of cells adapted to perform a specific function
Term
organ
Definition
a group of tissues designed to perform a specific function- for example, the heart, which contains muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and so on
Term
organ system
Definition
a collection of organs that work together to perform an overall function
Term
organelles
Definition
compartments, particles, or filaments that perform specialized functions within a cell
Term
phospholipid
Definition
any of a class of fat-related substances that contain phosphorus, fatty acids, and a nitrogen-containing component. Phospholipids are an essential part of every cell
Term
enzyme
Definition
a compound that speeds the rate of a chemical process but is not altered by that process. Almost all enzymes are proteins
Term
cytoplasm
Definition
the fluid and organelles (except the nucleus) in a cell
Term
anaerobic
Definition
not requiring oxygen
Term
aerobic
Definition
requiring oxygen
Term
cell nucleus
Definition
an organelle bound by its own double membrane and containing the chromosomes, the genetic information for cell protein synthesis and cell replication
Term
gene
Definition
a specific segment on a chromosome. Genes provide the blueprint for the production of cell proteins
Term
chromosome
Definition
a single, large DNA molecule and its associated proteins; contains many genes to store and transmit genetic information
Term
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Definition
the sit of hereditary information in cells; DNA directs the synthesis of cell proteins
Term
ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Definition
the single-stranded nucleic acid involved int he transcription of genetic information and translation of that information into protein structure
Term
transcription
Definition
information on DNA needed to make a protein is copied onto RNA
Term
ribosomes
Definition
cytoplasmic particles that mediate the linking together of amino acids to form proteins; may exist freely in the cytoplasm or attached to endoplasmic reticulum
Term
translation
Definition
the information contained in RNA is used to determine the amino acids in a protein
Term
gene expression
Definition
Use of DNA information on a gene to produce a protein. Thought to be a major determination of cell development
Term
endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Definition
an organelle in the cytoplasm composed of a network of canals running through the cytoplasm
Term
golgi complex
Definition
the cell organelle near the nucleus that processes newly synthesized protein for secretion or distribution to other organelles
Term
secretory vesicles
Definition
membrane-bound vesicles produced by the Golgi apparatus; contains protein and other compounds to be secreted by the cell
Term
lysosome
Definition
a cellular organelle that contains digestive enzymes for use inside the cell for turnover of cell parts
Term
peroxisome
Definition
a cell organelle that destroys toxic products within the cell
Term
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Definition
the main energy currency for cells. ATP energy is used to promote ion pumping, enzyme activity, and muscular contraction
Term
epithelial tissue
Definition
the surface cells that line the outside of the body and all external passages within it
Term
connective tissue
Definition
protein tissue that holds different structures in the body together some structures are made up of connective tissue- notably, tendons and cartilage. Connective tissue also forms part of bone and the nonmuscular structures of arteries and veins
Term
muscle tissue
Definition
a type of tissue adapted to contract to cause movement
Term
nervous tissue
Definition
tissue composed of highly branched, elongated cells, which transport nerve impulses from one part of the body to another
Term
urea
Definition
nitrogenous waste product of protein metabolism; major source of nitrogen in the urine
Term
cardiovascular system
Definition
the body system consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. This system transports nutrients, waste products, gases, and hormones throughout the body and plays an important role in immune responses and regulation of body temperature
Term
lymphatic system
Definition
a system of vessels and lymph that accepts fluid surrounding cells and large particles, such as products of fat absorption. Lymph eventually passes into the bloodstream from the lymphatic system
Term
plasma
Definition
the fluid, extracellular portion of the circulating blood. This includes the blood stream plus all blood-clotting factors. In contrast, serum is the fluid that remains after clotting factors have been removed from plasma
Term
artery
Definition
a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
Term
capillary
Definition
a microscopic blood vessel that connects the smallest arteries and veins; site of nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange between body cells and the blood
Term
vein
Definition
a blood vessel that carries blood to the heart
Term
portal circulation
Definition
the portion of the circulatory system that uses a large vein (portal vein) to carry nutrient-rich blood from capillaries in the intestines and portions of the stomach to the liver
Term
lymph
Definition
a clear fluid that flows through lymph vessels; carries most forms of fat after their absorption by the small intestine
Term
nervous system
Definition
the body system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sensory receptors. This system detects sensations, directs movements, and controls physiological and intellectual functions
Term
neuron
Definition
the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon
Term
synapse
Definition
the space between one neuron and another neuron (or cell)
Term
neurotransmitter
Definition
a compound made by a nerve cell that allows for communication between it and other cells
Term
norepinephrine
Definition
a neurotransmitter from nerve endings and a hormone from the adrenal gland. It is released in times of stress and is involved in hunger regulation, blood glucose regulation, and other body processes.
