Definition: A wound caused by scraping or wearing away of the skin or other

How It Happens: Abrasions usually occur due to friction or impact with rough

Why It’s Needed: Often occurs unintentionally but may help in the body's healing
process by removing damaged skin layers.
Functions:

Mild injury to the skin

Can lead to the exposure of deeper tissues
Where It Happens: Common on hands, knees, or any body part that comes in
contact with rough surfaces.

Adipocytes
Definition: Fat cells that store energy in the form of fat (lipids).
How They’re Made: Derived from mesenchymal stem cells and store lipids in
specialized vacuoles.
Why They’re Needed: Store energy, insulate the body, and protect organs.
Functions:

Stores fat
Provides insulation
Acts as a cushion around organs
Where They’re Found: In adipose tissue beneath the skin and around internal

Adipose Tissue
Definition: A type of connective tissue that stores fat and provides insulation and
cushioning to the body.
How It’s Made: Produced by adipocytes (fat cells) that store lipids.
Why It’s Needed: Stores energy, insulates the body, and protects organs from
mechanical damage.
Functions:

Stores energy in the form of fat

Cushions organs and joints
Insulates the body to regulate temperature
Where It’s Found: Beneath the skin (subcutaneous), around internal organs, and in
 the bone marrow.

Definition: The active growth phase of the hair cycle when the hair follicle is
producing new hair cells.
How It’s Made: Hair follicles undergo rapid cell division, and new hair grows from
the follicle.
Why It’s Needed: The stage during which hair length increases as new hair cells are
produced.
Functions:

Hair grows rapidly

The longest phase in the hair growth cycle
Where It’s Found: In hair follicles, primarily in scalp and body hair.

Definition: A type of loose connective tissue that binds and supports organs and
structures.
How It’s Made: Formed by fibroblasts producing collagen and elastin fibers.
Why It’s Needed: Provides flexibility, nourishment, and cushioning to tissues.
Functions:

Binds skin to muscles

Supports blood vessels and nerves
Where It’s Found: Beneath the skin, surrounding organs.

Articulations
Definition: Joints or connections between bones, allowing for movement or
providing stability.
How It’s Made: Formed by the meeting of two or more bones, often cushioned by

Why It’s Needed: Enable movement between bones and provide stability.
Functions:

Facilitate movement between bones

Provide stability to the body
Where It’s Found: Between bones in various parts of the body (e.g., hip, shoulder,
Autonomic
Refers to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary body
functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It has two main divisions:

Sympathetic (fight or flight) – increases alertness, heart rate, and energy use.
Parasympathetic (rest and digest) – slows heart rate, aids digestion, and promotes
relaxation.

Definition: A non-cancerous growth or tumor that does not spread to other parts of

How It Happens: Cells grow abnormally but remain localized and do not invade
other tissues.
Why It’s Needed: Typically, benign conditions are less harmful than malignant

Functions:

Localized growth
Often requires removal if causing discomfort
Where It’s Found: Can occur in various organs and tissues.

BMI - Body Index Fat

Definition: A measurement of body fat based on an individual's weight and height.
How It’s Calculated: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²).
Why It’s Needed: Used to assess whether a person has a healthy weight relative to
their height.
Functions:

Classifies weight status (underweight, normal, overweight, obese)

Helps in determining health risks associated with body weight
Where It’s Used: In healthcare and fitness assessments.

Definition: A chemical element essential for many biological functions, including

bone structure, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling.
How It’s Made: Calcium is absorbed from dietary sources and stored in bones and

Why It’s Needed: Necessary for bone strength, muscle function, blood clotting, and
nerve signaling.
 Functions:

Contributes to the hardness of bones and teeth

Involved in muscle contraction
Plays a role in nerve transmission
Where It’s Found: In bones, teeth, blood, and muscle cells.

