Vocabulary

inherited - characteristics from parents

learned - behaviors that must be taught

acquired - trait that can not be passed down to offspring

likeness - similar or nearly the same

organism - an individual living system, such as an animal or plant

traits - distinguishing characteristics

characteristics - qualities of an organism

DNA - material in organisms that transfer genetic characteristics from parents to their offspring

generation - a group of individuals born and living at the same time, such as siblings

offspring - the young of a person, animal, or plant

parents - animals (including humans) or plants that produce offspring

cell - the basic unit of life

multicellular - an organism composed of many cells

unicellular - an organism composed of only one cell; the single cell is capable of performing all life processes

permeable - able to pass through

tissue - similar cells with a specific function

organ - part of a system that consists of cells and tissues and is specialized to do a particular task

dominant gene - Dominant version (allele) of a gene shows its specific trait even if only one parent passed the gene to the child.

recessive gene - Recessive gene shows its specific trait when both parents pass the gene to the child.

Digestive System Vocabulary

Esophagus - The tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Bile - A thick liquid that is sent from the liver to the stomach to aid in breaking down food.

Digestive System - The group of organs that work together to digest our food.

Mouth - The opening through which food enters the body.

Anus - The opening that allows waste to be passed out of our body.

Pancreas - An organ that sends chemicals into the stomach to aid in the breaking down of food.

Tongue - An organ in the mouth that aids in mixing food with saliva.

Large Intestines - A tube that removes water from waste before the waste leaves our body.

Liver - The largest organ of the body, sends bile to the stomach and also cleans our food before it passes to our cells.

Gall Bladder - A sac in which bile from the liver is stored.

Digest - The process of breaking down food so our cells can use it.

Stomach - The main organ in the digestive system - most breaking down of food occurs here.

Small Intestines - A tube, about 23 feet long that allows digested food to enter our blood vessels.

Rectum - An organ that holds waste until it passes from our body.

Respiratory System Vocabulary

Respiratory System: The group of organs that work together to bring oxygen to our cells

Respiration: The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our blood

Inhale: The breathing procedure of bringing air into the body

Exhale: The breathing procedure of removing air from the body

Nose: The body organ that contains the nostrils

Nostrils: The holes in the nose through which air enters the body

Mouth: The body organ that allows air to enter the body when the nostrils are not being used

Throat: The tube through which air passes from the nasal passage to the larynx

Larynx: Also known as the voice box, air passes through this tube on its way to the trachea

Trachea: Also known as the windpipe, this tube in the passage for air from the larynx to the bronchial tubes

Bronchial Tubes: The tubes that connect the trachea to the lungs and allows air to enter the lungs

Lungs: The main organ of the respiratory system

Alveoli: A grapelike group of thin-walled sacs in the lungs that inflate as we breathe and pass oxygen into the blood

Diaphragm: The large muscle of the chest cavity that contracts and expands to force air into and out of the lungs

Ribs: The bones that protect the lungs

Skeletal and Muscular System

Skeletal System: Body system that provides support for the body and protects the body’s organs

Marrow: Jellylike center of the bone that produces blood cells and platelets

Tendon: Tissue that holds muscles to bones

Ligament: Tissue that holds bone to bone

Cartilage: This keeps bones from touching other bones

Muscular System: Body system made of stretchy tissue that allows the body to move

Muscle: Tissue or organ of the body with the ability to move

Voluntary Muscles: Muscles that move by choice; allow the bones and cartilage of the skeleton to move

Involuntary Muscles: Smooth muscles found in the skin, digestive system and other internal organs that move automatically

Circulatory System

Circulatory System: The group of organs that work together to bring blood to our cells.

Circulate: The action of moving about, usually in a circle

Heart: The large muscle of the circulatory system that pumps blood

Blood: The name given to the cells and plasma that carry food, water, and oxygen to our body cells.

Plasma: The liquid that carries blood cells.

Blood Vessels: The tubes of the circulatory system that carry blood

Arteries: The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood through the body

Capillaries: The blood vessels that exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide as they pass the body cells

Vein: The blood vessels that carry blood from the cells back to the heart.

Platelets: Blood cells that cause blood to clot and bleeding to stop.

Red blood cells: Blood cells carrying oxygen

White blood cells: Blood cells that fight disease

Nervous System Vocabulary

Spinal Cord: The nervous tissue that begins at the brain and runs lengthwise along the back inside the vertebra, carrying impulses to and from the brain

Neurons: Cells that join together to form the communication system between the brain and body parts

Reflexes: The involuntary action of a body part caused by an outside action

Brain: The organ that controls thought and the functions of all the other parts of the body

Nervous System: The body system that is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that receive and interpret information, then send impulses to our body parts.

Nerves: Tissues made from neurons that form the paths of communication between our body cells and the brain