Glossary

Something that has the properties of an acid. It would be associated with a pH of less than 7.

Inorganic substances that enhance enzyme function when bound; dietary minerals often function in this capacity.

The part of the body of a vertebrate containing the digestive organs.

Division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the abdominal and pelvic viscera.

Sixth cranial nerve; responsible for contraction of one of the extraocular muscles.

Movement in the coronal plane that moves a limb laterally away from the body; spreading of the fingers.

(In vision) changes in lens shape to affect refraction of incoming light rays.

Large, cup-shaped cavity located on the lateral side of the hip bone; formed by the junction of the ilium, pubis, and ischium portions of the hip bone.

An important neurotransmitter.

Protein that makes up most of the thin myofilaments in a sarcomere muscle fibre.

Change in voltage of a cell membrane in response to a stimulus that results in transmission of an electrical signal; unique to neurons and muscle fibres.

Form of transport across the cell membrane that requires input of cellular energy.

Movement in the coronal plane that moves a limb medially toward or across the midline of the body; bringing fingers together.

Lower energy form of ATP, containing two phosphate groups after the third phosphate group phosphorylated another molecule and transferring energy to it.

Nucleotide containing ribose and an adenine base that is essential in energy transfer.

Lipid storage cells.

Specialized areolar tissue rich in stored fat.

Endocrine glands located at the top of each kidney that are important for the regulation of the stress response, blood pressure and blood volume, water homeostasis, and electrolyte levels.

Inner layer of the adrenal glands that plays an important role in the stress response by producing epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Synapse where norepinephrine is released, which binds to α- or β-adrenergic receptors.

(Also, prime mover) muscle whose contraction is responsible for producing a particular motion.

a globular serum protein primarily involved in transport.

An ionic solution with basic properties (pH >7).

A polypeptide component of the hemoglobin protein containing 141 amino acids.

Type of cell in the retina that connects to the bipolar cells near the outer synaptic layer and provides the basis for early image processing within the retina.

Chemical functional group NH2, a component of amino acids.

Building block of proteins; characterized by an amino and carboxyl functional groups and a variable side-chain.

Slightly mobile joint.

Molecule that contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

In the ear, the structure at the base of a semicircular canal that contains the hair cells and cupula for transduction of rotational movement of the head.

a branched-chain polymer of D-glucose units.

A straight-chain polymer of D-glucose units.

Reactions that build smaller molecules into larger molecules.

Atom with a negative charge.

Muscle that opposes the action of an agonist.

Muscle that opposes the action of an agonist.

Relating to the forearm.

Lower arm, between elbow and wrist.

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body; also referred to as ventral.

See ventral cavity

Gray matter of the spinal cord containing multipolar motor neurons, sometimes referred to as the ventral horn.

(Also, immunoglobulin) antigen-specific protein secreted by plasma cells.

Largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle and descending to the abdominal region where it bifurcates into the common iliac arteries at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra; arteries originating from the aorta distribute blood to virtually all tissues of the body.

That part of a cell or tissue, which, in general, faces an open space.

Type of sweat gland that is associated with hair follicles in the armpits and genital regions.

Programmed cell death.

All bones of the upper and lower limbs, plus the girdle bones that attach each limb to the axial skeleton.

Watery fluid that fills the anterior chamber containing the cornea, iris, ciliary body, and lens of the eye.

Outpocket of the arachnoid membrane into the dural sinuses that allows for reabsorption of CSF into the blood.

Middle layer of the meninges named for the spider-web–like trabeculae that extend between it and the pia mater.

Filaments between the arachnoid and pia mater within the subarachnoid space.

A type of connective tissue proper that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix.

Smooth muscle that is activated in response to external stimuli that pull on hair follicles and make the hair “stand up.”

Connective tissue structure that encloses the joint cavity of a synovial joint.

Thin layer of cartilage covering an epiphysis; reduces friction and acts as a shock absorber.

Meniscus; a fibrocartilage structure found between the bones of some synovial joints; provides padding or smooths movements between the bones; strongly unites the bones together.

Central nervous system fibers carrying sensory information from the spinal cord or periphery to the brain.

First cervical (C1) vertebra.

The smallest unit of an element that retains the unique properties of that element.

Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Fleshy external structure of the ear.

Functional division of the nervous system that is responsible for homeostatic reflexes that coordinate control of cardiac and smooth muscle, as well as glandular tissue.

Ability to depolarize without prior nervous stimulation. This ability is a characteristic of cardiac muscle cells.

Lacking blood vessels.

Central, vertical axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

Second cervical (C2) vertebra.

Single process of the neuron that carries an electrical signal (action potential) away from the cell body toward a target cell.

Tapering of the neuron cell body that gives rise to the axon.

Single stretch of the axon insulated by myelin and bounded by nodes of Ranvier at either end (except for the first, which is after the initial segment, and the last, which is followed by the axon terminal).

Single stretch of the axon insulated by myelin and bounded by nodes of Ranvier at either end (except for the first, which is after the initial segment, and the last, which is followed by the axon terminal).

End of the axon, where there are usually several branches extending toward the target cell.

Originates in the lumbar region and passes through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity on the right side of the vertebral column; drains blood from the intercostal veins, esophageal veins, bronchial veins, and other veins draining the mediastinal region; leads to the superior vena cava.

Synovial joint at which the rounded portion of a bone rotates within a ring formed by a ligament and an articulating bone; functionally classified as uniaxial joint.

That part of a tissue close to underlying body structures.

Type of stem cell found in the stratum basale and in the hair matrix that continually undergoes cell division, producing the keratinocytes of the epidermis.

Thin extracellular layer that lies underneath epithelial cells and separates them from other tissues.

Nuclei of the cerebrum (with a few components in the upper brain stem and diencephalon) that are responsible for assessing cortical movement commands and comparing them with the general state of the individual through broad modulatory activity of dopamine neurons; largely related to motor functions, as evidenced through the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.

In epithelial tissue, a thin layer of fibrous material that anchors the epithelial tissue to the underlying connective tissue; made up of the basal lamina and reticular lamina.

In the ear, the floor of the cochlear duct on which the organ of Corti sits.

a polypeptide component of the hemoglobin protein containing 146 amino acids.

Type of diarthrosis; a joint that allows for movements within two planes (two axes).

Two-headed muscle that crosses the shoulder and elbow joints to flex the forearm while assisting in supinating it and flexing the arm at the shoulder.

One of the hamstring muscles.

Alkaline solution produced by the liver and important for the emulsification of lipids.

Cell type in the retina that connects the photoreceptors to the ganglion cells.

anterior portion of each vertebra that supports the body weight.

(Also, centrum) the anterior portion of each vertebra that supports the body weight.

Muscle that can flex the forearm quickly or help lift a load slowly.

Upper arm, between shoulder and elbow.

Short

Mapping of regions of the cerebral cortex based on microscopic anatomy that relates specific areas to functional differences, as described by Brodmann in the early 1900s.

A chemical system that resists change in pH of a solution by either accepting or releasing hydrogen ions in response to acids or bases, respectively.

(Also, Ruffini corpuscle) cutaneous receptors sensitive to skin stretch and sustained pressure.

Connective tissue sac containing lubricating fluid that prevents friction between adjacent structures, such as skin and bone, tendons and bone, or between muscles.

Beginning of the large intestine, forming a small pouch.

Heel bone; posterior, inferior tarsal bone that forms the heel of the foot.

(Singular = canaliculus) channels within the bone matrix that house one of an osteocyte’s many cytoplasmic extensions that it uses to communicate and receive nutrients.

See spongy bone

Smallest of the blood vessels where physical exchange occurs between the blood and tissue cells surrounded by interstitial fluid.

Class of organic compounds built from sugars, molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1-2-1 ratio.

Chemical functional group consisting of COOH, an important part of organic acids.

Heart muscle, under involuntary control, composed of striated cells that attach to form fibres, each cell contains a single nucleus, contracts autonomously.

One of a pair of small pockets near the base of the internal carotid arteries that are the locations of the baroreceptors and chemoreceptors that trigger a reflex that aids in the regulation of vascular homeostasis

One of the eight small bones that form the wrist and base of the hand; these are grouped as a proximal row consisting of (from lateral to medial) the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform bones, and a distal row containing (from lateral to medial) the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate bones.

Membrane-spanning protein that binds to substances it needs to transport, changes shape, and moves the substance into or out of the cell (a form of facilitated diffusion or active transport pumps when energy is required).