Calcium ions
Definition: Positively charged particles (Ca²⁺) that are essential for various bodily
functions.
How It’s Made: Calcium ions are released into the bloodstream from bones and
absorbed from food.
Why It’s Needed: Involved in muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and
maintaining bone strength.
Functions:

Regulates muscle function and contraction

Aids in blood clotting and nerve transmission
Essential for bone mineralization
Where It’s Found: In the bloodstream and bones.

Definition: A type of pigment found in plants, responsible for the yellow, orange,
and red colors of many fruits and vegetables.
How It’s Made: Produced by plants as part of their natural pigments.
Why It’s Needed: Carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, essential for vision and
immune function.
Functions:

Converts into Vitamin A in the body

Provides antioxidant benefits
Where It’s Found: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

Definition: The transitional phase of the hair growth cycle, where hair growth slows
and the follicle shrinks.
How It’s Made: Hair follicles stop producing new hair, and the lower part of the
follicle begins to degrade.
Why It’s Needed: Marks the end of active hair growth and prepares the follicle for
 the resting phase.
Functions:

Shortens the hair shaft

Prepares hair for shedding
Where It’s Found: In the hair follicles during the hair growth cycle.

Collagenous
Definition: Relating to collagen, a strong protein found in connective tissues.
How It’s Made: Produced by fibroblasts in connective tissues.
Why It’s Needed: Provides structural integrity and strength to tissues.
Functions:

Supports skin structure

Provides tensile strength to tissues
Where It’s Found: Skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage.

Concentric
Definition: Refers to shapes or structures that share a common center or axis.
Example: Concentric circles, where each circle shares the same center but has a
different radius.
Why It’s Needed: Common in structures or systems where multiple layers or parts
are arranged around a central point.
Functions:

Indicates symmetry around a center

Found in natural and engineered designs
Where It’s Found: In biological structures, such as blood vessels, and in geometric

Cosmetic
Definition: Products or treatments designed to enhance or alter the appearance,
especially of the face or skin.
How It’s Made: Manufactured from various compounds, including natural and
synthetic ingredients, to enhance aesthetic appearance.
Why It’s Needed: Used to improve appearance, treat skin conditions, or create a
youthful or flawless look.
Functions:
 Enhances skin or facial appearance
Treats specific skin conditions (e.g., acne)
Where It’s Found: In products like makeup, skincare creams, hair products, etc.

Desmosome
Definition: A type of cell junction that holds adjacent cells together, providing
mechanical strength to tissues.
How It’s Made: Formed by proteins such as cadherins that link the cytoskeletons of
neighboring cells.
Why It’s Needed: Prevents tissue from tearing under stress.
Functions:
Provides structural integrity
Maintains tissue cohesion
Resists mechanical stress
Where It’s Found: Skin, heart muscle, and epithelial tissues.

Disintegrate Definition: To break apart or dissolve into smaller parts.

Example: Cells disintegrate during apoptosis.

Elasticity
Definition: The ability of a material or tissue to return to its original shape after
being stretched or compressed.
How It’s Made: Elastin fibers in tissues give them their elastic properties.
Why It’s Needed: Allows the skin and other tissues to stretch and adapt to changes,
such as muscle movement or blood flow.
Functions:

Provides flexibility to skin and tissues

Enables organs to expand and contract
Where It’s Found: Skin, lungs, arteries, bladder.

Definition: A protein found in connective tissue that gives skin and other tissues
their elasticity.
How It’s Made: Synthesized by fibroblasts and stored in extracellular matrices.
Why It’s Needed: Provides skin with the ability to stretch and return to its original

Functions:
 Allows tissues to stretch and recoil
Contributes to skin’s flexibility and firmness
Where It’s Found: Skin, lungs, arteries, and other tissues requiring elasticity.

Electrolysis
Definition: A method of hair removal that uses an electric current to destroy hair

How It’s Made: An electric current is passed through a tiny needle into the hair
follicle, which disrupts the follicle’s ability to grow hair.
Why It’s Needed: A permanent solution for hair removal by targeting the root of

Functions:

Destroys hair follicles to prevent hair growth

Provides permanent hair removal
Where It’s Found: Used in hair removal clinics and dermatology practices.

