Body Structures and Organ Systems terms

68 glossary entries from the Body Structures and Organ Systems topic of the CCMA test plan. Try free Body Structures and Organ Systems practice questions.

• abdominopelvic cavityThe lower part of the ventral cavity, holding the abdominal and pelvic organs.
• abductionMovement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
• ACLAnterior cruciate ligament, a commonly injured ligament of the knee.
• adductionMovement of a limb toward the midline of the body.
• ADHAntidiuretic hormone: made by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary; it signals the kidneys to…
• alveoliTiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
• anatomyThe study of the structure of the body.
• ANSAutonomic nervous system: the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and…
• arteryOne of the strong, elastic vessels that take blood from the heart out toward the tissues; blood pressure is highest in…
• atriumOne of the two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood returning to the heart.
• bronchiThe main airways that branch from the trachea into the lungs.
• capillaryThe smallest blood vessel, where oxygen, nutrients and wastes are exchanged with the tissues.
• cartilageSemi-rigid, flexible connective tissue that gives support and smooth surfaces for movement, as in joints.
• cellThe smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.
• cerebellumThe part of the brain that controls balance, coordination and smooth movement.
• cerebrumThe largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions such as thought, language and voluntary movement.
• CNSCentral nervous system: the brain and spinal cord.
• CSFCerebrospinal fluid: the clear fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
• dermisThe skin layer beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles.
• diaphragmThe dome-shaped muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavities; the main muscle of breathing.
• dorsal cavityThe posterior body cavity that holds the brain and spinal cord.
• endocrine glandA gland that releases hormones directly into the blood, without ducts.
• ENTEar, nose and throat (otolaryngology).
• epidermisThe outermost layer of the skin.
• erythrocyteRed blood cell; carries oxygen using hemoglobin.
• esophagusThe muscular tube that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach.
• extensionStraightening a joint so the angle between the bones increases.
• flexionBending a joint so the angle between the bones decreases.
• GIGastrointestinal: the digestive tract.
• GUGenitourinary: the urinary and reproductive organs.
• hemoglobinThe iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• homeostasisThe body's ability to keep a stable internal environment, such as temperature and fluid balance.
• hormoneA chemical messenger released into the blood that affects target cells elsewhere in the body.
• hypodermisThe fatty connective tissue layer beneath the dermis; also called the subcutaneous layer.
• insulinA pancreatic hormone that helps cells take in glucose, lowering blood glucose.
• kidneyOne of two bean-shaped organs beside the spine that filter blood and produce urine.
• large intestineThe final part of the digestive tract, made up of the cecum and colon; it is responsible for bowel elimination.
• larynxThe voice box, between the pharynx and trachea.
• leukocyteWhite blood cell; defends the body against infection and disease.
• ligamentA band of dense connective tissue that connects bone to bone.
• liverThe largest gland in the body; its main digestive job is making bile.
• metabolismThe sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
• mitral valveThe valve between the left atrium and left ventricle; also called the bicuspid valve.
• nephronThe microscopic functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and forms urine.
• neuronA nerve cell that sends electrical and chemical signals.
• neutrophilThe most common white blood cell; it engulfs bacteria at sites of infection.
• organA distinct structure made of two or more tissue types that performs a specific job.
• organ systemA group of organs working together to carry out a major body function.
• pancreasAn organ behind the stomach that secretes digestive juice and hormones that regulate blood glucose, such as insulin.
• pharynxThe throat: a muscular tube connecting the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus.
• physiologyThe study of how the body and its parts function.
• plateletA cell fragment in blood that helps form clots; also called a thrombocyte.
• PNSPeripheral nervous system: the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
• RLE, LLERight lower extremity and left lower extremity (legs).
• rotationTurning of a bone around its own long axis.
• RUQ, RLQ, LUQ, LLQRight upper, right lower, left upper and left lower quadrants of the abdomen.
• small intestineThe long part of the digestive tract between the stomach and large intestine, where most digestion and absorption occur.
• tendonDense connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
• thoracic cavityThe chest cavity, holding the heart, lungs, esophagus and trachea.
• tissueA group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.
• TMJTemporomandibular joint: the jaw joint in front of the ear.
• tracheaThe windpipe: a tube of cartilage rings that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi.
• tricuspid valveThe valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.
• ureterOne of two tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• urethraThe tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body.
• veinA blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart.
• ventral cavityThe large anterior body cavity containing the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
• ventricleOne of the two lower, pumping chambers of the heart.