Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Botany Definition Botany is the study of organisms in the kingdom Plantae, otherwise known as plants. The word botany comes from the adjective botanic, which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek word botane, referring to plants, grasses, and pastures. Botany also has other, more specific meanings; it can refer to the biology of a specific…

Definition Body systems are groups of organs and tissues that work together to perform important jobs for the body. Some organs may be part of more than one body system if they serve more than one function. Other organs and tissues serve a purpose in only one body system. Examples include the respiratory system, nervous…

Body Cavity Definition A body cavity is a space created in an organism which houses organs. It is lined with a layer of cells and is filled with fluid, to protect the organs from damage as the organism moves around. Body cavities form during development, as solid masses of tissue fold inward on themselves, creating…

Definition A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test analyzes the level of urea through the detection of the nitrogen within the molecule. High levels of urea within the blood can be a sign that certain body systems are not functioning properly, especially the kidneys. BUN Test Explained A BUN test can be done for several reasons: to determine…

Blood Definition Blood is the body fluid in humans and other animals that delivers the essential materials for life to the body’s cells. It has sometimes been called a fluid “tissue,” because like solid tissues it contains several types of cells which perform complex functions for the human body. The components of blood are produced…

Blastocyst Definition A blastocyst forms when a fertilized egg is in its second phase of growth. This takes place from days five to nine after fertilization. This is a big step for the little organism. Blastocysts follow after the morula phase, which is when the egg becomes a solid ball of cells until day three.…

Bipedalism Definition Bipedalism defines a method of locomotion by which organisms maneuver in their environment on two feet, and includes actions such as running, hopping, and walking. Organisms that habitually walk on two feet are called habitual bipeds and inhabit terrestrial environments. Organisms that occasionally support their weight on two hind legs, such as when…

Biotic Factors Definition Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem. Because of the way ecosystems work – as complex systems of competition and cooperation, where the action of every life form can effect all the others – any living thing within an ecosystem can be considered a biotic factor. Biotic factors such as…

Biopsy Definition A biopsy is the removal of tissue or cell samples for the purpose of examination using various biological techniques to gain information regarding the disease status of a particular tissue. Biopsies are typically conducted by surgeons or other interventional specialists (e.g., radiologists or cardiologists). The biopsied tissue sample can be stained and microscopically…

Biophysics Definition Biophysics is a branch of science that uses the methods of physics to study biological processes. Physics uses mathematical laws to explain the natural world, and it can be applied to biological organisms and systems to gain insight into their workings. Research in biophysics has helped prevent and treat disease, advance drug development,…