Facilitated diffusion mechanism that utilizes a carrier protein that changes shape during the transport process.

Semi-rigid connective tissue found on the skeleton in areas where flexibility and smooth surfaces support movement.

Joint at which the bones are united by hyaline cartilage (synchondrosis) or fibrocartilage (symphysis).

Chemical reaction that breaks down more complex organic molecules.

Ion with a positive charge.

See inferior

Life cycle of a single cell, from its birth until its division into two new daughter cells.

Process by which unspecialized cells become more specialized in structure and function.

Production of ATP from glucose oxidation via glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

An insoluble polysaccharide consisting of glucose chains that is the primary component of plant cell walls.

(In anatomy) describes a position toward the middle (center) of a structure or organ system.

(Also Haversian canal) longitudinal channel in the center of each osteon; contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels.

Specifically referring to the cell body of a neuron in the autonomic system that is located in the central nervous system, specifically the lateral horn of the spinal cord or a brain stem nucleus.

Region of the adult brain connected primarily to the pons that developed from the metencephalon (along with the pons) and is largely responsible for comparing information from the cerebrum with sensory feedback from the periphery through the spinal cord.

Connection of the ventricular system between the third and fourth ventricles located in the midbrain.

Outer gray matter covering the forebrain, marked by wrinkles and folds known as gyri and sulci.

One half of the bilaterally symmetrical cerebrum.

Circulatory medium within the CNS that is produced by ependymal cells in the choroid plexus filtering the blood.

Region of the adult brain that develops from the telencephalon and is responsible for higher neurological functions such as memory, emotion, and consciousness.

Wax producing gland in the ear canal.

Neck

Seven vertebrae numbered as C1–C7 that are located in the neck region of the vertebral column.

Membrane-spanning protein that has an inner pore, which allows the passage of one or more substances (a form of facilitated diffusion).

Facilitated diffusion mechanism that utilizes a channel protein that has a pore, which only allows certain substances to pass through.

Sensory receptor cell that is sensitive to chemical stimuli, such as in taste, smell, or pain.

Chemically, a type of steroid, cholesterol is a component of cell membranes and a precursor of some important vitamins and hormones.

Synapse at which acetylcholine is released and binds to the nicotinic or muscarinic receptor.

Cell responsible for forming new cartilage.

cartilage cells

Highly vascular tissue in the wall of the eye that supplies the outer retina with blood.

Specialized structures containing ependymal cells lining blood capillaries that filter blood to produce CSF in the four ventricles of the brain.

Substance consisting of DNA and associated proteins.

A long DNA molecule, combined with proteins that contains a number of genes. The normal chromosome complement is 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes, one each from mother and father.

Small appendage on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement of materials across the cellular surface (singular = cilium).

Smooth muscle structure on the interior surface of the iris that controls the shape of the lens through the zonule fibres

Circular motion of the arm, thigh, hand, thumb, or finger that is produced by the sequential combination of flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction.

Collarbone; elongated bone that articulates with the manubrium of the sternum medially and the acromion of the scapula laterally.

(Also, coagulation factors) group of 12 identified substances active in coagulation.

See clotting factor.

Lowest part of the vertebral column; 'tailbone'

Auditory portion of the inner ear containing structures to transduce sound stimuli.

(Also scala media) space within the auditory portion of the inner ear that contains the organ of Corti and is adjacent to the scala tympani and scala vestibuli on either side.

Cofactors are inorganic substances that bind to enhance enzyme function; dietary minerals, such as zinc, often play the role of cofactors.

The most abundant of three protein fibres found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues.

Portion of the large intestine.

Dense osseous tissue that can withstand compressive forces.

a family of proteins that function to opsonize pathogens and promote the inflammatory response.

A substance composed of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds.

Hollowed or rounded inward, like the inside of a bowl. Opposite of convex.

Difference in the concentration of a substance between two regions.

Synovial joint in which the shallow depression at the end of one bone receives a rounded end from a second bone or a rounded structure formed by two bones; found at the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers or the radiocarpal joint of the wrist; functionally classified as a biaxial joint.

One of the two types of receptor cells in the retina that is specialized for color vision through the use of three photopigments distributed through three separate populations of cells.

Type of tissue that serves to hold in place, connect, and integrate the body’s organs and systems.

Connective tissue containing a viscous matrix, fibers, and cells.

Slow propagation of an action potential along an unmyelinated axon owing to voltage-gated Na+ channels located along the entire length of the cell membrane.

Ability to shorten (contract) forcibly.

Opposite side of the body.

Compares values to their normal range; deviations cause the activation of an effector.

Having an outline or surface curved like the outside of a circle or sphere.

Muscle that abducts the arm.

Fibrous covering of the anterior region of the eye that is transparent so that light can pass through it.

See frontal plane

Hyaline cartilage structure attached to the anterior end of each rib that provides for either direct or indirect attachment of most ribs to the sternum.

Form of secondary active transport in which two substances are moving in the same direction, with one substance providing energy for the other.

Secondary active transport mechanism in which two substances are moving in opposite directions, with one substance providing energy to pump the other substance.

Chemical bond in which two atoms share electrons, thereby completing their valence shells.

Referring to the head. Also see superior.

Division of the posterior (dorsal) cavity that houses the brain.

One of twelve nerves connected to the brain that are responsible for sensory or motor functions of the head and neck.

Alternate name for the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system that is based on the anatomical location of central neurons in brain-stem nuclei and the lateral horn of the sacral spinal cord; also referred to as craniosacral outflow.

Sense organ that responds to rotational movement (dynamic equilibrium), contained in each ampulla.

The portion of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle.

Specialized structure within the base of a semicircular canal that bends the stereocilia of hair cells when the head rotates by way of the relative movement of the enclosed fluid.

Skin.

Internal material between the cell membrane and nucleus of a cell, mainly consisting of a water-based fluid called cytosol, within which are all the other organelles and cellular solute and suspended materials.

Clear, semi-fluid medium of the cytoplasm, made up mostly of water.

Cross or intersect like an 'X.'

(In anatomy) describes a position farther from the surface of the body.

Chemical reaction in which reactants combine to form a new compound, with one reactant giving up an atom of hydrogen and another reactant giving up a hydroxyl group (OH).

Shoulder muscle that abducts the arm as well as flexes and medially rotates it and extends and laterally rotates it.

One of many branchlike processes that extends from the neuron cell body and functions as a contact for incoming signals (synapses) from other neurons or sensory cells.

A monocyte-derived phagocytic cell, functions as antigen-presenting cells in the immune system.

Bony projection (odontoid process) that extends upward from the body of the C2 (axis) vertebra.

Mass per unit volume.

Deoxyribose-containing nucleic acid that stores genetic information.

Change in a cell membrane potential from rest toward zero.

Downward (inferior) motion of the scapula or mandible.

(Plural = dermal papillae) extension of the papillary layer of the dermis that increases surface contact between the epidermis and dermis.

Layer of skin between the epidermis and hypodermis, composed mainly of connective tissue and containing blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and other structures.

Central nervous system fibers carrying motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord or periphery.

A type of anchoring junction found between adjacent epithelial cells.

Skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and is dome-shaped at rest.

Tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of a long bone.

Freely mobile joint.

Region of the adult brain that retains its name from embryonic development and includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.

Finger or toe.

The fingers or toes.

A glycerol molecule with two fatty acid chains attached.

Becoming wider, larger, or more open.

Layer of spongy bone that is sandwiched between two the layers of compact bone found in flat bones.

Molecule with a negatively charged portion separated from a positively charged portion.

Molecule formed of a pair of monosaccharides; important to human physiology are sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Scatter or break up.

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

See posterior

Posterior body cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord; also referred to the posterior body cavity.

Sensory ganglion attached to the posterior nerve root of a spinal nerve.

Movement at the ankle that brings the top of the foot toward the anterior leg.

Tough, fibrous, outer layer of the meninges that is attached to the inner surface of the cranium and vertebral column and surrounds the entire CNS.

Any of the venous structures surrounding the brain, enclosed within the dura mater, which drain blood from the CNS to the common venous return of the jugular veins.

Modality of equilibrium relating to rotational movement of the head.

A cell membrane-stabilizing protein that functions to prevent contraction-induced damage to muscle cells.

One of three small bones located in the middle ear cavity that serve to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Type of sweat gland that is common throughout the skin surface; it produces a hypotonic sweat for thermoregulation.

Organ that can cause a change in a value.

The pulling or pushing force applied to a lever; in lever system in the body, the effort is a muscle with force applied at the insertion.

