Medical Terminology 3.1

Tissue

Any group of cells that work together to perform a single function.

System

Any group of organs and ancillary parts that work together to perform a major body function.

Thoracic cavity

Body space above the abdominal cavity that contains the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.

Pelvic cavity

Body space below the abdominal cavity that includes the reproductive organs.

Abdominal Cavity

Body space between the abdominal walls, above the pelvis, and below the diaphragm.

Spinal cavity

Body space that contains the spinal cord.

Digestive system

Body system that includes all organs of digestion and waste excretion, from the mouth to the anus.

Blood system

Body system that includes blood and all its component parts.

Endocrine system

Body system that includes glands which secrete hormones to regulate certain body functions.

Musculoskeletal system

Body system that includes muscles, bones, and cartilage.

Integumentary system

Body system that includes skin, hair, and nails.

Nervous system

Body system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and controls most body functions by sending and receiving messages.

Sensory system

Body system that includes the eyes and ears and those parts of other systems involved in the reactions of the five senses.

Cardiovascular system

Body system that includes the heart and blood vessels; circulatory system.

Urinary system

Body system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra and helps maintain homeostasis by removing fluid and dissolved waste.

Respiratory system

Body system that includes the lungs and airways and performs breathing.

Lymphatic and immune

Body system that includes the lymph, glands of the lymphatic system, lymphatic vessels, and the specific and nonspecific defenses of the immune system.

Reproductive system

Either the male or female body system that controls reproduction.

Connective tissue

Fibrous substance that forms the body's supportive framework.

Organ

Group of specialized tissue that performs a specific function.

Dorsal cavity

Main cavity on the back side of the body containing the cranial and spinal cavities.

Ventral cavity

Major cavity in the front of the body containing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

Diaphragm

Muscle that divides the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Cell

Smallest unit of a living structure.

Cranial cavity

Space in the head containing the brain.

Nervous tissue

Specialized tissue that forms nerve cells and is capable of transmitting messages.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that covers or lines the body or its parts.

Muscle tissue

Tissue that is able to contract and relax.