Human Anatomy and Physiology Review

This set of flashcards encompasses key terms and definitions relevant to human anatomy and physiology, aiming to aid students in their exam preparation.

Anatomical position

The standard position of the body where the person stands upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Directional terms

Descriptive words that indicate the relative position of body parts (e.g., anterior, posterior, superior, inferior).

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions and has sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Passive transport

Movement of molecules across a cell membrane without using energy, including diffusion and osmosis.

Active transport

Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy input (usually ATP).

Cell organelles

Specialized structures within cells that perform distinct processes (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K that dissolve in fats and oils and are stored in the body's fatty tissue.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins C and B-complex that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body.

Minerals

Inorganic substances essential for various bodily functions, including calcium, potassium, and iron.

EKG interpretation

Assessment of the electrical activity of the heart using an electrocardiogram.

Digestive tract pathway

The route food takes through the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.

Accessory digestive organs

Organs that assist digestion but are not part of the digestive tract, such as the liver and pancreas.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism that counteracts a change to return to a set point, helping maintain homeostasis.

Hormones affecting the kidney

Regulatory substances produced by glands that influence kidney function (e.g., aldosterone, ADH).

Pulmonary circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Systemic circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Heart tissue electricity

The electrical signals that coordinate heart contractions and rhythm.

Regions of the eye

Anatomical areas associated with vision, including the cornea, lens, and retina.

Regions of the ear

Anatomical areas associated with hearing and balance, including the outer, middle, and inner ear.

Types of muscle

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle, each with distinct functions and locations in the body.

Connective tissues

Tissues that provide support and structure to the body, including bone and muscle tissues.

Joint classifications

Categories of joints based on structure and movement, such as synovial and fibrous joints.

Endocrine system glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

Types of neurons

Different kinds of nerve cells, including sensory, motor, and interneurons.

Tissue types

Four main groups of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Respiratory tract pathway

The route air takes through the respiratory system, from the nose to the lungs.

Blood vessels

Tubular structures that transport blood throughout the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Water balance disruptions

Conditions that affect the body's fluid levels, potentially leading to dehydration or overhydration.

Blood pathway through the heart

The route blood takes as it flows through the heart's chambers and valves.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

Nonessential amino acids

Amino acids that the body can produce on its own.

Solution components

Parts of a solution, including solute (substance dissolved) and solvent (medium in which it is dissolved).

Brain regions

Different areas of the brain responsible for various functions, including the cerebrum and cerebellum.

pH balance

The measure of acidity or alkalinity in the body, with normal levels around 7.4.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high.

Ventilation factors

Elements affecting breathing, including pressure and volume of air.

Body fluids

Various liquids in the body, including blood, lymph, and interstitial fluid.

Serous membranes

Thin membranes that line body cavities and cover organs, producing serous fluid for lubrication.

Reproductive system structures

Anatomical components involved in reproduction, including organs of both male and female systems.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Mitosis

A form of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Male reproductive system

Includes external organs like the penis and scrotum, which are outside the body for temperature regulation.

Autonomic control in reproduction

Functions of the autonomic nervous system related to reproductive organs and processes.

Primary sexual characteristics

Physical attributes directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Traits that develop during puberty and are not directly involved in reproduction.

Uterus regions/layers

The three layers of the uterus: endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium, each with specific functions.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary, pivotal in reproduction.

Fertilization

The process where sperm and egg unite to form a zygote.

Implantation

When a fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterine wall.

Ovarian cycle phases

The phases of the female reproductive cycle, including follicular and luteal phases.

Uterine cycle phases

The cyclical changes in the uterus that prepare for potential pregnancy.

Fertilized egg terminology

Terms used to describe early developmental stages, such as zygote and blastocyst.

Placenta membranes

Layers of tissue that support fetal development during pregnancy, including the chorion and amnion.

Labor process

The series of events leading to childbirth, involving contractions and dilation.

Breast hormones

Hormones like prolactin and oxytocin that influence lactation and breast development.

Pathogen definition

An organism that causes disease, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Vector definition

An agent that carries and transmits pathogens to susceptible hosts.

Infection definition

The invasion and multiplication of pathogens in body tissues.

Pathogen types

Types of infectious agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Infection types

Diseases caused by pathogens, including bacterial infections and viral infections.

Bloodstream components

Parts of the bloodstream, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.

Plasma transport substances

Substances carried in plasma, including nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Plasma proteins functions

Proteins in plasma that assist with clotting, immune responses, and maintaining osmotic pressure.

Blood cell types

Different cells in blood including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, each with specific roles.

Lymphatic system role

A part of the immune system responsible for transporting lymph and filtering pathogens.

Body defense lines

Three levels of defense: first (physical barriers), second (inflammatory response), third (adaptive immunity).

Skin color representation

Variations in skin color that indicate genetic background and environmental adaptations.

B-cells function

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies to combat pathogens.

T-cells function

Lymphocytes that play roles in cell-mediated immunity and directly attack infected cells.

Primary immune response

The body's initial response to a new pathogen, resulting in antibody production.

Secondary immune response

The more robust and quicker response generated upon re-exposure to an antigen.

Immunity types

Different forms of immunity, including active (exposure to pathogens) and passive (antibodies transferred).

Blood typing

The classification of blood based on the presence of antigens and antibodies, important for transfusion compatibility.