Have medical terms been confusing to you once! This article will help you in recognizing these terms. Medical terminology is the way medical profession describes different body parts, from systems, organs, tissues and cells, in addition to the different regions, cavities, quadrants and the divisions of the spinal cord. Others terms are used to specify the pane, direction or position that the organ is lied in. Although some terms seem difficult and require special learning, others are really usual and easy to understand.
The classification of body systems follows a specific course. For example, the digestive system, is a system specialized with a function. This system consists of multiple organs working on the function. Each organ has tissues and the tissues in turn are made of cells. These are the body systems covered in this textbook:
1. Cardiovascular system
2. Digestive system
3. Respiratory system
4. Musculoskeletal system
5. Integumentary system
6. Endocrine system
7. Urinary system
8. Lymphatic system
9. Immune system
10. Nervous system
11. Reproductive systems (male and female).
Each cell contains a nucleus and cytoplasm and surrounded by cytoplasmic membrane. The membrane acts as a barrier allowing substances to pass to and from the cell. It also preserves cell structures and holds them, and it helps in differentiating different types of cells. Even all cells have similar structure, but the differ in the function. Our bodies contain around 100 trillion cells, and they considered as the smallest structure in them.
The cytoplasm is the medium where other organelles of cells flow, such as mitochondria and ribosomes, in addition to enzymes, salts and certain organic molecules. It has a jelly-like texture and consists principally of water; thus, it works as a medium for other cell apparatuses to move, and for biochemical reactions to happen. Different organelles (little organs) in the cytoplasm cooperate to maintain the stability of the cell. For example, the endoplasmic reticulum forms passages inside the cytoplasm; though it works on organizing, transporting some cellular structures such the proteins. Other organelles are responsible for energy production The mitochondria transform energy in the cell allowing it to function properly. Cytoplasm facilitates the function of cells by transmitting impulses or storing fats; thus, it has a crucial role in the consistency of body functions.
The nucleus represents the control center of a cell. This could be done because of the genes carried on specific threads of chromatin containing a substance called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In turn, these threads form a structure called chromosomes. Each cell contains millions of genes responsible of its shape and functions assuring the cell is healthy. When an impairment affects genes, syndromes or diseases emerge. This impairment is called mutation. The mutation could be in a single gene or multiple ones. Genes regulate everything about the cell including sex. A normal cell contains 46 chromosomes, consisting of 23 matched pairs, except for gametes. A female (egg cell) or male (sperm) gemmate contains 23 chromosomes, uniting at the time of conception to create whole cell of 46 chromosomes.
A tissue is formed when a group of cells of the same genesis cluster to achieve one function. There are 4 basic types of tissue in human body: connective tissue, epithelial tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.
Connective tissue: It represents a supporter for organs because it binds and holds structures together in addition to protecting them. This tissue is found in fat, bones and tendons. Connective tissue is classified according to its characteristics into another subtypes. Loose connective tissue is like the type we found in adipose tissue. It works on absorbing shocks in addition to support epithelial tissue lining. Dense connective tissue has more collagen fibers, that makes it stronger and more resistant. Thus, it found in ligaments and tendons. Supportive connective tissues involve cartilage and bone. They maintain body posture and protect internal organs. Cartilage tissue consists of elastin, collagen and chondrocytes embedded in them. Bone or osseous tissue is the hardest type. It has the most collagen fibers and osteocytes with other mineralized components. Connective tissue also includes fluid form with blood and lymphatic tissue.
Epithelial Tissue: Epithelial tissue forms the ground substance of other tissues. It covers all surfaces of the body (like skin) to protect them from the external environment, and lines cavities, glands and internal luminal structures.
Muscle tissue: Muscle tissue is formed to be moveable; it responds to stimulus and contracts to produce a movement. The movement also helps in producing heat. It classifies depending on special properties into skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle.
Nervous tissue: The nervous tissue is responsible for receiving and sending electrochemical signals, that is why it has the ability to organize body functions. It has two major cell types: neurons and neuroglia. The nervous tissues in turn form the nervous system, which consists of the central nervous system (CNS), and the peripheral nervous system. CNS contains brain and spinal cord. While the peripheral nervous system is distributed in all other body parts, delivering signals about external stimuli to CNS, and sending back the proper response to the effector parts of the body.
Heart, lungs and kidneys are all examples of organs in our body. Each organ consists of several tissues that collaborate to achieve a special function.
At the top of body staging lie body systems. Each system has specific function been done by a collaboration of organs. For example, the cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping sufficient amounts of oxygenated blood to other parts of body and receiving deoxygenated blood, and clarify it in order to repump it. This is done by multiple organs such as heart, lungs and blood vessels.
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