Anatomy
the study of the structures of the body
Physiology
the study of how various systems of the body work
Homeostasis
a state of balance and stability within the systems of the body
Metabolism
physical and chemical processes carried out by the body systems to maintain homeostasis
Plasma
the liquid portion of blood
Formed Elements
the solid portion of blood
Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)
contain the protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen in the blood
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
capable of producing antibodies and destroying pathogens
Thrombocytes
part of the formed elements of blood that play a role in blood clotting; also called platelets
Hemoglobin
a protein that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
Arteries
blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart
Oxygen-Rich Blood
blood that returns to the heart from the lungs after receiving oxygen and is then pumped throughout the body; also called oxygenated blood
Capillaries
the smallest, branch-like blood vessels; they carry oxygen and nutrients to and remove carbon dioxide and wastes from cells throughout the body
Veins
blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart
Oxygen-Depleted Blood
blood that is returned to the heart through the veins after supplying oxygen to the rest of the body and is then pumped to the lungs to receive oxygen again; also called deoxygenated blood
Diaphragm
a muscle that divides the thoracic cavity from the abdomen
Pharynx
an area of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity
Larynx
an organ that includes the vocal cords and allows air to pass into the trachea
Trachea
the tube that goes from the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to pass to the lungs; also called the windpipe
Bronchi
the two tubes that take air to the lungs; singular is bronchus
Bronchioles
smaller branches from the bronchi; tubes that carry air further into the lungs, reaching the air sacs (alveoli)
Aveoli
the air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged
Stimuli
changes that can cause a response in the body system
Central Nervous System
the part of the nervous System that is composed of the brain and spinal cord