Endosteum
Definition: A thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the bone, particularly the
marrow cavity.
How It’s Made: Composed of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in
bone remodeling.
Why It’s Needed: Involved in bone growth, repair, and remodeling.
Functions:

Lines the bone marrow cavity

Aids in the formation and resorption of bone tissue
Where It’s Found: Lining the medullary cavity of bones.

Eumelanin
Definition: A type of melanin that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes, primarily
black or brown.
How It’s Made: Produced in melanocytes from tyrosine through enzymatic
reactions.
Why It’s Needed: Provides protection against UV radiation by absorbing sunlight.
Functions:

Contributes to the dark pigmentation of skin and hair

 Protects against UV radiation
Where It’s Found: Skin, hair, eyes.

Definition: Extreme scarcity of food, leading to widespread hunger and

malnutrition.
How It Happens: Often caused by natural disasters, war, or economic collapse.
Why It’s Needed: Causes severe nutritional deficiencies and health crises.
Functions:

Leads to malnutrition and health risks

Can cause widespread death and suffering
Where It’s Found: Occurs in regions facing food shortages, especially in
developing countries.

Definition: A band or sheet of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and
other structures.
How It’s Made: Consists of collagen fibers produced by fibroblasts.
Why It’s Needed: Provides structure and support to muscles and organs, allowing
them to move smoothly against each other.
Functions:

Supports and separates muscles and organs

Enables movement and flexibility
Where It’s Found: Throughout the body, surrounding muscles, bones, and organs.

Definition: The developmental stage of a human from the ninth

week after fertilization until birth.

Where It’s Found: Inside the mother’s uterus.

Function: Development and growth of a human organism before birth

Fibroblasts
Definition: Cells that produce collagen and other fibers in connective tissue.
How They’re Made: Formed during development and maintained in the connective

Why They’re Needed: Essential for tissue repair and the formation of the
 extracellular matrix.
Functions:

Produces collagen and extracellular matrix

Heals wounds
Where They’re Found: In connective tissues throughout the body.

Flat bones
Definition: Thin, flat bones that protect internal organs and provide large surface
areas for muscle attachment.
How It’s Made: Composed of two layers of compact bone surrounding a layer of
spongy bone.
Why It’s Needed: Protect vital organs and serve as attachment sites for muscles.
Functions:

Protects organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs

Provides surfaces for muscle attachment
Where It’s Found: In the skull, ribs, sternum, and scapulae.

Folic Acid
Definition: A type of B-vitamin (Vitamin B9) essential for DNA synthesis, cell
division, and growth.
How It’s Made: Obtained from dietary sources like leafy vegetables, fruits, and
fortified foods.
Why It’s Needed: Crucial for fetal development and overall cell growth.
Functions:

Prevents birth defects

Supports red blood cell formation
Aids in DNA repair and synthesis
Where It’s Found: In leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fortified grains.

Definition: Small tubular structures in the skin from which hair grows.
How They’re Made: Formed during embryonic development and continue
throughout life.
Why They’re Needed: Necessary for hair growth and protection.
Functions:
 Hair growth
Houses sebaceous glands that produce oil
Where They’re Found: In the dermis layer of the skin.

Glycolipid
Definition: A molecule consisting of a carbohydrate and a lipid, involved in cell
recognition and maintaining the skin barrier.
How It’s Made: Synthesized in the Golgi apparatus of cells.
Why It’s Needed: Plays a role in cell communication and waterproofing of the skin.
Functions:
Helps form the skin’s permeability barrier
Aids in cell recognition and signaling
Where It’s Found: Cell membranes, particularly in the epidermis.