Distance measured from the fulcrum to the effort (e.g., muscle insertion).

Type of cartilage, with elastin as the major protein, characterized by rigid support as well as elasticity.

Fibrous protein within connective tissue that contains a high percentage of the protein elastin that allows the fibers to stretch and return to original size.

Ability to stretch and rebound.

One of three protein fibres found in connective tissues.

A difference in electrical charge across a space.

Surface recording of the electrical activity of the heart that can be used for diagnosis of irregular heart function.

A solution containing ions; sometimes referring to ions themselves.

A subatomic particle having a negative charge and nearly no mass; found orbiting the atom’s nucleus.

Area of space a given distance from an atom’s nucleus in which electrons are grouped.

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a covalent bond.

Clear protein-bound lipid found in the stratum lucidum that is derived from keratohyalin and helps to prevent water loss.

A substance that cannot be created or broken down by ordinary chemical means.

Upward (superior) motion of the scapula or mandible.

See condyloid joint

Developing human during weeks 3–8.

Process of forming an emulsion.

Combination of two or more unmixable liquids where one liquid contains a dispersion of the other liquids (often as tiny droplets).

Configuration of a sensory receptor neuron with dendrites surrounded by specialized structures to aid in transduction of a particular type of sensation, such as the lamellated corpuscles in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Process in which bone forms by replacing hyaline cartilage.

Tissue or organ that secretes hormones into the blood and lymph without ducts such that they may be transported to organs distant from the site of secretion.

Import of material into the cell by formation of a membrane-bound vesicle.

Extracellular fluid of the inner ear, lying within the membranous labyrinth.

Set of cellular organelles that often work together to produce, package, and export certain products.

Loose and well-hydrated connective tissue covering each muscle fibre in a skeletal muscle.

Cellular organelle that consists of interconnected membrane-bound tubules, which may or may not be associated with ribosomes (rough type or smooth type, respectively).

Delicate membranous lining of a bone’s medullary cavity.

Layer of smooth, simple squamous epithelium that lines the endocardium and blood vessels.

Neural tissue associated with the digestive system that is responsible for nervous control through autonomic connections.

Molecule (usually a protein) that catalyzes chemical reactions.

Glial cell type that filters blood at the choroid plexus.

outermost tissue layer of the skin

Abdominopelvic region located in the central superior area below the xiphoid process.

Loose and well-hydrated connective tissue covering each muscle fiber in a skeletal muscle.

Signaling molecule released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream as part of the sympathetic response.

completely ossified remnant of the epiphyseal plate

(Also, growth plate) sheet of hyaline cartilage in the metaphysis of an immature bone; replaced by bone tissue as the organ grows in length.

Wide section at each end of a long bone; filled with spongy bone and red marrow.

Region of the diencephalon containing the pineal gland.

Type of tissue that serves primarily as a covering or lining of body parts, protecting the body; it also functions in absorption, transport, and secretion.

Large muscle mass of the back; primary extensor of the vertebral column.

Red blood cell.

Red blood cells.

Amino acids that are required by, but cannot be synthesized by, the human body. These amino acids must, therefore, be supplied by the diet.

Unpaired bone that forms the roof and upper, lateral walls of the nasal cavity, portions of the floor of the anterior cranial fossa and medial wall of orbit, and the upper portion of the nasal septum.

One of two major divisions of living things (or their cells) that have membrane-bound nuclei and other organelles and can form large complex organisms (including all animals, plants, fungi). By contrast, bacteria are prokaryotic.

(Also pharyngotympanic tube) tube linking the pharynx and middle ear, important for equalizing air pressure in the middle ear.

Foot movement involving the intertarsal joints of the foot in which the bottom of the foot is turned laterally, away from the midline.

Ability to undergo neural stimulation.

Export of a substance out of a cell by formation of a membrane-bound vesicle.

Ability to lengthen (extend).

Movement that increases the angle of a joint.

Structures on the lateral surface of the head, including the auricle and the ear canal back to the tympanic membrane.

Superficial intercostal muscles that raise the rib cage.

Superficial abdominal muscle with fascicles that extend inferiorly and medially.

Sensory receptor that is positioned to interpret stimuli from the external environment, such as photoreceptors in the eye or somatosensory receptors in the skin.

Fluid outside cells (plasma or interstitial fluid).

One of six muscles originating out of the bones of the orbit and inserting into the surface of the eye, which are responsible for moving the eye.

Fourteen bones that support the facial structures and form the upper and lower jaws and the hard palate.

Diffusion of a substance with the aid of a membrane protein.

See uterine tube

Vertebrochondral ribs 8–12 whose costal cartilage either attaches indirectly to the sternum via the costal cartilage of the next higher rib or does not attach to the sternum at all.

Bundle of muscle fibres within a skeletal muscle

Consisting of a carboxyl group (COOH) and an unbranched hydrocarbon chain. A non-polar component of all lipids.

Thigh bone; the single bone of the thigh.

Developing human during the time from the end of the embryonic period (week 9) to birth.

Most abundant cell type in connective tissue, secretes protein fibers and matrix into the extracellular space.

Tough form of cartilage, made of thick bundles of collagen fibers embedded in chondroitin sulfate ground substance.

Mature, less active form of a fibroblast.

Dense connective tissue (irregular or regular) consisting of a dense array of collagen and reticular fibres.

Joint where the articulating areas of the adjacent bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue.

Outer layer of the eye primarily composed of connective tissue known as the sclera and cornea.

Thin, non-weight-bearing bone found on the lateral side of the leg.

A superficial ridge on the skin surface of fingertips that forms from the dermal papillae underlying the epidermis in this location.

A lever system in which the effort and resistance are applied on opposite sides of the fulcrum.

Synergist that assists an agonist by preventing or reducing movement at another joint, thereby stabilizing the origin of the agonist.

Movement that decreases the angle of a joint.

Vertebral ribs 11–12 that do not attach to the sternum or to the costal cartilage of another rib.

Expanded area of fibrous connective tissue that separates the braincase bones of the skull prior to birth and during the first year after birth.

General anatomical term for a hole or opening (usually in bone. Plural = foramina).

General anatomical term for a hole or opening (usually in bone. Plural = foramina).

The portion of the ventricular system that is in the region of the brain stem and opens into the subarachnoid space through the median and lateral apertures.

Exact center of the retina at which visual stimuli are focused for maximal acuity, where the retina is thinnest, at which there is nothing but photoreceptors.

Configuration of a sensory receptor neuron with dendrites in the connective tissue of the organ, such as in the dermis of the skin, that are most often sensitive to chemical, thermal, and mechanical stimuli.

Unpaired bone that forms forehead, roof of orbit, and floor of anterior cranial fossa.

Two-dimensional, vertical plane that divides the body or organ into anterior and posterior portions.

The point around which a lever rotates.

Group of atoms linked by strong covalent bonds that tends to behave as a distinct unit in chemical reactions with other atoms.

Ubiquitous family of proteins that generally act as switches (turning on or off chemical processes) by transmitting signals from outside to inside cells.

Haploid reproductive cell (egg or sperm in humans) that contributes genetic material to form an offspring.

Localized collection of neuron cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.

Neuron of the retina that projects along the second cranial nerve.

Most superficial muscle of the calf.

Cell that gives rise to a gamete.

An encircling or confining structure; in anatomy, the pectoral or pelvic girdle.

Shoulder joint; formed by the articulation between the glenoid cavity of the scapula and the head of the humerus.

(Also, glenoid fossa) shallow depression located on the lateral scapula, between the superior and lateral borders.

See glenoid cavity

Supportive neural cells.

Ninth cranial nerve; responsible for contraction of muscles in the tongue and throat and for part of the sense of taste, as well as causing saliva production.

Monosaccharide commonly used as energy in the body (substrate for glycolysis).

Muscle group that extends, flexes, rotates, adducts, and abducts the femur.

Largest of the gluteus muscles that extends the femur.

Muscle deep to the gluteus maximus that abducts the femur at the hip.

Molecule that forms the 'backbone' of many lipids, including triglycerides.

Coating of carbohydrate molecules that surrounds the cell membrane.

Polysaccharide used as a storage form of glucose in the liver.

A molecule composed of carbohydrate and lipid components.

Protein that has one or more carbohydrates attached.

A protein with at least one sugar molecule attached to it.

Cellular organelle formed by a series of flattened, membrane-bound sacs that functions in protein modification, tagging, packaging, and transport.

Type of fibrous joint in which the root of a tooth is anchored into its bony jaw socket by strong periodontal ligaments.

