Anatomy and Physiology of Animals/Glossary/A-B

A-B | C-D | E-F | G-H | I-J | K-L | M-N | O-P | Q,R,S | T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z WordMeaningAAbdomenThe part of the body below the diaphragmAbomasumThe final compartment of the stomach of ruminants. This the ‘true’ stomach where muscular walls churn the food and gastric juice is secretedAbsorptionPassage of digested food from the gut into the bloodAccessory glandA gland that produces secretions that make up the liquid portion of semenAcetylcholineA neurotransmitter released at a synapseAcousticRelating to soundActive transportThe movement of substances across a membrane against the concentration gradient. Requires energyAdipose tissueConnective tissue in which the cells are filled with fat or lipidAdrenal cortexOuter portion of adrenal glandAdrenal medullaInner portion of adrenal glandAlbuminThe most common of the proteins in the plasmaAldosteroneThe hormone produced by the adrenal cortexAlimentaryConcerning nutritionAlimentary canalThe long canal from the mouth to the anus through which food passes as it is digested and absorbedAlkalineContaining few hydrogen ions. pH above 7AlveolusAn air sac in the lung, where gas exchange takes placeAmino acidsMolecules containing nitrogen that are the building blocks of proteinsAmphibianVertebrate Class containing the frogs and toadsAmylasesEnzymes that split carbohydrates like starch and glycogen into monosaccharides like glucoseAnaemiaA condition involving a low number of red blood cells or haemoglobin in bloodAntagonistic musclesA pair of muscles that work together such that as one contracts the other relaxes and vice versa.AnteriorNearer to the front of the body (usually used in human anatomy)Anterior pituitary glandAnterior portion of pituitary glandAntibodiesProteins made in response to a stimulating molecule called an antigen. The basis for the immune responseAnticoagulantA substance that prevents blood clottingAntidiureticA substance that inhibits urine productionAntidiuretic hormoneA hormone produced by posterior pituitary gland that stimulates water reabsorption from the kidney tubuleAntigensA substance that stimulates the body to produce an antibodyAnusThe opening at the lower end of the rectum through which solid waste is eliminated.AortaThe main artery to body and head from heartApexThe pointed end of a cone shaped structure e.g. heartAppendageA structure attached to the bodyAqueous humorThe watery fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eyeArterioleA small, almost microscopic, arteryArteryA blood vessel that carries blood away from the heartArticulationThe point of contact between bones. Where they move against each otherAppendageA structure attached to the bodyAqueous humorThe watery fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eyeArterioleA small, almost microscopic, arteryArteryA blood vessel that carries blood away from the heartArticulateTo move against each other - as of bonesArticulationThe point of contact between bones. Where they move against each other. A joint. Point of contact between 2 bonesAtlasFirst cervical vertebraAtomA unit of matter that comprises a chemical elementAtrioventricular valveA valve that prevents blood flow backwards from ventricle to atriumAtrium (pl. atria)One of two cranial chambers of heartAuditory ossicleOne of 3 small bones in middle earAutonomic nervous systemThe part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions. Consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.Axillary lymph nodeA lymph node under junction of forelimb and bodyAxisThe second cervical vertebraAxonA long extension from the neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell bodyBBall and socket jointA synovial joint where rounded end of one bone fits into cup-shaped depression of anotherBarbThe part of the feather that sticks out of the shaftBarbulesThe parts of a feather that grow out of the barbs. They have hooks and rolled edges to lock the barbs togetherBasement membraneThe thin membrane between epidermis and dermisBasophilA white blood cell with granules in the cytoplasmBicepsThe muscle that extends from the shoulder to the elbow responsible for flexing the forearmBilateralIncluding both sidesBileAn alkaline secretion from liver that helps break down fats into small dropletsBinocular visionThe placement of the eyes such that both see the same wide area but from slightly different anglesBinomialThe two-part Latinized name of a species, consisting of genus and species namesBlastocystA hollow ball of cells that develop from the fertilized ovumBlind spotThe area of retina at end of optic nerve where there are no receptor cellsBloodThe fluid that circulates in the blood vesselsBlood pressureThe pressure of blood on the walls of the blood vesselsBody cavityA space within the body that contains various organsBowman’s capsuleThe double walled globe at proximal end of nephron. Encloses glomerulusBrain stemThe part of the brain just above the spinal cord. Contains the medulla oblongataBreedA race or varietyBronchioleA branch of the bronchi in the respiratory systemBronchusOne of the large branches of the tracheaBuccalTo do with the mouth