Hematopoiesis
Definition: The process of producing blood cells, including red blood cells, white
blood cells, and platelets.
How It’s Made: Occurs primarily in the bone marrow, where stem cells
differentiate into various blood cell types.
Why It’s Needed: Ensures the production of new blood cells for carrying oxygen,
fighting infections, and clotting.
Functions:

Produces all types of blood cells

Supports immune function and oxygen transport
Where It’s Found: In the bone marrow, particularly in the spongy bone of long

Hemoglobin
Definition: A protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the
lungs to the tissues and organs.
How It’s Made: Synthesized in the bone marrow as part of red blood cell
production.
Why It’s Needed: Essential for oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
Functions:

Transports oxygen from lungs to tissues

Carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation
 Where It’s Found: In red blood cells.

Definition: Openings or spaces in bones that allow the passage of blood vessels,
nerves, or other structures.
Example: Foramen (holes in bones for the passage of nerves and vessels).
Why It’s Needed: Allow for the passage of vital structures through bones.
Functions:

Allow for the passage of blood vessels and nerves

Provide access for structures to reach different parts of the body
Where It’s Found: In the skull, vertebrae, and other bones.

Homeostasis The process by which a living organism maintains a stable internal environment
despite external changes. It involves regulating factors like temperature, pH, and
fluid balance to ensure optimal functioning of cells and systems.

Definition: A type of cartilage that is clear, smooth, and most abundant in the body.
How It’s Made: Composed of a dense network of collagen fibers and chondrocytes
(cartilage cells).
Why It’s Needed: Provides support and flexibility in joints, and forms the template
for bone formation in embryos.
Functions:

Forms the articular surfaces of bones in joints

Provides smooth surfaces for movement
Where It’s Found: In the joints, rib cartilage, and nose.

Hydroxyapatite
Definition: A crystalline mineral compound that makes up the majority of bone and
tooth structure.
How It’s Made: Formed when calcium and phosphorus combine in bone tissue.
Why It’s Needed: Provides rigidity and strength to bones and teeth.
Functions:

Provides structural integrity to bones and teeth

Helps bones resist compression forces
Where It’s Found: In the mineral matrix of bones and teeth.
Incorporated
Definition: To include or absorb something into a whole.
Example: When minerals like calcium and phosphorus are incorporated into bone
tissue to form its structure.
Why It’s Needed: Essential for processes like bone formation and tissue
development.
Functions:

Integrates various components into the bone matrix

Helps build the bone structure and strength
Where It’s Found: In the body, particularly in bone and connective tissues.

Irregular bones
Definition: Bones that do not have a regular shape and serve various functions.
How It’s Made: Composed of spongy bone and compact bone, with complex

Why It’s Needed: Provide support, protection, and muscle attachment.

Functions:

Protect internal organs

Support the body and allow for muscle attachment
Where It’s Found: In the vertebrae, pelvis, and facial bones.

Definition: A tough, fibrous structural protein that forms the outer layer of skin,
nails, and hair.
How It’s Made: Synthesized by keratinocytes in the epidermis during the process of
keratinization.
Why It’s Needed: Provides strength, waterproofing, and protection against
mechanical damage.
Functions:
Strengthens hair, skin, and nails
Forms a waterproof barrier
Protects against environmental damage
Where It’s Made: In keratinocytes of the epidermis.
Where It’s Found: Skin, nails, hair, and epithelial cells of the respiratory and
digestive systems.

Keratinized A tissue that has hardened and waterproofed due to the presence of keratin, a
 protective protein found in the outer skin, hair, and nails.

Keratinocytes Formed in: Stratum basale (deepest layer of the epidermis).

How they form: Epidermal stem cells in the stratum basale divide by mitosis,
producing new keratinocytes. As they move upward, they undergo keratinization,
accumulating keratin and losing their nuclei.
Where they are present: Throughout the epidermis, making up 90% of its cells.
They eventually die and become the stratum corneum (outermost protective layer).
:

Protection: Form a waterproof, tough barrier against pathogens, chemicals, and

physical damage.
Prevent water loss: The keratin and lipid layers keep moisture inside the skin.
Wound healing: After injury, keratinocytes migrate and proliferate to close

Keratohyalin Definition: A granular protein found in keratinocytes that plays a role in

keratinization.
How It’s Made: Produced by keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum.
Why It’s Needed: Assists in the formation of the skin’s protective layer.
Functions:

Strengthens keratinocytes
Helps in waterproofing the skin

Where It’s Found: Stratum granulosum of the epidermis.

