Human Body: English Vocabulary List

(anatomy) the membranous tube in the body that carries air from the throat to the bronchi

"The trachea carries air."

"The trachea is also called the windpipe."

(anatomy) the hollow organ in the throat that contains the vocal cords and provides an air passage to the lungs

"The larynx produces sound."

"The larynx is commonly known as the voice box."

any of the group of sensory cells that are mainly on the tongue, making one recognize different tastes

"Taste buds detect flavor."

"Taste buds on the tongue help us enjoy food."

(anatomy) any of the eight narrow-edged teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for biting

"The incisor is sharp."

"Incisors are used for cutting food."

the thick mucus that is formed in the nasal and throat cavities, usually secreted in excessive amounts as a result of common cold

"He coughed up phlegm."

"Too much phlegm can indicate a respiratory infection."

(anatomy) the outer layer of the anterior part of the brain, called cerebrum, containing gray matter

"The brain's cortex is complex."

"The cortex handles higher brain functions."

(anatomy) the sensory membrane at the back of the eye that transmits light signals to the brain through optic nerves

"The retina detects light in the eye."

"The retina is the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals which are then sent to the brain through the optic nerve to create visual images."

(anatomy) the transparent layer that covers the outside of the eyeball

"The cornea is transparent."

"The cornea helps focus light into the eye."

a thin piece of skin in the middle ear that vibrates by sound waves and enables one to hear sounds, also known as tympanic membrane

"The eardrum vibrates."

"A perforated eardrum can affect hearing."

a greenish-brown alkaline fluid that is produced by the liver in order to help the body digest fats

"Bile helps digestion."

"The liver produces bile to break down fats."

a large gland in the body that produces insulin and glucagon and substances that help the body digest food

"The pancreas produces insulin."

"The pancreas is both an endocrine and digestive organ."

(anatomy) an abdominal organ that controls the quality of the blood cells

"The spleen filters blood."

"The spleen helps fight certain infections."

(anatomy) the large round bone structure that the limbs and the spine are joined to, which also protects the abdominal organs

"The pelvis supports the body."

"The pelvis protects internal reproductive organs."

(anatomy) the narrow outer opening of the womb or uterus of a female

"The cervix is part of the uterus."

"Regular checks of the cervix are important for women’s health."

(anatomy) the tube in most mammals that carries urine out of the body, which also carries sperm in males

"The urethra carries urine."

"The urethra is shorter in women than in men."

the soft substance that fills the cavities of bones, which is either yellowish and consists of fat cells or reddish and makes blood cells

"Bone marrow produces blood cells."

"Bone marrow is found inside certain bones."

a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing for the passage of food and liquids during digestion

"Food passes through the esophagus into the stomach."

"The esophagus is a muscular tube about ten inches long that connects the throat to the stomach using wave like contractions to push food downward even when a person is lying down."

(anatomy) the outer layer of the skin that overlays the dermis

"The epidermis is the outer layer."

"The epidermis protects the body from the environment."

a tendon in the leg that attaches the muscles of the calf to the bone of the heel

"He tore his Achilles tendon."

"The Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel."

(anatomy) the longest bone in the top part of the human leg between the hip and the knee

"The femur is the thigh bone."

"The femur is the longest bone in the human body."

(anatomy) each of the pair of triangular bones that connect the humerus to the clavicle

"The scapula is the shoulder blade."

"The scapula connects with the clavicle."

relating to the kidneys or their function

"He has renal issues."

"The patient's blood tests indicated a significant decline in renal function, requiring immediate medical intervention and specialized care."

relating to the intestines, which are part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients and removing waste from the body

"The infection is intestinal."

"The intestinal infection caused severe abdominal pain and diarrhea and the doctor prescribed antibiotics and recommended drinking plenty of fluids."

the hard white external layer that covers the crown of a tooth

"Tooth enamel is hard."

"Enamel protects the teeth from decay."

an air-filled cavity, especially within the bones of the skull

"My sinus is blocked."

"Sinus problems often cause headaches and pressure."

(anatomy) a rounded part of an organ, such as, lungs or brain that seems to be separate in some way from the rest

"The brain has a lobe."

"The temporal lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing auditory information and memory formation."

(anatomy) the round colored portion of the eye around the pupil and behind the cornea

"The iris is colored."

"The vibrant color of her eyes was due to the unique pigmentation within her iris."

the body of an animal or human, except the limbs and head

"The trunk is big."

"Despite his muscular build, the wrestler's powerful trunk was disproportionately larger than his limbs."

(anatomy) the main part of the large intestine, between the caecum to the rectum, where water is removed from solid waste

"The colon removes water."

"Undigested food passes through the colon before excretion."

(anatomy) any of the four pointed teeth that are between the incisors and premolars, used for tearing food

"A dog has canine teeth."

"The sharp canine teeth of the wolf are ideal for tearing flesh efficiently."