Y06W18VC Theme Words — The human body

This module explores vocabulary connected to the theme of the human body. The words in this set are used when discussing anatomy, physiology, health and the systems and processes that keep the body functioning. These terms appear in science, health education, information texts and explanatory writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage with biological concepts and communicate clearly about the human body.

Word in Context (Theme: The human body)

These three words connect to the theme of The human body. Think about how each word helps you describe the topic more precisely.

function

/ˈfʌŋkʃən/

func‑tion

noun

The purpose or role that a body part or system is designed to carry out.

Word family: function (n./v.), functional (adj.)

Example: The primary function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood to every part of the body.

Synonyms: purpose, role, job

Collocations: the function of, serve a function, perform a function

organ

/ˈɔːɡən/

or‑gan

noun

A part of the body that has a particular and essential function, such as the heart, lungs or kidneys.

Word family: organ (n.)

Example: Each organ in the human body is specialised to carry out a specific set of tasks.

Synonyms: body part, structure, tissue

Collocations: an organ system, vital organ, organ function

system

/ˈsɪstəm/

sys‑tem

noun

A set of organs or parts that work together to carry out a particular function in the body.

Word family: system (n.), systematic (adj.), systematically (adv.)

Example: The circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body.

Synonyms: network, structure, mechanism

Collocations: organ system, the circulatory system, a complex system

Academic Vocab

compare

/kəmˈpeə/

com‑pare

verb | [compare – compared – compared]

To examine two or more things to find out how they are similar or different.

Word family: compare (v.), comparison (n.), comparative (adj.)

Example: The task asked students to compare two different accounts of the same historical event.

Synonyms: contrast, examine, evaluate

Collocations: compare and contrast, in comparison with, compare to

contrast

/ˈkɒntrɑːst/

con‑trast

noun / verb | [contrast – contrasted – contrasted]

A clear difference between two or more things. As a verb, to show how two things are different.

Word family: contrast (n./v.), contrasting (adj.)

Example: In contrast to the kidneys, the heart's primary function is to pump blood around the body.

Synonyms: difference, distinction, comparison

Collocations: in contrast to, by contrast, contrast with

similarity

/ˌsɪmɪˈlærəti/

sim‑i‑lar‑i‑ty

noun

A quality or feature that two or more things share; the state of being like something else.

Word family: similarity (n.), similar (adj.), similarly (adv.)

Example: The teacher pointed out the similarity between the two organ systems in terms of their filtering function.

Synonyms: likeness, resemblance, parallel

Collocations: a key similarity, show a similarity, similarities and differences

difference

/ˈdɪfrəns/

dif‑fer‑ence

noun

A way in which two or more things are not the same.

Word family: difference (n.), differ (v.), different (adj.)

Example: The main difference between the two systems is the type of fluid they are designed to move.

Synonyms: contrast, distinction, variation

Collocations: a key difference, the main difference, tell the difference

whereas

/weərˈæz/

where‑as

conjunction

Used to introduce a contrast between two facts or situations.

Word family: whereas (conj.)

Example: The lungs are responsible for gas exchange, whereas the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

Synonyms: while, on the other hand, in contrast

Collocations: whereas the first, whereas in contrast, whereas previously

in comparison

/ɪn kəmˈpærɪsən/

in com‑par‑i‑son

phrase

‘In comparison’ introduces a similarity or difference between two things.

Example: The first source is emotional. In comparison, the second source is calm and factual.

Synonyms: by comparison, compared with this, in contrast

Collocations: in comparison with; in comparison to; in comparison, the

Confusing Words

precede vs proceed

Precede and proceed look and sound similar but have different meanings. Precede means to come before something in time or order — for example, 'A strong introduction should precede the body paragraphs.'

  • precede — Precede' means to come before something in time, order or position — for example, 'The introduction should precede the body paragraphs.'
  • proceed — Proceed means to continue or move forward, especially after a pause or interruption — for example, 'Once the safety check was complete, the team was able to proceed with the experiment.'

Memory rule: A simple way to tell them apart: precede relates to order — something comes before something else (pre- means 'before'); proceed means to continue forward (pro- means 'forward'). If you can replace the word with 'come before', use precede. If you can replace it with 'continue', use proceed.