Muscle that adducts the thigh and flexes the leg at the knee.

Change in the membrane potential that varies in size, depending on the size of the stimulus that elicits it.

Regions of the nervous system containing cell bodies of neurons with few or no myelinated axons; actually may be more pink or tan in color but called gray in contrast to white matter.

Large, U-shaped indentation located on the posterior margin of the ilium, superior to the ischial spine.

Fluid or semi-fluid portion of the matrix.

(Also, somatotropin) anterior pituitary hormone that promotes tissue building and influences nutrient metabolism.

Sensory cells in the taste bud that transduce the chemical stimuli of gustation.

Ridge formed by convolutions on the surface of the cerebrum or cerebellum.

Structure at the base of the hair root that surrounds the dermal papilla.

Mechanoreceptor cells found in the inner ear that transduce stimuli for the senses of hearing and balance.

Cavity or sac from which hair originates.

Part of hair that is below the epidermis anchored to the follicle.

Big toe

Three long muscles on the back of the upper leg.

See central canal

See osteon

A family of proteins that are produced in the cell as a result of an exposure to stressful conditions.

Tip of the cochlea where the scala vestibuli meets the scala tympani.

The production of cellular components of the blood

Oxygen-carrying protein in erythrocytes (red blood cells).

(Also, hematopoiesis) production of the formed elements of blood.

Posterior region of the adult brain that develops from the rhombencephalon and includes the pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum.

Synovial joint at which the convex surface of one bone articulates with the concave surface of a second bone; includes the elbow, knee, ankle, and interphalangeal joints; functionally classified as a uniaxial joint.

Vasoactive (active on blood vessels) mediator in granules of mast cells and is the primary cause of allergies and anaphylactic shock.

Microscopic study of tissue architecture, organization, and function.

Steady state of body systems that living organisms maintain.

Condition in which solute molecules are distributed equally in a solution.

Secretion of an endocrine organ that travels via the bloodstream or lymphatics to induce a response in target cells or tissues in another part of the body.

(In immunology) referring to the organism in, or on, which a pathogen lives.

Single bone of the upper arm.

Most common type of cartilage, smooth and made of short collagen fibers embedded in a chondroitin sulfate ground substance.

Organic compound, or portion of a molecule, composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

Dipole-dipole bond in which a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom is weakly attracted to a second electronegative atom.

Chemical reaction in which a molecule water is split into H and OPH, thereby breaking a bond and severing a compound.

“Water loving”; a molecule or portion thereof that is polar and therefore water soluble.

“Water hating”; a molecule or portion thereof that is nonpolar and therefore water insoluble.

A form of calcium phosphate mineral found in bones (also hydroxylapatite).

A functional group, OH, present in many organic compounds including alcohols.

Small, U-shaped bone located in upper neck that does not contact any other bone.

Excessive extension of joint, beyond the normal range of movement.

Excessive flexion of joint, beyond the normal range of movement.

Change in cell membrane potential below resting potential (<-70mV).

Describes a solution concentration that is higher than a reference concentration.

Abdominopelvic region (left or right) located under the lowest ribs in the superior corners of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Connective tissue connecting the integument to the underlying bone and muscle.

Central inferior abdominopelvic region.

Region of the brain inferior to the thalamus that functions in neural and endocrine signaling, temperature regulation, and control of the autonomic nervous system.

Describes a solution concentration that is lower than a reference concentration.

Abdominopelvic region in the left or right inferior corners of the abdomen, below the hip bone.

Muscle that, along with the psoas major, makes up the iliopsoas.

Muscle group consisting of iliacus and psoas major muscles that flexes the thigh at the hip, rotates it laterally, and flexes the trunk of the body onto the hip.

Superior portion of the hip bone.

Ossicle of the middle ear (popularly called the anvil) that connects the malleus to the stapes.

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column); also referred to as caudal.

Bony process that extends downward from the vertebral arch of a vertebra that articulates with the superior articular process of the next lower vertebra.

Half of the midbrain tectum that is part of the brain stem auditory pathway.

Large systemic vein that returns blood to the heart from the inferior portion of the body.

Muscle that laterally rotates the arm.

Structure within the temporal bone that contains the sensory apparati of hearing and balance.

Layer in the retina where bipolar cells connect to ganglion cells.

The deepest intercostal muscles that draw the ribs together.

A substance that does not contain both carbon and hydrogen.

End of a skeletal muscle that is attached to the structure (usually a bone) that is moved when the muscle contracts.

Hormone that enhances the cellular uptake and utilization of glucose, thereby decreasing blood glucose levels.

Membrane-associated protein that spans the entire width of the lipid bilayer.

Skin and its accessory structures.

Describes a position between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Muscles the intermediate intercostal muscles that draw the ribs together.

Flat, intermediate abdominal muscle with fascicles that run perpendicular to those of the external oblique.

Sensation of stimuli from internal organs.

Sensory receptor that is positioned to interpret stimuli from internal organs, such as stretch receptors in the wall of blood vessels.

Wide sheet of fibrous connective tissue that fills the gap between two parallel bones, forming a syndesmosis; found between the radius and ulna of the forearm and between the tibia and fibula of the leg.

Articulation between adjacent phalanx bones of the hand or foot digits.

Extracellular fluid in the small spaces between cells not contained within blood vessels.

Structure located between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae that strongly joins the vertebrae; provides padding, weight bearing ability, and enables vertebral column movements.

Fluid inside cells.

Process by which bone forms directly from mesenchymal tissue.

Foot movement involving the intertarsal joints of the foot in which the bottom of the foot is turned toward the midline.

(In physiology) though under nervous control (usually from the brain), control is not conscious.

Atom with an overall positive or negative charge. Many function as electrolytes.

Attraction between an anion and a cation.

Colored portion of the anterior eye that surrounds the pupil.

Large, roughened protuberance that forms the posteroinferior portion of the hip bone; weight-bearing region of the pelvis when sitting.

Superior portion of the hip bone.

Describes a solution concentration that is the same as a reference concentration.

Site at which two or more bones or bone and cartilage come together (articulate).

Space enclosed by the articular capsule of a synovial joint that is filled with synovial fluid and contains the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones.

One of a pair of major veins located in the neck region that flows parallel to the common carotid artery that is more or less its counterpart; primarily drains blood from the brain, receives the superficial facial vein, and empties into the subclavian vein.

Type of structural protein that gives skin, hair, and nails its hard, water-resistant properties.

Cell that produces keratin and is the most predominant type of cell found in the epidermis.

Granulated protein found in the stratum granulosum.

Sense of body movement based on sensations in skeletal muscles, tendons, joints, and the skin.

Energy that matter possesses because of its motion.

Duct in the medial corner of the orbit that drains tears into the nasal cavity.

Gland lateral to the orbit that produces tears to wash across the surface of the eye.

A metabolic byproduct of cellular respiration in the absence of oxygen. It is ultimately converted back into glucose by the liver.

(Plural = lacunae) small spaces in bone or cartilage tissue that cells occupy.

Concentric rings of calcified matrix that form an osteon.

Encapsulated mechanoreceptor cell found in the skin that responds to pressure and touch.

Specialized dendritic cell found in the stratum spinosum that functions as a macrophage.

cartilaginous structure that produces the voice, prevents food and beverages from entering the trachea, and regulates the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs.

Interactions between actin and myosin filaments in smooth muscle that differ from a cross-bridge in striated muscles that have sarcomeres. The latch state is a prolonged interaction that slowly dissociates and is not ATP-dependent.

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body.

Thalamic target of the ganglion cells that projects to the visual cortex.

Region of the spinal cord gray matter in the thoracic, upper lumbar, and sacral regions that is the central component of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Portions of the ventricular system that are in the region of the cerebrum.

Broad, triangular axial muscle located on the inferior part of the back.

Ion channel (facilitated diffusion) that opens randomly and is not gated to a specific event, also known as a non-gated channel.

the lumbar spine consists of the five vertebrae in your lower back.

Component of the eye that focuses light on the retina.

White blood cell.

Simple machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod (bone) pivoted at a fixed hinge, or fulcrum (joint).

Strong connective tissue bands that hold the bones at a moveable joint together.

A channel protein (facilitated diffusion) that is activated (opens) when a molecule (such as a neurotransmitter) binds to it.

Structures at the edge (limit) of the boundary between the forebrain and hindbrain that are most associated with emotional behavior and memory formation.

Long, linear muscle that extends along the middle of the trunk.

