Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Cervical Vertebrae Definition The cervical vertebrae are the bones within the neck. The vertebrae are the bones that make up the backbone of vertebrate animals. These cervical bones are the smallest in the body in mammals, although they are not the smallest bones found within the animal. The bones are identified as C1 through C7,…

Ceruloplasmin Definition Ceruloplasmin is an enzyme produced in the liver that transports more than 95% of the copper in blood plasma. Its function is to oxidize ferrous iron into ferric iron — a reaction that requires copper — in order to allow the transport of iron. The ceruloplasmin test, which assesses the levels of ceruloplasmin…

Centrosome Definition Centrosomes are organelles that serve as the main microtubule-organizing centers for animal cells. Centrosomes are made up of two, barrel-shaped clusters of microtubules called “centrioles” and a complex of proteins that help additional microtubules to form. This complex is also known as the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), since it helps organize the spindle fibers…

Centromere Definition The centromere is the point on a chromosome where mitotic spindle fibers attach to pull sister chromatids apart during cell division. When a cell seeks to reproduce itself, it must first make a complete copy of each of its chromosomes, to ensure that their daughter cell receives a full complement of the parent…

Centriole Definition A centriole is a small structure made of microtubules which exists as part of the centrosome, which helps organize microtubules in the body. A centriole is the main unit that creates and anchors microtubules in the cell. Typically, a eukaryotic cell has one centriole that is at a right angle to a second centriole…

Central Vacuole Definition The central vacuole is a large vacuole found inside of plant cells. A vacuole is a sphere filled with fluid and molecules inside a cell. The central vacuole stores water and maintains turgor pressure in a plant cell. It also pushes the contents of the cell toward the cell membrane, which allows…

Definition The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. This body system is responsible for integrating and coordinating the activities of the entire body. Through these physical structures, thought, emotion, and sensation are experienced, and body movements are coordinated. Overview The central nervous system can be thought of as the coordination…

Cellular Senescence Definition Cellular senescence is a state in which cells can no longer divide. This permanent state entails benefits and detriments for the organism in which the cells live. Whereas cellular senescence was first attributed to tumor suppression and aging, more recent research has found that it also promotes cancer and tissue repair. Therefore,…

Cellular Respiration Definition Cellular respiration is the process through which cells convert sugars into energy. To create ATP and other forms of energy to power cellular reactions, cells require fuel and an electron acceptor which drives the chemical process of turning energy into a useable form. Cellular Respiration Overview Eukaryotes, including all multicellular organisms and…

Cell Wall Definition A cell wall is an outer layer surrounding certain cells that is outside of the cell membrane. All cells have cell membranes, but generally only plants, fungi, algae, most bacteria, and archaea have cells with cell walls. The cell wall provides strength and structural support to the cell, and can control to…