The brain and spinal cord.

Portions of the nervous system that lies outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Cell of the nervous system specialized to generate and transmit nerve impulses.

A neuron within the central nervous system located between two other neurons.

Region of a nerve cell that includes the nucleus and most of the cytoplasmic mass, and from which the dendrites and axons extend.

An extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the nerve cell body.

In an excitable cell such as a nerve or muscle, the membrane voltage that must be reached to trigger an action potential, or nerve impulse.

Fatty insulating sheath that surrounds the neuron axons of some types of neurons

Neuron that is covered by a myelin sheath.

A chemical released by a neuron that may stimulate or inhibit other neurons or effector cells.

Cablelike bundle of many neuron axons, all wrapped together in a protective connective tissue sheath

One of the 12 pairs of peripheral nerves that originate in the brain.

Any one of the 31 paired nerves that arise from the spinal cord

An involuntary muscle response that is mediated at the level of the spinal cord, with little or no involvement of the brain.

Plasmalike fluid that fills the cavities of the CNS and surrounds the CNS externally, protects the brain and spinal cord.

The portion of the central nervous system that lies outside the brain, extending from the base of the brain to about the second lumbar vertebra, provides a conduction pathway to and from the brain.

Organ of the central nervous system that receives, stores, and integrates information from throughout the body and coordinates the body's responses.

Brain region most involved in producing smooth, coordinated skeletal muscle activity.

Region of the brain stem that is a coordinate center for reflex responses to visual and auditory stimuli.

Anterior portion of the brain that includes the cerebrum, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus

The cerebral hemispheres and nerve tracts that join them together, also involves higher mental functions.

Storage of information for later retrieval as needed.

A sensory input that causes some change within or outside the body.

A specialized cell or nerve ending that receives a sensory signal such as touch, smell, light, or a chemical, and ultimately generates nerve impulses in a sensory neuron.

Understanding what a sensation means.

Receptor sensitive to temperature changes.

Receptor that responds to tissue damage or excessive pressure or temperature.

Type of receptor sensitive to various chemicals.

A specialized receptor cell that responds to light energy.

Encapsulated receptors respond continually to ongoing pressure.

A cluster of taste receptor cells and supporting cells that respond to dissolved food chemicals in the mouth.

Region of the ear consisting of the pinna (visible portion) and the auditory canal.

Region of the ear consisting of an air-filled chamber within the temporal bone of the skull, bridged by the malleus, incus, and stapes.

Region of the ear consisting of the cochlea and the vestibular apparatus.

Hair-like cells in the inner ear that help to collect vibrations from sound.

A system of fluid-filled canals and chambers in the inner ear.

One of the two fluid-filled chambers of the vestibule.

One of the two fluid-filled chambers of the vestibule.

The transparent anterior portion of the eyeball.

A colored disk-shaped muscle that determines how much light enters the eye.

Opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eye.

A transparent, flexible, curved structure that focuses incoming light on the retina at the back of the eye.

Layers of tissue at the back and sides of the eye made up of photoreceptor cells, neurons, and a few blood vessels.

One of the two cranial nerves that transmit nerve impulses from the retina to the brain.

The area of the retina where the axons of the optic nerve exit the eye.

One of the two types of photo-sensitive cells in the retina, contain rhodopsin.

One of the two types of photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye, responsible for color vision.

Deafness caused by damage to hair cells.

A decrease in the normal transparency of a lens.

A disease of visual impairment caused by detachment of the retina and degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the macular region of the retina.

The inability to distinguish the full range of colors.

Body system that includes all of the hormone-secreting organs and glands; involved in coordination and control of body activities.

A chemical messenger molecule secreted by an endocrine gland or cell into the bloodstream that has effects on specific target cells throughout the body.

Specialized epithelial tissue that secretes a product directly into a hollow organ or duct.

The name for the specific cell that each hormone will individually regulate.

Hormone that is structurally related to cholesterol and are lipid soluble.

Hormone that is structurally related to proteins and are lipid insoluble.

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that enhances the uptake of glucose by cells, thus lowering blood glucose levels.

Interior portion of the adrenal gland; produces epinephrine and norepinepthrine.

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that seems to synchronize our body's daily rhythms and may induce sleep.

A chemical substance taken in via the diet that is used for energy and for cell growth and reproduction.

Chemical or mechanical process of breaking down foodstuffs to substances that can be absorbed.

Three pairs of glands that produce saliva to begin the process of digestion, include the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.

The region of the digestive and respiratory systems that extends from behind the nasal cavities to the esophagus, also called the throat.