Class of nonpolar organic compounds built from hydrocarbons and distinguished by the fact that they are not soluble in water.

See resistance

See parasagittal plane

Long

Lower back, below the ribs.

Left or right central abdominopelvic region.

Five vertebrae numbered as L1–L5 that are located in lumbar region (lower back) of the vertebral column.

Fluid contained within the lymphatic system, consisting of interstitial fluid, leukocytes (white blood cells), proteins (including antibodies), and fats.

White blood cell characterized by a large nucleus and small rim of cytoplasm.

Membrane-bound cellular organelle originating from the Golgi apparatus and containing digestive enzymes.

Large molecule formed by covalent bonding; classes of macromolecule discussed in this course include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Ameboid (irregular outline with peripheral projections) phagocyte found in several tissues throughout the body.

Enlargement at the base of a semicircular canal at which transduction of equilibrium stimuli takes place within the ampulla.

A pigmented area in the middle of the retina, contains the fovea.

Ossicle of the middle ear (popularly called the hammer) that is directly attached to the tympanic membrane.

Milk-producing gland in mammals.

Unpaired bone that forms the lower jaw bone; the only moveable bone of the skull.

Expanded, superior portion of the sternum.

Sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Cell found in the skin and the lining of body cells that contains cytoplasmic granules with vasoactive mediators such as histamine.

An air space in the tympanic bone, posterior to (and connected with) the middle ear.

Large bony prominence on the inferior, lateral skull, just behind the earlobe.

(In connective tissue) extracellular material that is produced by the cells embedded in it, containing ground substance and fibers.

Scientifically, a physical substance; that which occupies space and has mass

See maxillary bone

(Also, maxilla) paired bones that form the upper jaw and anterior portion of the hard palate.

Largest

Ion channel protein (facilitated diffusion) that opens when a physical event directly affects the structure of the protein.

Receptor cell that transduces mechanical stimuli into an electrochemical signal.

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body.

See midsaggital.

A central compartment in the thoracic cavity located intermediate to the left and right pleural cavities.

Lowest (most inferior) part of the brain, controlling many autonomic functions including heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

Lowest (most inferior) part of the brain, controlling many autonomic functions including heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

Hollow region of the diaphysis; filled with yellow marrow.

(Also, tactile corpuscle) receptor in the skin that responds to light touch.

Pigment that determines the color of hair and skin.

Cell found in the stratum basale of the epidermis that produces the pigment melanin.

Distribution of charge across the cell membrane, based on the charges of ions.

Protective outer coverings of the CNS composed of connective tissue.

See articular disc

Receptor cell in the stratum basale of the epidermis that responds to the sense of touch.

Receptor cell in the stratum basale of the epidermis that responds to the sense of touch.

Gland whose secretions are excreted by exocytosis.

Embryonic tissue from which connective tissue cells derive.

A single-stranded molecule consisting of ribonucleotides that is produced through the process of transcription and is complementary to a specific DNA sequence.

Sum of all catabolic and anabolic reactions that take place in the body.

One of the five long bones that form the palm of the hand; numbered 1–5, starting on the lateral (thumb) side of the hand.

One of the five elongated bones that forms the anterior half of the foot; numbered 1–5, starting on the medial side of the foot.

A chemical function group, CH3, a component of fatty acids.

Also called urination or voiding.

Middle region of the adult brain that develops from the mesencephalon.

Space within the temporal bone between the ear canal and bony labyrinth where the ossicles amplify sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the oval window.

A sagittal plane on the midline, dividing the body into equal left and right halves (also medial plane).

One of the cellular organelles bound by a double lipid bilayer that function primarily in the production of cellular energy (ATP).

Division of genetic material, during which the cell nucleus breaks down and two new, fully functional, nuclei are formed. Usually immediately followed by cytokinesis (cell division).

A family of proteins that function to facilitate conformational change in other proteins.

Two or more atoms covalently bonded together.

Precursor to macrophages and dendritic cells seen in the blood.

A molecule that can react with other similar monomers to form a polymer (e.g., amino acids combine to form proteins).

Five or six-carbon molecule that are monomers of carbohydrates; examples include glucose, fructose, galactose, ribose, and deoxyribose.

Fats having only one carbon double-bond in the fatty acid chains.

Type of diarthrosis; a joint that allows for movements within three planes (three axes).

Type of diarthrosis; a joint that allows for movements within three planes (three axes).

Consisting of more than one cell (as opposed to organisms such as bacteria, which are unicellular).

Shape of a neuron that has multiple processes—the axon and two or more dendrites.

Describes the condition of being able to differentiate into different types of cells within a given cell lineage or small number of lineages, such as a red blood cell or white blood cell.

Lipid-rich insulating substance surrounding the axons of many neurons, allowing for faster transmission of electrical signals.

Lipid-rich layer of insulation that surrounds an axon, formed by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS; facilitates the transmission of electrical signals.

Muscle cell (also muscle fiber).

Long, cylindrical organelle that runs parallel within the muscle fiber and contains the sarcomeres.

Protein that makes up most of the thick cylindrical myofilament within a sarcomere muscle fiber.

Homeostatic mechanism that tends to stabilize an upset in the body’s physiological condition by preventing an excessive response to a stimulus, typically as the stimulus is removed.

Cord-like bundle of axons located in the peripheral nervous system that transmits sensory input and response output to and from the central nervous system.

Layer of the eye that contains nervous tissue, namely the retina.

Supportive neural cells.

Synapse between the axon terminal of a motor neuron and the section of the membrane of a muscle fiber with receptors for the acetylcholine released by the terminal.

Excitable neural cell that transfer nerve impulses.

Chemical signal that is released from the synaptic end bulb of a neuron to cause a change in the target cell.

A heavy subatomic particle having no electrical charge and found in the atom’s nucleus.

Sensing pain.

Receptor cell that senses pain stimuli.

Gap between two myelinated regions of an axon, allowing for strengthening of the electrical signal as it propagates down the axon.

Opposite of polar; molecule with electrons that are relatively equally shared in covalent bonds.

Signaling molecule released as a neurotransmitter by most postganglionic sympathetic fibers as part of the sympathetic response or as a hormone into the bloodstream from the adrenal medulla.

Membrane that surrounds the nucleus; consisting of a double lipid-bilayer.

One of the small, protein-lined openings found scattered throughout the nuclear envelope.

(In nervous system) a localized collection of neuron cell bodies that are functionally related; a “center” of neural function (plural= nuclei).

Small region of the nucleus that functions in ribosome synthesis.

Class of organic compounds composed of one or more phosphate groups, a pentose sugar, and a base.

In reference to cells, this central organelle contains most of the DNA and is important in regulating cellular activities.  A separate connotation for nucleus relates to islands of brain tissue where nerve cell bodies are concentrated.

Cell’s central organelle; contains the cell’s DNA.

(In nervous system) a localized collection of neuron cell bodies that are functionally related; a “center” of neural function (plural= nuclei).

Small opening in the middle of the external surface of the diaphysis, through which an artery enters the bone to provide nourishment.

At an angle.

Unpaired bone that forms the posterior portions of the braincase and base of the skull.

Third cranial nerve; responsible for contraction of four of the extraocular muscles, the muscle in the upper eyelid, and pupillary constriction.

Referring to the sense of smell.

Central target of the first cranial nerve; located on the ventral surface of the frontal lobe in the cerebrum.

Region of the nasal epithelium where olfactory neurons are located.

Receptor cell of the olfactory system, sensitive to the chemical stimuli of smell, the axons of which compose the first cranial nerve.

Glial cell type in the CNS that provides the myelin insulation for axons in tracts.

Glial cell type in the CNS that provides the myelin insulation for axons in tracts.

Protein that contains the photosensitive cofactor retinal for phototransduction.

Intersect point in the visual system at which medial retina fibers cross to the other side of the brain.

Spot on the retina at which ganglion cell axons leave the eye and blood vessels of the inner retina pass.

Second cranial nerve, which is responsible for visual sensation.

Name for the fiber structure containing axons from the retina posterior to the optic chiasm representing their CNS location.

(In anatomy), the openings for eyes in the skull.

An anatomically distinct structure of the body composed of two or more tissue types.

Structure in the cochlea in which hair cells transduce movements from sound waves into electrochemical signals.

Group of organs that work together to carry out a particular function.

Any of several different types of membrane-enclosed specialized structures in the cell that perform specific functions for the cell.

A substance that contains both carbon and hydrogen.

Living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.

Opening such as mouth, nares, anus, etc.

