Human Body Orientation - Anatomy Lecture 5/19/26

Flashcards covering introductory human anatomy, levels of organization, homeostasis components, directional terminology, and body regions based on provided lecture notes.

Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy

The study of large, visible body structures such as the right and left lobes of the liver.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of body structures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Levels of Organization

The structural hierarchy of the body consisting of: Atom, Molecule, Macromolecule, Organelle, Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, and Organism.

Metabolism

A necessary life function involving all chemical reactions that occur within body cells.

Anabolism

The metabolic process of building up larger, complex molecules from simpler ones.

Catabolism

The metabolic process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

Survival Needs

The five factors required for survival: Nutrients, Oxygen, Water, Stable body temperature, and Atmospheric pressure.

Homeostasis

A dynamic state of equilibrium maintained by chemical, thermal, and neural factors.

Receptor

The component of a control mechanism that detects a change (stimulus) and sends input along the afferent pathway to the control center.

Control Center

The component of a control mechanism that determines the set point and sends output along the efferent pathway.

Effector

The component of a control mechanism that provides the means for the control center's response to the stimulus.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A control system that moves a variable back toward a set point, such as maintaining core body temperature at $37.0\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($98.6\,^{\circ}\text{F}$) through shivering or sweating.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A control system that enhances or accelerates a process, such as the release of oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth.

Superior (cranial or cephalad)

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 backside 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.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Proximal

Close 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.

Deep (internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Axillary

The anatomical landmark referring to the armpit.

Brachial

The anatomical landmark referring to the arm.

Cervical

The anatomical landmark referring to the neck region.

Popliteal

The anatomical landmark referring to the posterior knee area.

Epigastric Region

The upper middle abdominopelvic region located superior to the umbilical region.

Hypogastric Region

The lower middle abdominopelvic region located inferior to the umbilical region.