Langerhans Cells
Definition: Immune cells of the epidermis that detect foreign substances and activate
immune responses.
How They’re Formed: Derived from bone marrow and migrate to the epidermis.
Why They’re Needed: Help defend against infections by capturing and presenting
antigens to the immune system.
Functions:
Recognizing pathogens
Activating immune responses
Presenting antigens to T-cells
Where They’re Made: Bone marrow.
Where They’re Found: Stratum spinosum of the epidermis, lymph nodes.
Ligaments
Definition: Strong bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones.
How It’s Made: Composed primarily of collagen fibers produced by fibroblasts.
Why It’s Needed: Provide stability and limit excessive movement in joints.
Functions:

Connect bones to other bones

Provide joint stability and limit movement
Where It’s Found: At joints throughout the body, such as the knee, elbow, and

Long bones
Definition: Bones that are longer than they are wide, primarily involved in
movement and support.
How It’s Made: They are composed of a long shaft (diaphysis) and two ends
(epiphyses) that contain spongy bone and marrow.
Why It’s Needed: Provide support and facilitate movement.
Functions:

Support weight and facilitate movement

Act as levers in the body
Where It’s Found: In limbs, such as the femur, tibia, humerus, and radius.

Longitudinal
Definition: A term used to describe a lengthwise orientation or direction, parallel to
the long axis of a structure.
Example: A longitudinal cut would be made along the length of an object, dividing
it into two symmetrical halves.
Where It’s Found: In anatomy, biology, and engineering, often describing body
parts or cuts along lengthwise axes.

Lysosomes
Definition: Membrane-bound organelles in cells that contain enzymes to break
down waste materials and cellular debris.
How They’re Made: Produced by the Golgi apparatus and contain digestive

Why They’re Needed: Help in cellular digestion and the removal of dead cells.
Functions:

Breaks down waste and toxins in the cell

 Aids in cell renewal and recycling of materials
Where They’re Found: In almost all eukaryotic cells.

Definition: The innermost part or core of certain structures, such as hair, bones, or

How It’s Made: In hair, the medulla consists of cells that are loosely packed and
contain air spaces.
Why It’s Needed: In hair, it gives structural strength and can affect hair texture.
Functions:

Provides structure to hair

Contributes to the overall strength of hair
Where It’s Found: In the center of the hair shaft (for thick hair), or absent in finer
hair types.

Definition: A pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color,

providing protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

How It’s Made: Produced by melanocytes through the oxidation of the

amino acid tyrosine, catalyzed by the enzyme tyrosinase.

Why It’s Needed: Protects skin from UV damage by absorbing harmful

radiation, reducing the risk of DNA damage and skin cancer.

Functions:

Pigmentation of skin, hair, and eyes

UV radiation protection
Involvement in neural functions

Where It’s Made: In melanocytes, which are found in the basal layer of
the epidermis.

Where It’s Found: Skin, hair, eyes, and certain parts of the brain.

Melanocytes
Formed in: Neural crest cells during embryonic development, then migrate to the
stratum basale.
 How they form: Melanoblasts (precursor cells) differentiate into melanocytes,
which produce melanin in response to UV exposure. Melanin is stored in
melanosomes, which are transferred to keratinocytes.
Where they are present:
Stratum basale (mainly in skin).
Hair follicles (coloring hair).
Iris of the eye (eye pigmentation).
:
Pigmentation: Determines skin, hair, and eye color.
UV Protection: Absorbs harmful UV radiation, preventing DNA damage and
reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Antioxidant properties: Helps neutralize free radicals from sun exposure.

