Unit 1 Overview: Anatomy, Physiology, and Study Skills

A vocabulary-style set of flashcards covering key concepts and study skills from Unit 1 notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and relationships of body parts; includes gross, regional, and systemic approaches.

Physiology

The study of how living organisms perform vital functions; includes neurophysiology, endocrinology, and immunology.

Gross anatomy

Anatomy of structures visible to the naked eye.

Regional anatomy

Anatomy organized by body regions (e.g., head, trunk, limbs).

Systemic anatomy

Anatomy organized by organ systems (e.g., circulatory, nervous).

Neurophysiology

Physiology of the nervous system and its functions.

Endocrinology

Study of hormones and their effects on body functions.

Immunology

Study of the immune system and its responses.

Dissections

Cutting open specimens to study structure–function relationships and enhance learning.

Rationale for dissections

Heightened learning through real specimens, ability to notice variation, improved hand–eye coordination, and early exposure to medical fields.

Virtual simulations

Digital models of anatomy; cannot fully show variations or abnormalities seen in real specimens.

Animal models

Non-human organisms used to advance understanding, study disease, test cures, and ensure safety (including cosmetics).

Cosmetic testing

Testing cosmetics on animals to assess safety.

Life expectancy

Average number of years a person is expected to live (examples: 2019 ≈ 79 years; 2022 ≈ 76.1 years).

Interdisciplinary sciences

Fields that integrate multiple scientific disciplines to study the human body.

Levels of organization

Hierarchy of biological structure from atoms to organisms.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Biochemistry

Chemistry of living systems and the reactions that sustain life.

Cells

The basic unit of life; the focus of the next unit.

Storage and retrieval

Study strategies that help encode, store, and retrieve information.

Visual imagery

Creating mental pictures to aid memory.

Context

Learning in meaningful context to improve memory.

Taking notes

Recording information during learning for later review.

Recital

Repeating information aloud or in writing to reinforce memory.

ABC technique

A listed study method to improve memory (details not specified in notes).

Mnemonics

Memory aids used to improve recall.

Learning vocabulary

Studying and memorizing new terms and definitions.

Flash cards/Visual flash cards

Cards used for practice recall, often with images or cues.

Free recall

Recall of information without cues.

Practice quizzes

Self-tests to reinforce learning.

Interleaving

Mixing different topics or problem types in a study session.

Turn-and-talk/Jigsaw

Collaborative technique where learners teach each other (jigsaw learning).

Study groups

Small groups that study together to reinforce material.

Solving before being taught

Trying to solve a problem on your own before seeing the solution to boost learning.