An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture 'An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology', including various branches of study, levels of organization, organ systems, anatomical terminology, physical examination techniques, diagnostic imaging, body cavities, and homeostatic regulation.

Anatomy

The study of internal and external body structures and their physical relationships among other body parts. Describes the structures of the body.

Physiology

Concerns the function of the body; how the body parts work and carry out their life-sustaining activities.

Principle of Complementarity of Structure and Function

All specific functions are performed by specific structures, and the form of a structure relates to its function.

Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic Anatomy)

Involves examining relatively large structures that can be seen without using a microscope, often involving dissection.

Regional Anatomy

A gross anatomy approach where all structures in a particular region of the body (e.g., abdomen or leg) are examined at the same time.

Systemic Anatomy

A gross anatomy approach where body structure is studied system by system (e.g., cardiovascular system throughout the body).

Surface Anatomy

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface, or the study of general form and superficial markings.

Microscopic Anatomy

Deals with structures too small to be seen with the naked eye, requiring examination under a microscope.

Cytology

A subdivision of microscopic anatomy that considers the cells of the body.

Histology

A subdivision of microscopic anatomy that is the study of tissues.

Developmental Anatomy

Traces structural changes that occur throughout the life span.

Embryology

A subdivision of developmental anatomy that concerns developmental changes occurring before birth.

Clinical Anatomy (Applied Anatomy)

Emphasizes aspects of bodily structure and function important in the practice of medicine, dentistry, and allied health sciences.

Pathological Anatomy

Studies structural changes caused by disease.

Radiographic Anatomy

Studies internal structures as visualized by X-ray images or specialized scanning procedures.

Human Physiology

The study of the functions, or workings, of the human body.

Cell Physiology

The study of the functions of cells, looking at events involving atoms and molecules important to life.

Organ Physiology

The study of the function of specific organs, such as cardiac physiology for the heart.

Systemic Physiology

Includes all aspects of the functioning of specific organ systems, such as cardiovascular physiology.

Pathological Physiology

The study of the effects of diseases on organ functions or system functions.

Chemical/Molecular Level

The organizational level where atoms combine to form molecules, which then form macromolecules (e.g., water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates).

Cellular Level

The organizational level where molecules form organelles, which are the basic components of the smallest living units in the body, cells.

Tissue Level

The organizational level consisting of groups of similar cells that have a common function (e.g., epithelial, muscular, neural, connective tissue).

Organ Level

The organizational level where a discrete structure composed of at least two tissue types performs a specific function for the body (e.g., the heart).

Organ System Level

The organizational level where a combination of various organs makes up a specific system (e.g., digestive system, cardiovascular system).

Organism Level

The most complex level of organization, representing the whole person, resulting from the simpler levels working interdependently.

Integumentary System

Protects against environmental hazards, helps regulate body temperature, and provides sensory information. Major organs include skin, hair, sweat glands, and nails.

Skeletal System

Provides support and protection for other tissues, stores calcium and other minerals, and forms blood cells. Major organs include bones, cartilages, and ligaments.

Muscular System

Provides movement, protection and support for other tissues, and generates heat. Major organs include skeletal muscles and associated tendons.

Nervous System

Directs immediate responses to stimuli, coordinates activities of other organ systems, and provides sensory information. Major organs include brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Endocrine System

Directs long-term changes in other organ systems' activities, adjusts metabolic activity, and controls development. Major organs include pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

Cardiovascular System

Distributes blood cells, water, and dissolved materials (nutrients, wastes, oxygen, carbon dioxide), and distributes heat. Major organs include heart, blood, and blood vessels.

Lymphatic System

Defends against infection and disease and returns tissue fluids to the bloodstream. Major organs include spleen, thymus, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes.

Respiratory System

Delivers air to alveoli, provides oxygen to the bloodstream, removes carbon dioxide, and produces sounds for communication. Major organs include nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and lungs.

Digestive System

Processes and digests food, absorbs and conserves water, absorbs nutrients, and stores energy reserves. Major organs include teeth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Urinary System

Excretes waste products from the blood, controls water balance, stores urine, and regulates blood ion concentrations and pH. Major organs include kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Male Reproductive System

Produces male sex cells (sperm), seminal fluids, and hormones, and facilitates sexual intercourse. Major organs include testes, epididymides, ductus deferentia, seminal vesicles, and penis.

Female Reproductive System

Produces female sex cells (oocytes) and hormones, supports developing embryo, provides milk, and facilitates sexual intercourse. Major organs include ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands.

Physical Examination

The process of evaluating objective anatomic findings through the use of observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

Inspection

The technique of observing the patient’s overall appearance, skin color and condition, body shape, posture, and any visible signs of injury or abnormality.