Melanosome
Definition: Organelles in melanocytes that contain melanin, the pigment responsible
for skin, hair, and eye color.
How It’s Made: Synthesized in melanocytes from tyrosine, then stored in
melanosomes.
Why It’s Needed: Melanosomes produce and store melanin, providing UV
protection.
Functions:

Stores melanin pigment

Distributes melanin to skin cells for pigmentation
Where It’s Found: In melanocytes in the epidermis.

Membrane thin, flexible layer of tissue that covers, lines, or separates structures in the body,
such as the plasma membrane (cell boundary) or mucous membranes (lining of

Merkel Cells Formed in: Stratum basale during early development.

How they form: Derived from epidermal stem cells, they differentiate into
specialized touch-sensitive cells and connect with sensory neurons.
Where they are present: Mainly in the stratum basale, found in high-touch areas
fingertips, lips, and hair follicles.
:

Touch sensation: Merkel cells act as mechanoreceptors, detecting light touch and
.
 Communication with nerves: They transmit signals to the nervous system,
helping with fine touch perception..

Microbes
Definition: Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, often
invisible to the naked eye.
How They’re Made: Microbes are naturally occurring or can be produced in
various environments.
Why They’re Needed: Essential in processes like digestion, decay, and nutrient
cycling. However, some can cause diseases.
Functions:

Help in digestion (e.g., gut bacteria)

Can be pathogenic and cause infections
Involved in nutrient cycling in the environment
Where They’re Found: Everywhere—on the skin, in the environment, inside the
body, etc.

Microdermabrasion
Definition: A cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin
cells to promote a smoother appearance.
How It’s Made: Performed using a machine that sprays fine crystals or uses a
diamond-tipped tool to remove the outermost layer of skin.
Why It’s Needed: Helps in reducing wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
Functions:

Exfoliates skin
Treats hyperpigmentation
Where It’s Found: Done in dermatology clinics or spas.

A type of cell division where a single cell divides to produce two identical
daughter cells, crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance.

Definition: The control center of a cell, containing genetic material (DNA).

How They’re Made: Formed during cell division from the nuclear envelope.
Why They’re Needed: Direct cellular activities and store genetic information.
Functions:
Stores DNA
 Controls cell function
Regulates gene expression
Where They’re Found: Present in almost all eukaryotic cells (except red blood

Definition: Having an excessive amount of body fat, typically measured by a BMI

of 30 or higher.
How It’s Made: Caused by an imbalance between calories consumed and calories

Why It’s Needed: A condition that increases the risk of various health issues like
heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
Functions:

Linked to increased risk of chronic diseases

Affects body movement and functionality
Where It’s Found: In individuals with excessive caloric intake and insufficient
physical activity.

Organelles
Definition: Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.
How They’re Made: Assembled within the cell during development.
Why They’re Needed: Ensure cells function properly.
Examples and Functions:
Mitochondria: Energy production
Ribosomes: Protein synthesis
Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein and lipid processing
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and transports proteins
Where They’re Found: Inside cells, suspended in the cytoplasm.

Osteoblasts
Definition: Bone-forming cells responsible for the synthesis of bone matrix and
mineralization.
How It’s Made: Derived from osteoprogenitor cells and work by secreting collagen
and minerals.
Why It’s Needed: Build bone tissue and repair damaged bones.
Functions:

Synthesize bone matrix

 Mineralize bone tissue
Where It’s Found: In the periosteum and endosteum of bones.

Osteoclasts
Definition: Cells that break down bone tissue, important for bone remodeling and
calcium homeostasis.
How It’s Made: Derived from monocyte precursors in the bone marrow.
Why It’s Needed: Involved in bone resorption, removing old bone to make way for
new bone.
Functions:

Resorb and break down bone tissue

Regulate calcium levels in the blood
Where It’s Found: On the surface of bones, particularly in areas undergoing
remodeling.