Term
epinephrine
Definition
a hormone also known as adrenaline; it is released by the adrenal glands (located on each kidney) at times of stress. It acts to increase glycogen breakdown in the liver, among other functions
Term
myelin sheath
Definition
a lipid and protein combination (lipoprotein) that covers nerve fibers
Term
endocrine system
Definition
the body system consisting of the various glands and the hormones these glands secrete. This system has major regulatory functions in the body, such as reproduction and cell metabolism
Term
endocrine gland
Definition
a hormone-producing gland
Term
thyroid hormones
Definition
hormones produced by the thyroid gland that among their functions increase the rate of overall metabolism in the body
Term
receptor
Definition
a site in a cell at which compounds (such as hormones) bind. Cells that contain receptors for a specific compound are partially controlled by that compound
Term
immune system
Definition
the body system consisting of white blood cells, lymph glands and vessels, and various other body tissues. The immune system provides defense against foreign invaders, primarily due to the action of various types of white blood cells
Term
antigen
Definition
any substance that induces a state of sensitivity and/or resistance to microorganisms or toxic substances after a lag period; foreign substance that stimulates a specific aspect of the immune system
Term
immunoglubulins
Definition
proteins found in the blood that bind to specific antigens; also called antibodies. The five major classes of immunoglobulins play different roles in anti-body-mediated immunity
Term
antibody
Definition
blood protein (immunoglobulin) that binds foreign proteins found in the body. This helps to prevent and control infections
Term
lysozyme
Definition
an enzyme produced by a variety of cells; it can destroy bacteria by rupturing their cell membranes
Term
White Blood Cells
Definition
one of the formed elements of the circulating blood system; also called leukocytes. White blood cells are able to squeeze through intracellular spaces and migrate. They phagocytize bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as detoxify proteins that may result from allergic reactions, cellular injury, and other immune system cells
Term
phagocytosis
Definition
a process which a cell forms an indentation, and particles or fluids entering the indentation are then engulfed by the cell
Term
digestion
Definition
the process by which large ingested molecules are mechanically and chemically broken down to produce basic nutrients that can be absorbed across the wall of the GI tract
Term
cell-mediated immunity
Definition
a process in which certain white blood cells come in contact with the invading cells to destroy them
Term
digestive system
Definition
the body system consisting of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory structures such as the liver gall bladder, and pancreas. This system performs the mechanical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of wastes
Term
absorption
Definition
the process by which substances are taken up from the GI tract and enter the bloodstream or the lymph
Term
gastrointestinal tract (GI tract)
Definition
the main sites in the body used for digestion and absorption of nutrients. It consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Also called the digestive tract
Term
motility
Definition
generally, the ability to move spontaneously. It also refers to movement of food through the GI tract
Term
umami
Definition
a brothy, meaty savory flavor in some foods. Monosodium glutamate enhances this flavor when added to foods
Term
salivary amylase
Definition
a starch-digesting enzyme produced by salivary glands
Term
mucus
Definition
a thick fluid secreted by many cells throughout the body. It contains a compound that has both carbohydrate and protein parts. It acts as a lubricant and means of protection for cells
Term
amylase
Definition
starch-digesting enzyme produced by the salivary glands and pancreas
Term
lipase
Definition
fat-digesting enzyme produced by the salivary glands, stomach, and pancreas
Term
protease
Definition
protein-digesting enzyme produced by the stomach, small intestine, and pancreas
Term
esophagus
Definition
a tube in the GI tract that connects the pharynx with the stomach
Term
pharynx
Definition
the organ of the digestive tract and respiratory tract located at the back of the oral and nasal cavities commonly known as the throat
Term
epiglottis
Definition
the flap that folds down over the trachea during swallowing
Term
bolus
Definition
a moistened mass of food swallowed from the oral cavity into the pharynx
Term
peristalsis
Definition
a coordinated muscular contraction used to propel food down the gastrointestinal tract
Term
lower esophageal sphincter
Definition
a circular muscle that constricts the opening of the esophagus to the stomach. Also called the gastroesophageal sphincter
Term
chyme
Definition
a mixture of stomach secretions and partially digested food
Term
pyloric sphincter
Definition
the ring of smooth muscle between the stomach and the small intestine
Term
villi
Definition
the fingerlike protrusions into the small intestine that participate in digestion and absorption of food
Term
absorptive cells
Definition
the intestinal cells that line the villi; these cells participate in nutrient absorption
Term
ileocecal sphincter
Definition
the ring of smooth muscle between the end of the small intestine and the large intestine
Term
rectum
Definition
terminal portion of the large intestine
Term
anus
Definition
last portion of the GI tract; serves as an outlet for that organ
Term
anal sphincters
Definition
a group of two sphinters (inner and outer) that help control expulsion of feces from the body
Term
gall bladder
Definition
an organ attached to the underside of the liver; site of bile storage, concentration, and eventual secretion
Term
bile
Definition
a liver secretion stored in the gallbladder and released through the common bile duct into the first segment of the small intestine. It is essential for the digestion and absorption of fat
Term
enterohepatic circulation
Definition
a continual recycling of compounds between the small intestine and the liver; bile acids are one example of a recycled compound
Term
urinary system
Definition
the body system consisting of the kidneys, urinary bladder, and the ducts that carry urine. This system removes waste products from the circulatory system and regulates blood acid-base balance, overall chemical balance, and water balance in the body
Term
ureter
Definition
tube that transports urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder
Term
urethra
Definition
tube that transports urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body
Term
pH
Definition
a measure of relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale is 0 to 14. A pH below 7 is acidic a pH above 7 is alkaline
Term
erythropoeitin
Definition
a hormone secreted mostly by the kidneys that enhances red blood cell synthesis and stimulates red blood cell release from bone marrow
Term
ulcer
Definition
erosion of the tissue lining, usually in the stomach or the upper small intestine. As a group these are generally referred to as peptic ulcers
Term
NSAIDS
Definition
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (aleve)
Term
histamine
Definition
a breakdown product of the amino acid histidine that stimulates acid secretion by the stomach and has other effects on the body, such as contraction of smooth muscles, increased nasal secretions, relaxation of blood vessels, and changes in relaxations of airways
Term
proton pump inhibitor
Definition
a medication that inhibits the ability of gastric cells to secrete hydrogen ions. Low doses of this class of medications are also available without prescription (e.g., omeprazole) prilosec
Term
constipation
Definition
a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements
Term
laxative
Definition
a medication or other substance that stimulates evacuation of the intestinal tract
Term
mitochondria
Definition
the main sites of energy production in a cell. They also contain the pathway for oxidizing fat for fuel, among other metabolic pathways
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