Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

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, […]

Biomimicry Definition Biomimicry is the science of applying nature-inspired designs in human engineering and invention to solve human problems. It was used to create the first flying machine, inspired by eagles and owls—this paved the way for technologies like jets and planes. It was also used in the invention of Velcro, which works in much […]

Biomechanics Definition Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of physics to biological systems to understand how organism move and interact with their surroundings. Biomechanics is concerned with everything from microscopic systems like muscle contraction in cells, all the way to large-scale, whole-body motions like a jumping cat. Biomechanics applies the laws of […]