Muscular tube extending from the throat to the stomach.

Organ of the gastrointestinal tract where food is initially stored and where chemical breakdown of proteins begins.

An open, sometimes bleeding sore that forms in the inner lining of the stomach, the esophagus, or the upper part of the small intestine.

First part of the small intestine.

Organ located behind the stomach, secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine and hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.

Greenish-yellow or brownish fluid that is secreted by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine, used to emulsify fat.

The system of blood vessels connecting the organs of the digestive tract to the liver.

Portion of the digestive tract extending from the small intestine to the anus, consists of the cecum, appendix, colon, rectum, and anal canal.

A small fingerlike pouch, with no known digestive function, that extends from the cecum of the large intestine.

Organic compound composed primarily of CH2O groups, includes starches, sugars, and cellulose.

Organic compounds formed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, includes fats, oils and cholesterols

One or more polypeptide chains of more than 100 amino acids.

Group of eight amino acids that the body cannot synthesize.

Protein that contains all 20 of the amino acids in proportions that meet our nutritional needs.

Any one of more than a dozen organic compounds that the body requires in minute amounts but generally does not synthesize.

An inorganic chemical compound found in nature.

Term for the material that is indigestible but beneficial in the diet.

Amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius

A common disorder of digestion and absorption caused by insufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase, which digests the lactose in milk and dairy products.

Weakness in the intestinal wall which may stem from a diet low in fiber.

A noncancerous growth that projects from a mucous membrane, can be removed during a colonoscopy.

Refers to an inflammation of the liver, generally caused by viruses or toxic substances.

A crystallization that can occur in the gallbladder and may block the flow of bile during digestion, can cause intense pain during digestion

Refers to conditions in which human development and function are compromised by an unbalanced or insufficient diet.

A condition of weighing more than 20% above ideal body weight, may be caused by an increased sedentary lifestyle.

An eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight and an unrealistic fear of becoming obese.

Eating disorder involving episodes of binging and purging.

Processes that remove wastes and excess materials from the body

System consisting of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and urethra

Organs of the urinary system that produce urine

Main nitrogen-containing waste excreted in urine

Center of the kidney where urine collects after it is formed

One of two tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder

Organ that stores urine

Tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body

Structural and functional unit of the kidney consisting of the renal tubule and the blood vessels that supply it

Cluster or tuft of capillaries inside the glomerular capsule in a kidney

Tube after the glomerulus capsule

Place where urine is deposited

The movement of fluid and solutes from the renal tubules into the blood

The movement of solutes from the blood into renal tubules

Hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells

Several techniques that attempt to take the place of kidney function in patients whose kidneys have failed by letting the patient's blood exchange waste materials with artificial fluids

Male reproductive cell

An ovum; a mature female gamete

The male primary sex organ; produces sperm

External sac of skin enclosing the testes

Portion of the male reproductive system in which sperm mature; empties into the vas deferens.

Duct joining the epididymis and ejaculatory duct

In the male, a short duct that carries sperm from the ductus deferens and seminal fluid from the seminal vesicle to the ureter.

Male sex organ of intercourse

An increase in length, diameter, and stiffness of the penis that facilitates its entry into the vagina

Haploid sex or germ cell.

Male sex hormone produced primarily by the testes; promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males

A hormone that directly inhibits the secretion of FSH

The two female sex organs (gonads) in which ova (eggs) are produced

Female sex hormone that stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics, helps oocytes mature, and affects the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Hormone partly responsible for preparing the uterus for the fertilized ovum

Tube that leads from an ovary to the uterus, also called the Fallopian tube or uterine tube

Hollow, thick-walled organ that receives, retains, and nourishes the fertilized egg

Narrow lower part of the uterus which permits sperm to enter and allows the fetus to exit

Outer, larger pair of fat padded skin folds which surround and enclose the labia minora

A highly vascular but smaller pair of folds near the entrance to the vagina

In the female, a sensitive erectile organ located in the vulva

Milk-producing gland of the breast

Production and secretion of milk.

Pattern of changes in the ovaries which lasts about 28 days and is controlled by hormones.

Monthly cycle of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation in an ovary.

Ovarian structure consisting of a developing egg surrounded by one or more layers of granulosa cells.

Ejection of an immature egg (oocyte) from the ovary.

A series of changes that occur in the uterus in preparation for the arrival of a fertilized egg; generally takes about 28 days.

Process in which the endometrial lining disintegrates, its small blood vessels rupture, and the tissue and blood are shed through the vagina.