Osteocytes
Definition: Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue and regulate mineral

How It’s Made: Osteoblasts become osteocytes once they are surrounded by bone

Why It’s Needed: Maintain bone matrix and help with bone repair and remodeling.
Functions:

Maintain bone tissue

Regulate mineral exchange between bone and blood
Where It’s Found: Within the bone matrix, residing in small cavities called

Osteogenic cells
Definition: Stem cells in bone that differentiate into osteoblasts.
How It’s Made: Derived from mesenchymal stem cells.
Why It’s Needed: Provide a source of new osteoblasts for bone growth and repair.
Functions:

Differentiate into osteoblasts

Contribute to bone formation and repair
Where It’s Found: In the periosteum and bone marrow.
Parasympathetic opposite of the sympathetic system; it promotes rest, digestion, and energy
conservation by slowing the heart rate and stimulating digestion (rest-and-digest
response).

Penetration
Definition: The process of a substance passing through or entering a surface or

How It Happens: Penetration occurs when particles, liquids, or microbes break

through the surface layer of the skin or other tissues.
Why It’s Needed: Allows substances (like medication or nutrients) to enter the
body or allows external agents (like microbes) to infect.
Functions:

Allows absorption of nutrients or medication

Facilitates microbial invasion
Where It Happens: Skin, mucous membranes, or other bodily surfaces.

Phagocytes
Definition: Cells that engulf and digest foreign particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
How They’re Made: Derived from the bone marrow and circulate in the blood or
reside in tissues.
Why They’re Needed: Essential for immune defense and wound healing.
Functions:

Engulfs pathogens and debris

Aids in immune responses
Where They’re Found: Blood, lymph nodes, spleen, tissues.

Pheomelanin
Definition: A type of melanin that gives skin, hair, and eyes a yellow to red hue.
How It’s Made: Produced in melanocytes from tyrosine, but with sulfur-containing
amino acids involved in its synthesis.
Why It’s Needed: Provides lighter pigmentation compared to eumelanin.
Functions:

Contributes to red and yellow tones in skin and hair

Offers less UV protection compared to eumelanin
Where It’s Found: Skin, hair, eyes.
Phosphorus
Definition: A chemical element that works in tandem with calcium to form
mineralized bone tissue and supports various bodily functions.
How It’s Made: Phosphorus is absorbed from food and stored in bones.
Why It’s Needed: Important for maintaining strong bones and teeth and for energy
production.
Functions:

Works with calcium to form hydroxyapatite in bones

Essential for energy metabolism in the form of ATP
Where It’s Found: In bones, teeth, and as a component of energy molecules like

Precursor starting material or early form of a substance or cell that will later develop into
something more specialized. Example: Melanocyte precursors develop into
melanocytes.

Projections
Definition: Bony projections or extensions that provide attachment points for
muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Example: The greater trochanter of the femur.
Why It’s Needed: Allow for the attachment of muscles and ligaments.
Functions:

Serve as attachment points for muscles and tendons

Increase mechanical leverage and force
Where It’s Found: On various bones throughout the body.

Protruding Definition: Extending outward or beyond a surface.

Example: A bone may protrude through the skin in a fracture.

Definition: A structure or framework that provides support for something, often

used in reference to biological tissues or the body's skeletal system.
How It’s Made: In the body, the scaffold is formed by osseous (bone) tissue that
creates a supportive framework.
Why It’s Needed: It supports the body and helps it maintain its shape.
Functions:
 Provides structural support
Acts as a framework for organs, tissues, and muscles
Where It’s Found: In bones, which serve as a scaffold for the body.

Sesamoid bones
Definition: Small, round bones that form in tendons in response to stress or friction.
How It’s Made: Develop inside tendons, particularly where they experience friction
or pressure.
Why It’s Needed: Help reduce friction and increase mechanical advantage in

Functions:

Protect tendons and reduce friction

Improve the mechanical advantage of muscles
Where It’s Found: The patella (kneecap) is the most well-known example.

Song bones
Definition: Bones that are roughly cube-shaped, providing stability and support with
limited movement.
How It’s Made: Made of spongy bone and compact bone, these bones are relatively
small and dense.
Why It’s Needed: Provide support and stability, often acting as shock absorbers.
Functions:

Provide support and stability

Act as shock absorbers in joints
Where It’s Found: In the wrists (carpals) and ankles (tarsals).