End of a skeletal muscle that is attached to another structure (usually a bone) in a fixed position.

Mouth

Receptor cell that senses differences in the concentrations of bodily fluids on the basis of osmotic pressure.

Diffusion of water molecules down their concentration gradient across a selectively permeable membrane.

Three small bones in the middle ear.

(Also, osteogenesis) bone formation.

Cluster of osteoblasts found in the early stages of intramembranous ossification.

Cell responsible for forming new bone.

Cell responsible for resorbing bone.

Primary cell in mature bone; responsible for maintaining the matrix.

See ossification

Undifferentiated cell with high mitotic activity; the only bone cells that divide; they differentiate and develop into osteoblasts.

Uncalcified bone matrix secreted by osteoblasts.

(Also, Haversian system) basic structural unit of compact bone; made of concentric layers of calcified matrix.

Gelatinous substance in the utricle and saccule of the inner ear that contains calcium carbonate crystals and into which the stereocilia of hair cells are embedded.

Layer of calcium carbonate crystals located on top of the otolithic membrane.

Layer in the retina at which photoreceptors connect to bipolar cells.

Membrane at the base of the cochlea where the stapes attaches, marking the beginning of the scala vestibuli.

See uterine tube

Hormone stored in the posterior pituitary gland and important in stimulating uterine contractions in labor, milk ejection during breastfeeding, and feelings of attachment (also produced in males).

Membrane attached to the inner surface of the eyelids that covers the anterior surface of the cornea.

For gustation, a bump-like projection on the surface of the tongue that contains taste buds.

A sagittal plane that does not divide the body into equal left and right halves (also longitudinal section).

Division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for restful and digestive functions.

Functional cells of a gland or organ, in contrast with the supportive or connective tissue of a gland or organ.

Facing the body wall.

Paired bones that form the upper, lateral sides of the skull.

Form of transport across the cell membrane that does not require input of cellular energy.

Knee cap.

Extension of the quadriceps tendon below the patella.

See quadriceps tendon

An infectious agent that causes disease, typically a bacterium, virus, fungus, or microscopic parasite.

Shoulder girdle; the set of bones, consisting of the scapula and clavicle, which attaches each upper limb to the axial skeleton.

Thick, fan-shaped axial muscle that covers much of the superior thorax.

Hip girdle; consists of a single hip bone, which attaches a lower limb to the sacrum of the axial skeleton.

The lower part of the trunk, between the abdomen and the thighs together with its embedded skeleton

As a molecule, a short chain of amino acids. Also refers to something related to proteins.

A type of covalent bond occurring between amino acids.

(Also, Volkmann’s canal) channel that branches off from the central canal and houses vessels and nerves that extend to the periosteum and endosteum.

Fluid found in the pericardium.

Cavity surrounding the heart filled with a lubricating serous fluid that reduces friction as the heart contracts (also, pericardial cavity or cardiac sac).

Layer of dense irregular connective tissue surrounding cartilage.

Extracellular fluid of the inner ear, lying between the membranous labyrinth and the bony labyrinth.

Connective tissue that bundles skeletal muscle fibers into fascicles within a skeletal muscle.

An arrangement of the elements in a table according to their atomic number; elements having similar properties because of their electron arrangements compose columns in the table, while elements having the same number of valence shells compose rows in the table. See Appendix I.

Fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bone and continuous with ligaments.

Describes a position toward the outer edge (periphery) of a structure or organ system.

Membrane-associated protein that does not span the width of the lipid bilayer, but is attached peripherally to integral proteins, membrane lipids, or other components of the membrane.

A rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle layers that line tubes, such as the esophagus, and propel substances forward.

Serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there.

Cell process (a form of endocytosis) in which a cell engulfs and ingests another large particle or cell.

(Plural = phalanges) one of the bones that forms the fingers or toes.

Throat

A chemical, either secreted or excreted, that produces a social response in other individuals.

Chemical functional group, PO4-, a component of phospholipids and nucleic acids (including ATP).

An amphipathic lipid molecule containing a phosphate head (polar) and two fatty acid tails (non-polar). The major molecule comprising plasma membranes.

An amphipathic lipid molecule containing a phosphate head (polar) and two fatty acid tails (non-polar). The major molecule comprising plasma membranes.

Addition of one or more phosphate groups to an organic compound.

Chemical change in the retinal molecule that alters the bonding so that it switches from the 11-cis-retinal isomer to the all-trans-retinal isomer.

Individual “packet” of light.

Receptor cell specialized to respond to light stimuli.

Thin, innermost membrane of the meninges that directly covers the surface of the CNS.

Endocytosis of fluid.

Bean-sized organ suspended from the hypothalamus that produces, stores, and secretes hormones in response to hypothalamic stimulation (also called hypophysis).

Synovial joint at which the rounded portion of a bone rotates within a ring formed by a ligament and an articulating bone; functionally classified as uniaxial joint.

(In anatomy) imaginary two-dimensional surface that passes through the body.

Synovial joint formed between the flattened articulating surfaces of adjacent bones; functionally classified as a multiaxial joint.

Foot movement at the ankle in which the heel is lifted off of the ground.

An extracellular fluid, the fluid component of blood.

Differentiated B cell that is actively secreting antibody.

(Also, thrombocytes) one of the formed elements of blood that consists of cell fragments broken off from megakaryocytes.

Serous membrane that lines the pleural cavity and covers the lungs.

The space between the visceral and parietal pleurae.

Substance that acts as a lubricant for the visceral and parietal layers of the pleura during the movement of breathing.

Molecule with regions that have opposite charges resulting from uneven numbers of electrons in the nuclei of the atoms participating in the covalent bond.

Information flow in one direction.

Information flow in one direction.

Thumb

A molecule formed of many monomers together forming a macromolecule.

A chain of amino acids, typically fewer than 100.

A complex molecule formed of many (up to a thousand or more) monosaccharides (e.g., glycogen, starches, and cellulose).

Fats that contain more than one carbon double-bond within their fatty acid chains.

Portion of the brainstem connecting the medulla oblongata with the midbrain. Serves as a connection to cerebellum, as well as functions including sleep cycles and the origin of some cranial nerves.

Back of the knee.

Mechanism that intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition in response to a stimulus.

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body; also referred to as dorsal.

See dorsal cavity

Gray matter region of the spinal cord in which sensory input arrives, sometimes referred to as the dorsal horn.

Axon from a ganglionic neuron in the autonomic nervous system that projects to and synapses with the target effector; sometimes referred to as a postganglionic neuron.

Stored energy matter possesses because of the positioning or structure of its components.

A lever system that can move a load/resistance with less effort (compared to moving the resistance without a lever system); by definition, the mechanical advantage is greater than one (effort arm > resistance arm).

Axon from a central neuron in the autonomic nervous system that projects to and synapses with a ganglionic neuron; sometimes referred to as a preganglionic neuron.

Active transport using carrier proteins that use ATP (powered by the energy obtained through phosphorylation by ATP).

Region, deep in the periosteal collar, where bone development starts during endochondral ossification.

The unique amino acid sequence of a protein.

See agonist

In cells, an extension of a cell body; in the case of neurons, this includes the axon and dendrites.

Region of the epiphyseal plate that makes new chondrocytes to replace those that die at the diaphyseal end of the plate and contributes to longitudinal growth of the epiphyseal plate.

Forearm position in which the palm faces backward.

Forearm motion that moves the palm of the hand from the palm forward to the palm backward position.

Face down position.

Sense of position and movement of the body.

Receptor cell that senses changes in the position and kinesthetic aspects of the body.

Receptor cell that senses changes in the position and kinesthetic aspects of the body.

Class of organic compounds that are composed of many amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

A molecule similar in structure to a glycoprotein, consisting of a protein with at least one sugar attached. Proteoglycans are different in that the sugar molecule was produced first.

A heavy subatomic particle having a positive charge and found in the atom’s nucleus.

Anterior motion of the scapula or mandible.

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Tissue that consists of a single layer of irregularly shaped and sized cells that give the appearance of multiple layers; found in ducts of certain glands and the upper respiratory tract.

Muscle that, along with the iliacus, makes up the iliopsoas.

Joint formed by the articulation between the pubic bodies of the right and left hip bones.

Anterior portion of the hip bone.

Open hole at the center of the iris that light passes through into the eye.

Four muscles that extend and stabilize the knee.

Muscle deep to the gluteus maximus on the lateral surface of the thigh that laterally rotates the femur at the hip.

(Also, patellar tendon) tendon common to all four quadriceps muscles, inserts into the patella.