A brief, intensely pleasureable reflex event consisting of rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions.

The expulsion of semen.

The act of abstaining from intercourse

Procedure for female sterilization in which each oviduct is cut and tied.

Contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider.

A contraceptive device inserted into the vagina to cover the cervical opening.

A contraceptive chemical that destroys semen.

A contraceptive sheath that covers the penis and traps semen.

Medications available to boost the production of developing eggs

Another woman chosen to become pregnant and bear a baby for a couple in exchange for money.

Sexually transmitted disease involving infection by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Virus that destroys helper T cells, thus depressing cell-mediated immunity

A virus transmitted in blood or body fluids during unprotected sex which can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.

A small build-up of flesh caused by HPV viruses around the genital area

An infection in which the Candida albicans presence grows out of control in the vagina

Tiny Arthropods related to spiders and crabs that live in hair but especially prefer pubic hair; move by jumping from one host to another during sexual contact

One of two major periods in the cell life cycle; the growth phase in the cell cycle.

The "synthesis" phase of the cell cycle in which the chromosomes of a cell are duplicated.

A short period in the cell cycle in which the nucleus and then the cytoplasm of a cell divides.

A nucleic acid found in all living cells.

Rodlike structure of tightly coiled chromatin.

Nucleic acid that contains ribose and the bases A, G, C, and U.

Long nucleotide strand that complements the exact nucleotide sequence of genetically active DNA; carries the genetic message to the cytoplasm.

The process by which the genetic code of mRNA is used to string together the appropriate amino acids to produce a specific protein.

A change in the DNA base pair sequence of a cell.

A noncoding nucleotide sequence of DNA.

A nucleotide sequence of DNA that specifies a useful informational sequence.

The RNA component of a ribosome.

Third stage of mitosis; the two sets of daughter chromosomes move toward the poles of a cell.

The number of chromosomes in a body cell (2n), twice the chromosomal number (n) of a gamete; in humans, 2n = 46

Chromosomes 1 to 22; label for all chromosomes except the sex chromosomes.

Half the diploid number of chromosomes; the number of chromosomes in a gamete.

Process by which a cell changes in form or function.

Production of identical copy or copies of a gene, a cell, or an organism.

Making a copy of an entire organism either by embryo splitting or somatic cell nuclear transfer.

A mass of cell derived from a single cell that began to divide at an abnormally high rate.

A malignant, invasive disease in which cells become abnormal and divide uncontrollably; may spread throughout the body.

A cancer tumor that remains entirely in one place.

The spread of cancer from one organ or location to another not directly connected to it.

A mass of cells that has metastasized to become invasive cancer.

A mutated or damaged proto-oncogene that contributes to cancer.

Regulatory genes that under normal conditions apply the brakes to unchecked cell growth, division, differentiation, and adhesion.

A class of gene that normally is involved in DNA repair during DNA replication; may contribute to cancer because errors in DNA replication may not be corrected.

Cancer-causing agent.

Least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer.

The use of therapeutic drugs to selectively kill cancer cells.

Treatments that promote the general responsiveness of the immune system so that it can fight cancer more effectively.

A small benign growth that develops from the colon lining.

General term for cancers of the lymphoid tissues.

The complete set of DNA in the chromosomes of a particular organism.

The study of genes and their transmission from one generation to the next.

Characteristics or traits that are transmitted from parents to offspring via genes.

Chromosomes 1 to 22, applies to all chromosomes except the sex chromosomes.

Having identical alleles at the same location (on a pair of homologous chromosomes)

Having different alleles at the same location (on a pair of homologous chromosomes)

A change in the DNA base pair sequence of a cell.

The allele that shows up when both alleles are present.

A pattern of genetic inheritance in which the heterozygous genotype results in a phenotype that is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.

Failure of sister chromatids to separate during mitosis or failure of homologous pairs to separate during meiosis; causes abnormal numbers of chromosomes in the resulting daughter cells.

Occurs when a piece of chromosome breaks off and is lost.

The technical application of biological knowledge for human purposes.

The planned alteration of the genetic makeup of an organism by modifying, inserting, or deleting genes or groups of genes.

A short double-stranded piece of DNA used to initiate DNA synthesis during DNA sequencing.

An enzyme found in bacteria that can be used to cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences called restriction sites.

A sequence of letters or words that reads the same backward and forward, such as the word, "racecar".

A class of enzymes that join fragments of DNA together.

A living organism that has had foreign genes inserted into it; sometimes created to produce substances useful to humans, including human proteins.

Technique in which defective genes are repaired or replaced with their normal counterparts.