ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Chapter 1 – Introduction to the Human Body (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 1: Introduction to the Human Body.

Gross anatomy

The study of large body structures visible without magnification (macroscopic anatomy).

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures that can be observed only with a microscope or magnification; includes cytology and histology.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Regional anatomy

The study of interrelationships of all structures within a specific body region.

Systemic anatomy

The study of the structures that make up a discrete body system (organs working together).

Interrelationship

How different anatomical structures relate and work together within a region or system.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite environmental changes.

Physiology

The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and how they work together to sustain life.

Form dictates function (Related)

The principle that the structure of an object or organism determines its function.

Anatomy vs physiology

Anatomy concerns structure; physiology concerns function and mechanisms of how structures work.

Structural organization

The arrangement of the body’s parts from small to large (chemical to organismal).

Chemical level

1) The lowest level of organization, involving atoms and molecules.

Cellular level

2) Level of organization focusing on cells as basic units of life.

Tissue level

3) Level of organization where groups of similar cells perform a common function.

Organ level

4) Level where two or more tissue types form a distinct structure with specific functions.

Organ system level

5) Level where groups of organs work together for major body functions.

Organismal level

6) Highest level of organization: the whole living human.

Subatomic particles

Fundamental particles smaller than atoms (e.g., quarks, electrons).

Atoms

Basic units of matter that combine to form molecules.

Molecules

Two or more atoms bonded together; building blocks of cells and structures.

Organelles

Functional structures within cells, such as mitochondria and ribosomes.

Cells

The smallest independently functioning units of life; basic units of tissues and organs.

Tissue

A group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Organ

A structurally distinct unit composed of two or more tissue types performing one or more physiological functions.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform major functions for the body.

Integumentary system

Skin and associated structures; protects, regulates temperature, and serves sensory roles.

Muscular system

Muscles and tendons; enables movement and posture.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones regulating body processes.

Skeletal system

Bones, joints, and connective tissues that support and protect the body and enable movement.

Nervous system

Network of neurons and supportive cells controlling rapid responses to stimuli.

Cardiovascular system

Heart and blood vessels; transfers nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Lymphatic system

Supports immune function and fluid balance by returning fluids and filtering pathogens.

Digestive system

Organs that break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.

Respiratory system

Air passageways and lungs responsible for gas exchange.

Urinary system

Kidneys and associated structures that remove waste and regulate water/electrolytes.

Reproductive system

Organs involved in producing offspring; differ between sexes but share developmental features.

Organization (compartmentalization)

Body’s trillions of cells arranged within internal compartments to protect and separate processes.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in the body; energy transformation and use.

Anabolism

Metabolic reactions that build larger, more complex molecules from smaller ones.

Catabolism

Metabolic reactions that break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and respond to internal and external changes.

Movement

Motion of body parts, organs, and cells; not just limb movement but cellular processes as well.

Development

All changes in life from birth to death, including growth, differentiation, and repair.

Differentiation

Specialization of cells to perform particular tasks.

Growth

Increase in body size via cell number, size, and extracellular material.

Reproduction

Formation of new organisms from parent organisms.

Oxygen

Essential gas for cellular respiration; ~20% of air supports energy production (ATP). (Requirement for Human Life)

Nutrients

Substances in food necessary for survival; include water, energy-yielding (Carbs & lipids) and body-building nutrients (Proteins/amino acids), and micronutrients (Vitamin & minerals). (Requirement for Human Life)

Water

Critical nutrient essential for life processes.

Temperature (narrow range)

Body reactions occur best within a limited temperature range around 37°C (98.6°F). (Requirement for Human Life)

Atmospheric pressure (narrow range)

Pressure of the atmosphere must stay within a limited range for optimal body function. (Requirement for Human Life)

Enzymes

Biological catalysts whose activity is temperature-dependent; helps metabolic reactions proceed.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism that reduces or cancels the original Stimulus to restore homeostasis.

Positive feedback

A control mechanism that enhances the original stimulus, often in cascades, beneficial for short-term events.

Control mechanism components

Receptor (sensor), control center, and effector that regulate body variables.

Receptor

Sensor that detects changes in the internal or external environment.

Control center

Interprets input from receptors and determines required response. (Brain)

Effector

Structure that executes the response as directed by the control center.

Anatomical position

Standard body posture: standing upright, feet together, palms forward, arms at sides.

Regional terms

Terms naming body areas (e.g., brachium=arm, antebrachium=forearm, femur=thigh, crus=leg).

Directional terms

Terms describing relative location: anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, lateral, medial, proximal, distal, superficial, deep.

Body sections & planes

Planes (sagittal, midsagittal, parasagittal, frontal/coronal, transverse) used to divide the body or organs for study.

Dorsal vs ventral cavities

Posterior (dorsal) and anterior (ventral) body cavities that house organs.

Cranial cavity

Part of the dorsal cavity housing the brain.

Spinal (vertebral) cavity

Part of the dorsal cavity enclosing the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

Ventral cavity containing heart and lungs; separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Ventral cavity subdivided into abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Pleura

Serous membranes around the lungs (pleural cavities).

Pericardium

Serous membranes around the heart (pericardial cavity).

Peritoneum

Serous membranes lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs.

Parietal vs visceral serous membranes

Parietal lines cavity walls; visceral covers organs; the space between holds serous fluid.

Abdominal regions and quadrants

Nine regions and four quadrants used to locate organs within the peritoneal cavity.

Homeostatic imbalance

Disruption of homeostasis increasing disease risk and aging-related changes.