Study cards #1

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of human anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization, homeostatic mechanisms, anatomical terminology, and medical imaging technologies.

Anatomy

The study of human body structures, which is divided into four main branches: macroscopic or gross, microscopic, regional, and systemic.

Macroscopic Anatomy

Also known as gross anatomy, this branch focuses on large body structures visible without the aid of magnification.

Microscopic Anatomy

The branch of anatomy that studies structures observed with the use of a microscope, such as cells and tissues.

Regional Anatomy

An approach to studying anatomy where all structures in a specific body area are examined together.

Systemic Anatomy

An approach to studying anatomy that focuses on the structures making up a discrete body system.

Physiology

The study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways in which they work together to support the functions of life.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchical order of the human body from smallest to most complex: subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, and the biosphere.

Element

A pure substance that contains atoms, which are composed of subatomic particles including $protons$, $neutrons$, and $electrons$.

Integumentary System

An organ system of the human body that includes the hair, skin, and nails.

First Law of Thermodynamics

A law concerning energy transfer and transformation relevant to the functions of human life.

Metabolism

The sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place in the body, expressed as $Metabolism = Catabolism + Anabolism$.

Catabolism

The metabolic process where larger, more complex substances are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic process where smaller, simpler molecules are combined into larger, more complex substances, requiring energy.

ATP

The cellular energy currency of the human body, known as $Adenosine\,triphosphate$.

Controlled Hypothermia

A medical treatment used to reduce the metabolic rate of an organ or a person's entire body, often in clinical settings.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the mixture of gases in the earth's atmosphere, which aids in blood gas exchange.

Negative Feedback

A homeostatic control mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point, maintaining body parameters within a normal range.

Positive Feedback

A homeostatic control mechanism that intensifies a change in the body's physiological condition rather than reversing it.

Superior (Cranial)

An anatomical direction describing a position above or higher than another part of the body proper.

Inferior (Caudal)

An anatomical direction describing a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail.

Anterior (Ventral)

An anatomical direction describing the front or direction toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

An anatomical direction describing the back or direction toward the back of the body.

Medial

An anatomical direction describing the middle or direction toward the middle of the body.

Lateral

An anatomical direction describing the side or direction toward the side of the body.

Proximal

An anatomical direction describing a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Distal

An anatomical direction describing a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical body plane that divides the body or an organ into right and left sides.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A vertical body plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal body plane that divides the body or organ into upper and lower portions.

Computed Tomography (CT)

A medical imaging technique also known as a CAT scan that uses computers to analyze cross-sectional X-rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A noninvasive medical imaging technique that utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal structures.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A medical imaging technique that involves the use of radiopharmaceuticals to visualize physiological processes.

Ultrasonography

A medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate an image of internal body structures.