Protein structure produced by the interaction of two or more identical or different polypeptide chains.

Wrist joint, located between the forearm and hand regions of the upper limb; articulation formed proximally by the distal end of the radius and the fibrocartilaginous pad that unites the distal radius and ulna bone and distally by the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum carpal bones.

Bone located on the lateral side of the forearm.

Protein molecule that contains a binding site for another specific molecule (called a ligand).

Cell that transduces environmental stimuli into neural signals.

Endocytosis of ligands attached to membrane-bound receptors.

Straight

Long, linear muscle that extends along the middle of the trunk.

Quadricep muscle on the anterior aspect of the thigh.

Connective tissue in the interior cavity of a bone where hematopoiesis takes place.

Circuit of a reflex that involves a sensory input and motor output, or an afferent branch and an efferent branch, and an integrating center to connect the two branches.

The bending of light as it passes between mediums of different densities.

Time after the initiation of an action potential when another action potential cannot be generated.

Return of the membrane potential to its normally negative voltage at the end of the action potential.

Region of the epiphyseal plate that anchors the plate to the osseous tissue of the epiphysis.

(Also, load) the force opposing the action of a lever; in body systems, the resistance may be the mass of the limb (force of gravity acting on the bone) or a load being lifted or moved.

Distance measured from the fulcrum to the resistance (center of gravity or load being moved).

The difference in voltage measured across a cell membrane under steady-state conditions, typically -70 mV.

Fine fibrous protein, made of collagen subunits, which cross-link to form supporting “nets” within connective tissue.

Diffuse region of gray matter throughout the brain stem that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and states of consciousness.

Matrix containing collagen and elastin secreted by connective tissue; a component of the basement membrane.

Nervous tissue of the eye at which phototransduction takes place.

Cofactor in an opsin molecule that undergoes a biochemical change when struck by a photon (pronounced with a stress on the last syllable).

Posterior motion of the scapula or mandible.

Photopigment molecule found in the rod photoreceptors.

Ribose-containing nucleic acid that helps manifest the genetic code as protein.

Cellular organelle that functions in protein synthesis.

Stiffening of the muscles and joints shortly after death due to a lack of ATP availability for breaking cross-bridges.

One of the two types of receptor cells in the retina that is specialized for low-light vision

Movement of a bone around a central axis (atlantoaxial joint) or around its long axis (proximal radioulnar joint; shoulder or hip joint); twisting of the vertebral column resulting from the summation of small motions between adjacent vertebrae.

Membrane that marks the end of the scala tympani.

See bulbous corpuscle

Structure of the inner ear responsible for transducing linear acceleration in the vertical plane.

Region of the sacrum, bone forming the back part of the pelvic cavity.

Anteriorly concave curvature formed by the sacrum and coccyx; a primary curve of the vertebral column.

Joint formed by the articulation between the auricular surfaces of the sacrum and ilium.

Single bone located near the inferior end of the adult vertebral column that is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae; forms the posterior portion of the pelvis.

Synovial joint in which the articulating ends of both bones are convex and concave in shape, such as at the first carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb; functionally classified as a biaxial joint.

Two-dimensional, vertical plane that divides the body or organ into right and left sides.

Oral enzyme that functions to break down complex carbohydrates into disaccharides.

Quick propagation of the action potential along a myelinated axon owing to voltage-gated Na+ channels being present only at the nodes of Ranvier.

Plasma membrane of a skeletal muscle fiber.

Longitudinally, repeating functional unit of skeletal muscle, with all of the contractile and associated proteins involved in contraction.

Cytoplasm of a muscle cell.

Specialized smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which stores, releases, and retrieves Ca++.

Band-like muscle that flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates the leg at the hip.

A type of fat in which the fatty acid chains contain only single bonds.

See cochlear duct

Portion of the cochlea that extends from the apex to the round window.

Portion of the cochlea that extends from the oval window to the apex.

Shoulder blade bone located on the posterior side of the shoulder.

Glial cell type in the PNS that provides the myelin insulation for axons in nerves.

Glial cell type in the PNS that provides the myelin insulation for axons in nerves.

White of the eye.

Type of oil gland found in the dermis all over the body and helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair by secreting sebum.

A lever system in which the resistance is between the effort and the fulcrum; as the effort arm is always longer than the resistance arm, these are always power levers.

Active transport using pumps (carrier proteins) that are powered by the potential energy of a concentration gradient (usually of H+ or Na+).

Region of bone development in the epiphyses.

Structure produced from hydrogen bonding between atoms of the polypeptide backbone.

Feature of any barrier that allows certain substances to cross but excludes others.

Structures within the inner ear responsible for transducing rotational movement information.

Part of the membranous labyrinth contained in the semicircular canals.

The medial of the three muscles that comprise the hamstrings group.

The medial of the three muscles comprising the hamstring group.

A particular system for interpreting and perceiving environmental stimuli by the nervous system.

See serous membrane

Membrane that covers organs and reduces friction; also referred to as serosa.

A bone embedded in tendon; the only major sesamoid bone is the patella.

(In physiology) ideal value for a physiological parameter; the level or small range within which a physiological parameter such as blood pressure is stable and optimally healthful, that is, within its parameters of homeostasis.

Tissue that consists of a single layer of column-like cells; promotes secretion and absorption in tissues and organs.

Tissue that consists of a single layer of cube-shaped cells; promotes secretion and absorption in ducts and tubules.

A form of passive transport across a cell membrane that does not require a membrane protein.

Tissue that consists of a single layer of flat scale-like cells; promotes diffusion and filtration across surface.

Usually attached to bone, under voluntary control, each cell is a fiber that is multinucleated and striated.

Under involuntary control, moves internal organs, cells contain a single nucleus, are spindle-shaped, and do not appear striated; each cell is a fiber.

Primary active transport protein that uses ATP hydrolysis to pump 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell.

Wide, flat muscle deep to the gastrocnemius.

Component of a solution, the substance dissolved in a solvent.

In chemistry, a homogeneous liquid mixture in which a solute is dissolved into molecules within a solvent.

Component of a solution, the substance that dissolves the solute.

In neurons, that portion of the cell that contains the nucleus; the cell body, as opposed to the cell processes (axons and dendrites).

A body cell, excluding germ cells. Normally diploid, each cell containing a complete set of genes.

Functional division of the nervous system that is concerned with conscious perception, voluntary movement, and skeletal muscle reflexes.

Sense of touch.

See growth hormone (GH)

Any sensory system associated with a specific organ structure, namely smell, taste, sight, hearing, and balance.

A structural protein that helps maintain cell membrane integrity.

A lever system that can move a load/resistance with more effort and greater speed (compared to moving the resistance without a lever system); by definition, the mechanical advantage is less than one (effort arm < resistance arm).

Unpaired bone that forms the central base of skull.

A ring-shaped smooth muscle that can open or close a passage in the body.

Division of the dorsal cavity that houses the spinal cord; also referred to as vertebral cavity.

Unpaired bony process that extends posteriorly from the vertebral arch of a vertebra.

Location of neuronal cell bodies that transmit auditory information along the eighth cranial nerve.

Paired nerves that carry both autonomic and sensory fibers to the internal organs.

(Also, cancellous bone) trabeculated osseous tissue that supports shifts in weight distribution.

Ossicle of the middle ear (popularly called the stirrup) that is attached to the inner ear.

Modality of balance relating to position of the head with respect to gravity (“which way is up”) and linear acceleration.

Cell that is oligo-, multi-, or pleuripotent that has the ability to produce additional stem cells rather than becoming further specialized.

Array of apical membrane extensions in a hair cell that transduce movements when they are bent.

Major muscle that laterally flexes and rotates the head.

Flattened bone located at the center of the anterior chest.

(Also, sterol) lipid compound composed of four hydrocarbon rings bonded to a variety of other atoms and molecules; not to be confused with anabolic steroids, a synthetic supplement

See steroid

Tissue that consists of two or more layers of column-like cells, contains glands, and is found in some ducts.

Tissue that consists of two or more layers of cube-shaped cells, found in some ducts.

Tissue that consists of multiple layers of cells with the most apical being flat scale-like cells; protects surfaces from abrasion.

Deepest layer of the epidermis, made of epidermal stem cells.

Most superficial layer of the epidermis.

Layer of the epidermis superficial to the stratum spinosum.

Layer of the epidermis between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum, found only in thick skin covering the palms, soles of the feet, and digits.

Layer of the epidermis superficial to the stratum basale, characterized by the presence of desmosomes.

