Medical Terminology - The Cell Flashcards

Medical Terminology - The Cell

• Chromo refers to "colored," often used in terms related to pigmentation in cells.
• -some signifies "body," a term commonly seen in biological structures.
• Cyto means "cell," a fundamental unit of life.
• Skeleton denotes a "framework," indicating support structures within cells.
• Hyper indicates "excessive," often used to describe abnormal conditions in cells.
• Hypo means "below normal," contrasting hyper with underactivity or reduced presence.
• Iso translates to "same as," used when comparing concentration levels.
• -tonic relates to "concentration," important in discussing solutions surrounding cells.
• -o/sis identifies a "condition of," used in various medical diagnoses.
• Metastasis refers to the spread of cells, particularly in a cancer context, beyond their original site.
• Neo indicates "new," often associated with new formations such as tissues or cells.
• -plasm denotes "growth," representing various biological developments.
• Phag/o/ means "eat," relevant in describing cellular activities like eating foreign substances.
• -cytosis implies a "process of," used in discussing cellular functions.
• Atrophy describes a condition where cells waste away, often due to disease or aging.
• Benign refers to non-cancerous conditions, considered harmless.
• Papilloma is a benign, wart-like growth typically superficial.
• Stem cells are unspecialized cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cells.
• Cell membrane is a semipermeable barrier controlling substance exchange in and out of the cell.
• Nucleus contains genetic material (DNA and RNA) and directs cell activities, often termed the "brain" of the cell.
• Chromosomes are threadlike structures found in the nucleus, housing genetic information; humans possess 23 pairs.
• Endoplasmic reticulum is a membrane system involved in protein and lipid production and transport; acts as the cell's transportation system.
• Mitochondria are organelles responsible for energy production via respiration; stores ATP.
• Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy storage compound in cells.
• Peroxisome is an organelle involved in digesting worn-out cells and bacteria through oxidation.
• Cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid inside cells, holding organelles between the membrane and nucleus.
• Centrioles assist in cell division, specifically in animal cells.
• Golgi bodies serve as the cell's packaging center, distributing processed proteins and materials.
• Cytoskeleton is a network of supporting structures in the cytoplasm, functioning like bones in the human body.
• Specialized human cells include nerve cells, muscle cells, and red blood cells, highlighting the diversity of cell types.
• Nuclear envelope is a double membrane entity encircling the nucleus.
• Nucleoplasm fills the space within the nucleus, between chromatin and nucleoli.
• Nucleoli are sites within the nucleus where ribosomes are assembled, characterized by high protein and RNA concentrations.
• Ribosomes are organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cytoplasm.
• Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes crucial for cellular digestion processes.
• Hypertrophy describes an increase in cell size or number, often due to muscle building or organ enlargement.
• Dysplasia refers to an abnormal change in the size, shape, and organization of cells, often an early sign of disease.
• Tumor is the result of abnormal cell division, commonly referred to as neoplasm, which can be benign or malignant.
• Phagocytosis is a process wherein cells "eat" or engulf foreign particles or other cells.
• Cancer is characterized by malignant tumors, indicating uncontrolled cell growth.
• Malignant describes cancerous conditions, distinguishing them from benign growths.