BIOL 1103 Unit 7: Human anatomy and physiology

What is an organ?

A distinct structure of the body composed of two or more tissue types.

What is an organ system?

A group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet physiological needs of the body.

What is an organism?

A living being that has a cellular structure and can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.

What is the anatomical position?

Body erect & upright, head facing forward, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from body.

What does 'supine' mean?

Lying on the back facing upward.

What does 'prone' mean?

Lying face downward.

What is dorsal (posterior) surface of the body?

At the back of the body.

What is ventral (anterior) surface of the body?

At the front of the body.

What is the dorsal surface of the hand?

The back of the hand.

What is the ventral surface of the hand?

The palm (palmar).

What is the dorsal surface of the foot?

The top of the foot.

What is the ventral surface of the foot?

The sole (plantar).

What does superior (cranial) mean?

Toward the head.

What does inferior (caudal) mean?

Away from the head.

What does medial mean?

Toward the midline.

What does lateral mean?

Away from the midline.

What does proximal mean?

Toward the trunk or point of attachment.

What does distal mean?

Away from the trunk or point of attachment.

What does peripheral mean?

Away from the centre.

What does central mean?

Toward the centre.

What does superficial mean?

Near the surface.

What does deep mean?

Away from the surface.

What is the sagittal plane?

Divides the body vertically into right and left sides.

What is the frontal (coronal) plane?

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (rear) portions.

What is the transverse plane?

Divides the body horizontally into upper and lower portions.

What does the cranial cavity contain?

Cranial bones and the brain.

What does the vertebral cavity contain?

The spinal cord, backbone (vertebrae), and beginning of spinal nerves.

What does the thoracic cavity contain?

Ribs, chest muscles, sternum, thoracic vertebrae, pericardial cavity, and pleural cavities.

What does the abdominal cavity contain?

Stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, part of pancreas, most of small and large intestine.

What does the pelvic cavity contain?

Urinary bladder, part of colon, and reproductive organs.

What is a serous membrane?

A thin membrane covering the walls and organs in thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

What does the parietal layer cover?

The walls of the body cavity.

What does the visceral layer cover?

The organs inside the cavity.

What is the function of serous membranes?

They form fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction on internal organs when they move.