UPMSP High School Human Science flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Osteoblast

A bone-forming cell that secretes and mineralizes new bone matrix; osteoblasts become osteocytes when enclosed in lacunae.

Synovial joint

A freely movable joint with a fluid-filled cavity, articular cartilage, and a capsule; examples are the knee hinge and hip ball-and-socket joints.

Melanin

A brown-black pigment produced by melanocytes in the epidermis; it absorbs ultraviolet radiation and protects skin and underlying tissues from DNA damage.

Villi

Finger-like projections of the small intestinal lining that contain blood and lymph capillaries; they increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Bile

A green-yellow fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; bile salts emulsify fats into small droplets, aiding lipase action, but bile contains no digestive enzyme.

Balanced diet

A diet that supplies energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water in amounts suited to age, sex, and activity for health and growth.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs at the ends of bronchioles; their thin moist walls and large total surface area allow rapid oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange with blood.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues; it also helps transport some carbon dioxide.

Lymph

A clear fluid derived from tissue fluid that travels in lymph vessels, passes through lymph nodes, and carries lymphocytes and absorbed fats.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, consisting of a glomerulus and tubules; it filters blood, reabsorbs useful substances, and secretes wastes into urine.

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone, released from the posterior pituitary, increases water reabsorption in kidney collecting ducts and concentrates urine when body water is low.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions such as temperature, pH, water, and glucose within narrow limits by negative feedback and coordinated organ responses.

Reflex arc

A rapid involuntary pathway involving a receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector; it enables protective responses before conscious thought.

Cerebellum

The brain region behind the cerebrum that coordinates voluntary movement, posture, and balance by comparing intended movement with sensory feedback.

Rods and cones

Photoreceptors in the retina: rods respond in dim light and detect shape and movement, while cones respond in bright light and detect color.

Insulin

A hormone from pancreatic beta cells that lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake into cells and glycogen storage in liver and muscle.

Thyroid hormones

T3 and T4, secreted by the thyroid gland, increase metabolic rate, heat production, growth, and nervous system development; iodine is required for their synthesis.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism in which a rise in a hormone or body variable suppresses its further production, keeping levels within a stable range.

Ovulation

The release of a mature ovum from an ovary, usually near the middle of the menstrual cycle; the ovum then enters the fallopian tube.

Adolescence

The period from ages 10 to 19 marked by puberty, rapid growth, secondary sexual development, and psychosocial changes; nutrition and health needs rise.

Fertilization

The fusion of a sperm and an ovum, usually in the fallopian tube, forming a zygote that divides and may implant in the uterus.

Communicable disease

An illness caused by a pathogen that can spread from an infected person, animal, or environment to others by contact, air, water, food, vectors, or blood.

Active immunity

Protection produced when the body's immune system responds to an infection or vaccine by making its own antibodies and memory cells.

ORS

Oral rehydration solution is a mixture of clean water, salts, and glucose that replaces fluid and electrolytes lost in diarrhea and prevents dehydration.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: chest compressions and rescue breaths given to a person in cardiac arrest to maintain blood flow and oxygen until advanced help arrives.

First aid

Immediate help given to an injured or suddenly ill person to preserve life, prevent worsening, and promote recovery before professional medical care is available.

RICE

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation: a first-aid sequence for sprains and strains that reduces pain, swelling, and further injury.

Antenatal care

Health care during pregnancy that includes checkups, tetanus immunization, iron-folic acid supplements, nutrition counseling, and screening for danger signs.

Exclusive breastfeeding

Feeding an infant only breast milk, with no water, formula, or other foods, for the first six months; it provides ideal nutrition and immune protection.

Birth spacing

The interval between the birth of one child and the conception of the next; adequate spacing reduces maternal depletion and improves child health outcomes.

Consumer rights

Legally protected entitlements including safety, information, choice, redressal, and consumer education under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

FSSAI mark

A mandatory food safety mark on packaged food in India showing the product meets food safety regulations; it appears with a license number.