Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 - Unit 1 Exam Prep

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the introductory concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology 1, including study definitions, homeostatic mechanisms, body cavities, and anatomical terminology.

Anatomy

The study of the microscopic and macroscopic structure of human organs and organ systems, describing where they are located, what they are made of, and their associated structures.

Physiology

The study of the multiple and interdependent functions of organs and organ systems, investigating how individual structures and systems work together.

Gross Anatomy

Also known as macroscopic anatomy, this field examines large, visible structures often using a systemic approach.

Cytology

The study of cells and their structures, derived from the Greek 'cyt' (cell) and 'ology' (study of).

Histology

The study of tissues and their structures, derived from the Greek 'histo' (tissue) and 'ology' (study of).

Pathological Physiology

An approach to physiology that investigates the effects of diseases on the body.

Principle of Complimentary Structure and Function

A concept stating that the way a structure is built is directly related to the way it operates, such as one-way heart valves or joint structures.

Homeostasis

A state of dynamic equilibrium where all body systems work together to maintain a stable internal environment (e.g., a normal temperature range of $96^{\circ}F$ to $100^{\circ}F$).

Intrinsic Regulation

Also known as autoregulation, this is an automatic response to environmental change that occurs directly within a cell, tissue, or organ.

Extrinsic Regulation

Maintenance of homeostatic equilibrium controlled by the nervous and endocrine systems.

Receptor

A sensor, such as peripheral nerves or special senses, that monitors the environment and reports stimuli via afferent pathways.

Control Center

The component (usually the brain or spinal cord) that determines the set point, interprets input from the receptor, and determines the response.

Effector

A muscle or gland that carries out instructions from the control center to either oppose or enhance the stimulus.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism where the response of the effector opposes the stimulus to shut it down and bring the body back to homeostasis; examples include insulin and $CO_2$ regulation.

Positive Feedback

Also called 'cascade reactions,' this mechanism occurs when the response of the effector enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, such as in blood clotting or uterine contractions during labor.

Dorsal Body Cavity

A cavity that protects the nervous system and is divided into the cranial cavity (encasing the brain) and the vertebral cavity (encasing the spinal cord).

Ventral Body Cavity

Also known as the coelom, it houses the internal organs (viscera) and is divided into the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Mediastinum

A subdivision of the thoracic cavity that contains the pericardial cavity and surrounds the remaining thoracic organs.

Parietal Serosa

The portion of the serous membrane (serum lining) that lines the internal body walls.

Visceral Serosa

The portion of the serous membrane that covers the internal organs themselves.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position for the body: standing upright, hands at the sides with palms facing forward, and feet together.

Supine Position

Lying down face up while in the anatomical position.

Prone Position

Lying down face down while in the anatomical position.

Eponyms

Non-Greek/Latin based names for anatomical structures named after their discoverer or diseases named after the first famous case (e.g., Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Sagittal Plane

A plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) portions.

Transverse Plane

Also known as a horizontal or cross-section, this plane divides the body into superior (cranial) and inferior (caudal) portions.