Palpation

The technique where a healthcare professional uses their hands and fingers to feel for areas of tenderness, swelling, or abnormal growths.

Percussion

The technique of tapping on the patient’s body with fingers to assess the density and position of underlying organs, identify fluid buildup or air-filled spaces.

Auscultation

The technique using a stethoscope to listen for various lung, heart, and bowel sounds to detect normal and abnormal sounds.

Vesicular Lung Sound

A normal lung sound.

Bronchovesicular Lung Sound

A normal lung sound.

Bronchial Lung Sound

A normal lung sound.

Crackle (Adventitious Lung Sound)

An abnormal lung sound.

Wheeze (Adventitious Lung Sound)

An abnormal lung sound.

Ronchi (Adventitious Lung Sound)

An abnormal lung sound.

Stridor (Adventitious Lung Sound)

An abnormal lung sound.

Pleural Rub (Adventitious Lung Sound)

An abnormal lung sound.

Superficial Anatomy

Involves locating structures on or near the body surface, using anatomical landmarks and regions.

Anatomical Landmarks

Structures that can be felt or palpated, serving as reference points in superficial anatomy.

Anatomical Position

The standard anatomical reference for the human form: body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body.

Axial Part

Makes up the main axis of the body, including the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Part

Consists of the appendages, or limbs, which are attached to the body’s axis.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

Inferior (Caudal)

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Superficial (External)

Toward or at the body surface; nearer the surface.

Deep (Internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal; farther from the surface.

Section

A slice through a three-dimensional object, revealing its internal organization.

Plane

A two-dimensional flat surface used as a reference for anatomical sections.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

Median Plane (Midsagittal Plane)

A sagittal plane that lies exactly in the midline, dividing the body into equal right and left halves.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane offset from the midline, dividing the body into unequal right and left parts.

Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)

Vertical planes that divide the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Transverse Plane (Horizontal Plane)

A plane that runs horizontally from right to left, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts; also called a cross-section.

Oblique Plane

A plane that is any type of angle other than horizontal or vertical, not parallel or a right angle.

X-ray

The oldest and most common method of imaging, using high-energy radiation to penetrate tissues, with radiopaque areas appearing light.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

Uses computers to reconstruct sectional views from a rotating x-ray source, showing three-dimensional relationships and soft tissue structures more clearly.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissue structures by detecting energy released from atoms.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

An imaging technique that assesses metabolic and physiological activity of a structure, important for evaluating brain function.

Ultrasound

Procedures using high-frequency sound waves that are reflected by internal structures to assemble a picture (echogram); lacks clarity of other procedures but has no reported adverse effects.

DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography)

Used to monitor blood flow through specific organs by subtracting X-ray images taken before and after radiopaque dye administration to highlight dye distribution.

Body Cavities

Closed, fluid-filled spaces within the body's trunk that protect delicate organs and permit changes in organ size and shape.

Viscera

The internal organs that are enclosed by body cavities.

Serous Membrane (Serosa)

A thin tissue layer that lines the walls of internal body cavities and covers the surfaces of enclosed viscera, reducing friction.

Serous Fluid

A watery fluid that moistens serous membranes, coats opposing surfaces, and reduces friction.

Visceral Serosa

The portion of a serous membrane that directly covers a visceral organ.

Parietal Serosa

The opposing layer of a serous membrane that lines the inner surface of the body wall or chamber.

Potential Spaces

Body cavities that are normally in close contact between parietal and visceral serosae, but can accumulate fluid in clinical conditions.

Pleural Cavity

Each cavity surrounding a lung, lined by a slippery serous membrane (pleura) that reduces friction during breathing.

Pleura

The serous membrane lining a pleural cavity.

Visceral Pleura

The pleura that covers the outer surfaces of a lung.

Parietal Pleura

The pleura that covers the mediastinal surface and the inner body wall.

Pericardial Cavity

A small chamber that surrounds the heart, permitting changes in heart size and shape while preventing friction.

Pericardium

The serous membrane associated with the heart.

Visceral Layer of Serous Pericardium

The layer of pericardium covering the heart.

Parietal Layer of Serous Pericardium

The opposing surface of the pericardium.

Right Hypochondriac Region

One of the nine abdominopelvic regions, located laterally on the upper right side.

Epigastric Region

One of the nine abdominopelvic regions, located centrally on the upper side, superior to the umbilical region.

Left Hypochondriac Region

One of the nine abdominopelvic regions, located laterally on the upper left side.

Right Lumbar Region

One of the nine abdominopelvic regions, located laterally on the right side, at the waist level.

Umbilical Region

One of the nine abdominopelvic regions, located centrally around the navel.