Stratified A term used to describe tissues with multiple layers of cells, providing protection.
Example: Stratified squamous epithelium in the skin.

Subcutaneous
Definition: Beneath the skin, referring to the layer of tissue under the dermis.
How It’s Made: Composed of adipose tissue and connective tissues.
Why It’s Needed: Provides insulation, energy storage, and cushioning for internal

Functions:

Stores fat
 Insulates the body
Protects organs
Where It’s Found: Beneath the skin, surrounding organs.

Sympathetic A part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or
emergency situations by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy
availability (fight-or-flight response).

Synthesis
Definition: The process of producing complex compounds from simpler substances.
Example: Protein synthesis in cells.

Definition: The resting phase of the hair growth cycle when the hair is not actively

How It’s Made: Hair follicles remain dormant until they shed the old hair and begin
the growth cycle again.
Why It’s Needed: The hair rests before shedding and making room for new hair

Functions:

Hair remains at a stable length

Old hairs are shed to make way for new hairs
Where It’s Found: In hair follicles during the rest phase.

Definition: Tough, fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones.

How It’s Made: Composed of collagen fibers produced by fibroblasts.
Why It’s Needed: Transmit the force generated by muscles to bones, enabling
movement.
Functions:

Attach muscles to bones

Facilitate movement by transferring muscle forces
Where It’s Found: Connecting muscles to bones throughout the body.

Definition: Relating to tension, the resistance of a material to being pulled apart.

How It’s Made: Materials like collagen in tissues contribute to their tensile strength.
 Why It’s Needed: Helps tissues withstand stretching and mechanical forces.
Functions:

Provides structural integrity to tissues

Resists breaking under tension
Where It’s Found: Tendons, ligaments, skin.

Thermoregulation
Definition: The process by which the body maintains its internal temperature within
a certain range, despite external temperature changes.
How It’s Made: Achieved through various mechanisms, including sweating,
shivering, and adjusting blood flow to the skin.
Why It’s Needed: Maintains homeostasis and ensures proper functioning of
enzymes and cellular processes.
Functions:

Regulates body temperature

Helps prevent overheating or hypothermia
Where It’s Found: Throughout the body, primarily in the skin and hypothalamus.

Translucent Definition: Allowing light to pass through, but not completely clear.
Example: The stratum lucidum of the skin is translucent.

Definition: Physical injury or damage to the body caused by external forces.

How It Happens: Caused by accidents, falls, or impact with sharp objects or heavy

Why It’s Needed: Refers to any harm or injury sustained that disrupts normal body

Functions:

Disrupts tissues and organs

Often requires medical attention for healing
Where It’s Found: Anywhere in the body where damage occurs.

Definition: The pressure exerted by fluids in cells or tissues that helps maintain their

How It’s Made: Created by the movement of water within cells or tissues.
 Why It’s Needed: Maintains cell shape and ensures proper cellular function.
Functions:

Maintains cell structure

Supports plant cells and tissues
Where It’s Found: Plant cells, skin, and tissues.

Vascularized blood vessels. A vascularized tissue or organ receives blood supply, which
provides oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste. Examples include the dermis of the
skin and muscles.

Definition: A small, membrane-bound sac within or outside of a cell that contains

materials for transport or storage.
How It’s Made: Formed by the budding of membranes from organelles like the
Golgi apparatus or the plasma membrane.
Why It’s Needed: Important for cellular processes like transport, secretion, and
waste removal.
Functions:

Stores or transports substances within the cell

Releases materials outside the cell (exocytosis)
Where It’s Found: Inside cells, in the cytoplasm.

Definition: The act of pulling something with force, often used to describe the
process of hair removal.
Example: Pulling out hair by force (e.g., plucking or waxing).
Why It’s Needed: Used in certain hair removal techniques.
Functions:

Removes hair from the root

Can cause discomfort or irritation
Where It’s Found: In hair removal practices, such as plucking and waxing.