Human Anatomy and Physiology – Regions, Terminology, and Organization

Vocabulary flashcards covering regions, terminology, organization, and basic concepts in human anatomy and physiology.

Right hypochondriac region

One of the nine abdominal regions located on the right side below the ribs.

Epigastric region

The upper middle abdominal region just above the stomach.

Left hypochondriac region

The region on the left side beneath the lower ribs.

Right lumbar region

The region on the right side of the abdomen near the lumbar area.

Umbilical region

The central region around the navel (belly button).

Left lumbar region

The region on the left side of the abdomen near the lumbar area.

Right iliac (inguinal) region

Lower-right region of the abdomen near the hip.

Left iliac (inguinal) region

Lower-left region of the abdomen near the hip.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

The four large sections of the abdomen/pelvis defined by a vertical and horizontal line (RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ).

Abdominopelvic regions

The nine regions used for more precise localization within the abdomen/pelvis.

Nine-region method

A grid dividing the abdomen into nine regions for anatomical reference.

Anatomy

The science of body structure and how parts are arranged.

Physiology

The science of body function and how the parts work together.

Surface anatomy

The study of external form and markings of the body, often assessed by visualization or palpation.

Gross anatomy

Anatomy visible to the unaided eye.

Development anatomy

Study of structural changes from fertilized egg to adult (embryology and development).

Histology

Study of tissues under the microscope.

Cytology

Study of cells and cellular structure using a microscope.

Regional anatomy

Examines specific regions of the body (head, neck, chest, abdomen).

Systemic anatomy

Examines the body's organ systems.

Pathology

Study of disease and the structural and functional changes it causes.

Autopsy

Postmortem examination of the body and internal organs, performed by a pathologist.

Medical autopsy

A postmortem examination conducted for medical purposes.

Levels of organization

Hierarchy from chemicals to atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, systems, and organisms.

Atoms

The basic units of matter that participate in chemical reactions.

Molecules

Two or more atoms bonded together to form substances.

Cellular level

Level consisting of cells, the basic units of life.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that perform a common function.

Epithelium

A tissue type that lines surfaces and forms glands.

Connective tissue

Tissues that support, bind, or protect; includes bone, blood, and fat.

Muscles

Tissues that produce movement (skeletal, smooth, and cardiac).

Nerves

Nervous tissue that transmits electrical impulses.

Homeostasis

A stable internal environment maintained by physiological processes.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in body cells; includes catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism

Metabolic breakdown of molecules to release energy.

Anabolism

Metabolic synthesis of larger molecules from smaller ones; requires energy.

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and respond to changes in the environment.

Movement

Motion of body parts or substances.

Growth

Increase in size of a body part or the organism.

Differentiation

Development of a cell from an unspecialized to a specialized state.

Reproduction

Cellular division or production of offspring; propagation of the organism.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Fluid contained inside cells (cytosol).

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells, including plasma and interstitial fluid.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid between cells in tissues; part of the extracellular fluid.

Blood plasma

The liquid component of blood in which cells are suspended.

Lymph

Fluid within lymphatic vessels.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Synovial fluid

Lubricating fluid inside joint cavities.

Aqueous humor

Clear fluid in the eye’s anterior chamber.

Nutrients

Chemicals necessary for energy and to build body tissues.

Oxygen

Essential for energy production in cells.

Water

Most abundant chemical in the body; solvent and reactant in many processes.

Normal body temperature

Approximately 37°C; maintains optimal metabolic rates.

Atmospheric pressure

Air pressure that affects gas exchange and respiration.

Stimulus

A detectable change that disrupts homeostasis, triggering a response.

Anatomical position

Upright stance facing the observer with feet together and palms forward.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of origin or trunk.

Distal

Farther from the point of origin or trunk.

Superficial

Toward the body surface.

Deep

Toward the internal core of the body.

Visceral

Relating to the internal organs.

Parietal

Relating to the lining of a cavity.

Cranial

Relating to the skull or the head region.

Cervical

Relating to the neck region.

Cubital

Relating to the elbow region.

Carpal

Relating to the wrist region.

Patellar

Relating to the kneecap region.

Orbital

Relating to the eye socket.

Thoracic

Relating to the chest region.

Inguinal

Relating to the groin region.