Chapter 1–5 Intro to Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on anatomy and physiology.

Gross anatomy

The study of body structures visible without a microscope; macroscopic anatomy.

Macroscopic

Structures large enough to be seen with the naked eye; another way to describe gross anatomy.

Microscopic anatomy

Anatomy that requires a microscope to view, including cellular anatomy and tissue structure (histology).

Histology

Study of tissues; the organization and structure of tissues at the cellular level.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function; how organisms perform their life processes; linked to anatomy through structure–function relationships.

Structure–function relationship

An organism's form and structure determine its possible functions.

Protein shape

A protein's three-dimensional shape determines its activity; changing shape can turn it on or off.

Denaturation

Loss or alteration of protein structure and function due to heat, extreme pH, or other factors.

Heavy metals

Toxic metals that bind to proteins and alter their shape, disrupting normal function.

Levels of organization

Chemical → cellular → tissue → organ → organ system → organism; each level builds on the one below.

Atoms

Stable units of matter that define elements; different elements (e.g., oxygen, carbon) have distinct properties.

Molecules

Atoms arranged in specific patterns; molecular shape influences chemical properties and interactions.

Oxygen gas (O2)

Two oxygen atoms bonded together; a diatomic gas with very low solubility in water; used in energy production.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Two oxygen atoms bonded to a carbon atom; a gas with higher solubility in water than O2; waste product of metabolism.

Cellular level

The level of life defined by cells; cells are the smallest living units and cannot be considered living by themselves.

Tissue

A group of cells organized to perform a specific function; tissues can comprise different cell types; histology studies tissues.

Cardiac muscle tissue

Heart muscle tissue made of cardiac muscle cells connected in a functional network.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissues arranged to perform a specific function (e.g., the heart).

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform a broader physiological function (e.g., cardiovascular system).

Cardiovascular system

System that moves blood, delivers oxygen and nutrients, removes carbon dioxide, carries heat and signaling molecules; includes the heart, blood, and vessels.