(In physiology) any stimulus that causes an imbalance in the internal environment.

Alignment of parallel actin and myosin filaments, which form a banded pattern.

Space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater that contains CSF and the fibrous connections of the arachnoid trabeculae.

Muscle that originates on the anterior scapula and medially rotates the arm.

Nucleus within the basal nuclei that is part of the indirect pathway.

Sweat gland.

Groove formed by convolutions in the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body.

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper; also referred to as cranial.

Bony process that extends upward from the vertebral arch of a vertebra that articulates with the inferior articular process of the next higher vertebra.

Half of the midbrain tectum that is responsible for aligning visual, auditory, and somatosensory spatial perceptions.

When the palm and forearm are facing upwards.  The opposite of the pronated position.  The foot can also be supinated but not to the extent of the palm; in foot supination, the weight of the body rolls outward towards the little toes.

Forearm motion that moves the palm of the hand from the palm backward to the palm forward position.

Face up.

Muscle that abducts the arm.

(Also zonule fibre) fibrous connections between the ciliary body and the lens.

Fibrous joint that connects the bones of the skull (except the mandible); an immobile joint (synarthrosis).

Series of ganglia adjacent to the vertebral column that receive input from central sympathetic neurons.

Branch of the autonomic nervous system associated with emergency systems (“fight or flight”).

Type of cartilaginous joint where the bones are joined by fibrocartilage.

Narrow junction across which a chemical signal passes from neuron to the next, initiating a new electrical signal in the target cell.

Narrow junction across which a chemical signal passes from neuron to the next, initiating a new electrical signal in the target cell.

Small gap between cells in a chemical synapse where neurotransmitter diffuses from the presynaptic element to the postsynaptic element.

Swelling at the end of an axon where neurotransmitter molecules are released onto a target cell across a synapse.

Immobile or nearly immobile joint.

Type of cartilaginous joint where the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

A multinucleate cell formed by the fusion of multiple cells or the division of nuclei.

Type of fibrous joint in which two separated, parallel bones are connected by an interosseous membrane.

Muscle whose contraction helps a prime mover in an action.

Thick, lubricating fluid that fills the interior of a synovial joint.

Joint at which the articulating surfaces of the bones are located within a joint cavity formed by an articular capsule.

Thin layer that lines the inner surface of the joint cavity at a synovial joint; produces the synovial fluid.

(Also, Meissner corpuscle) receptor in the skin that responds to light touch.

Tarsal bone that articulates superiorly with the tibia and fibula at the ankle joint; also articulates inferiorly with the calcaneus bone and anteriorly with the navicular bone.

One of the seven bones that make up the posterior foot; includes the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, and lateral cuneiform bones.

Structures within a papilla on the tongue that contain gustatory receptor cells.

Component of the organ of Corti that lays over the hair cells, into which the stereocilia are embedded.

Paired bones that form the lateral, inferior portions of the skull, with squamous, mastoid, and petrous portions.

Dense regular connective tissue that attaches skeletal muscle to bone.

Muscle that extends the arm and assists in adduction and medial rotation of it.

Muscle that laterally rotates and extends the arm.

the overall three-dimensional arrangement of a polypeptide in space.

Major region of the diencephalon that is responsible for relaying information between the cerebrum and the hindbrain, spinal cord, and periphery.

Sensory receptor specialized for temperature stimuli.

Portion of the ventricular system that is in the region of the diencephalon.

A lever system in which the effort is between the resistance and the fulcrum; the most common lever type in the bottom, these are always speed levers as the effort arm is always shorter than the resistance arm.

Mid-back, where ribs attach to vertebrae.

Consists of 12 pairs of ribs and sternum.

Division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the heart, lungs, esophagus, and trachea.

Anteriorly concave curvature of the thoracic vertebral column region; a primary curve of the vertebral column.

Major lymph vessel draining lymph into the circulatory system (blood) at the left subclavian vein.

Twelve vertebrae numbered as T1–T12 that are located in the thoracic region (upper back) of the vertebral column.

Alternate name for the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system that is based on the anatomical location of central neurons in the lateral horn of the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord.

Shin bone; the large, weight-bearing bone located on the medial side of the leg.

Muscle located on the lateral surface of the tibia.

Group of many similar cells (though sometimes composed of a few related types) that work together to perform a specific function.

the largest protein in the human body, which is responsible for passive elasticity in muscle cells.

The default tension in a resting muscle that will optimize contraction ability.

(Singular= trabecula) spikes or sections of the lattice-like matrix in spongy bone.

Tube composed of cartilaginous rings and supporting tissue that connects the lung bronchi and the larynx; provides a route for air to enter and exit the lung.

Cord-like bundle of axons located in the peripheral nervous system that transmits sensory input and response output to and from the central nervous system.

during gene expression, the initial process that occurs inside the nucleus, in which a strand of messenger RNA is produced using a specific DNA sequence as a template.

Process of changing an environmental stimulus into the electrochemical signals of the nervous system.

Membrane proteins that span the entire width of the plasma membrane.

Paired bony processes that extends laterally from the vertebral arch of a vertebra.

Two-dimensional, horizontal plane that divides the body or organ into superior and inferior portions.

Paired bony processes that extends laterally from the vertebral arch of a vertebra.

Deep layer of the abdomen that has fascicles arranged transversely around the abdomen.

Muscle that stabilizes the upper part of the back.

Three-headed muscle that extends the forearm.

An ester formed from glycerol and three fatty acid chains.

Fourth cranial nerve; responsible for contraction of one of the extraocular muscles.

Regulatory protein that covers myosin-binding sites to prevent actin from binding to myosin.

Regulatory protein that binds to actin, tropomyosin, and calcium.

Vertebrosternal ribs 1–7 that attach via their costal cartilage directly to the sternum.

Ear drum.

Bone located on the medial side of the forearm.

Central abdominopelvic region including the belly button.

Type of diarthrosis; joint that allows for motion within only one plane (one axis).

(Also, fallopian tube or oviduct) duct that facilitates transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus.

Structure of the inner ear responsible for transducing linear acceleration in the horizontal plane.

Tenth cranial nerve; responsible for the autonomic control of organs in the thoracic and upper abdominal cavities.

Outermost electron shell of an atom.

Relating to circulation of blood.

Middle layer of the eye primarily composed of connective tissue with a rich blood supply.

Opening up, or increasing interior (lumen) diameter of a blood vessel.

See anterior

Larger body cavity located anterior to the posterior (dorsal) body cavity; includes the serous membrane-lined pleural cavities for the lungs, pericardial cavity for the heart, and peritoneal cavity for the abdominal and pelvic organs; also referred to as anterior body cavity.

Remnants of the hollow center of the neural tube that are spaces for cerebrospinal fluid to circulate through the brain.

Individual bone in the neck and back regions of the vertebral column.

Bony passageway within the vertebral column for the spinal cord that is formed by the series of individual vertebral foramina.

Bony arch formed by the posterior portion of each vertebra that surrounds and protects the spinal cord.

See spinal cavity

Entire sequence of bones that extend from the skull to the tailbone.

Opening associated with each vertebra defined by the vertebral arch that provides passage for the spinal cord.

Membrane-bound structure that contains materials within or outside of the cell.

Location of neuronal cell bodies that transmit equilibrium information along the eighth cranial nerve.

Membrane separating the cochlear duct from the scala vestibuli.

In the ear, the portion of the inner ear responsible for the sense of equilibrium.

Eighth cranial nerve; responsible for the sensations of hearing and balance.

Facing the organs (opposite of parietal).

Thick consistency between solid and liquid.

Property of vision related to the sharpness of focus, which varies in relation to retinal position.

Organic compound required by the body to perform biochemical reactions like metabolism and bone, cell, and tissue growth.

Viscous fluid that fills the posterior chamber of the eye.

See perforating canal

Ion channel that opens because of a change in the charge distributed across the membrane where it is located.

(In physiology) under conscious control of the brain.

Regions of the nervous system containing mostly myelinated axons, making the tissue appear white because of the high lipid content of myelin.

Small process that forms the inferior tip of the sternum.

Connective tissue in the interior cavity of a bone where fat is stored.

(Also Z-line) structure at the end of sarcomeres to which actin is anchored.

See Z-disc

Region of the epiphyseal plate closest to the diaphyseal end; functions to connect the epiphyseal plate to the diaphysis.

Region of the epiphyseal plate where chondrocytes from the proliferative zone grow and mature and contribute to the longitudinal growth of the epiphyseal plate.

See suspensory ligament