Unit 1 – The Basics: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering the basics of Anatomy and Physiology, including structural organization, life processes, homeostasis, and medical imaging techniques.

What is the fundamental relationship between anatomy and physiology?

Structure and function are always related; specifically, structure determines what functions can take place.

How do fibrous proteins like collagen function in the skin?

They are shaped like a rope to provide strength and prevent the skin from tearing.

What is the function of globular proteins such as hemoglobin?

They are used to transport oxygen in the blood.

What specific structural feature allows skeletal muscle cells to perform their function?

The capacity for contraction, which allows the body to move.

Why are the bones of the skull heavy and secure?

To protect brain function.

What type of tissue lines the urinary bladder and permits distension?

Transitional epithelium.

What are the functions of the liver?

Filtering blood and producing bile.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'Anatomy'?

From the Greek $ana-$ meaning 'up' and $tomia$ meaning 'cutting'.

What is the literal meaning of 'Physiology' from Ancient Greek?

$physis$ meaning 'nature, origin' and $-logia$ meaning 'study of'.

How do invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques differ in risk and information?

Invasive techniques have higher risk (infection, bleeding) but provide direct visualization/samples; non-invasive techniques have lower risk and provide indirect information.

What are the four non-invasive diagnostic techniques used in physical assessment?

Inspection (visual examination), Palpation (touching), Auscultation (listening to sounds), and Percussion (tapping for echoes).

What is the correct protocol for a physical assessment if abdominal tenderness is present?

1st Inspect, 2nd Auscultate, 3rd Percuss, 4th Palpate.

What is an autopsy and when is it best performed?

A postmortem examination (necropsy) of a dead body to determine cause of death; it is best performed within $24$ hours of death.

What is the primary medical use of conventional radiography (X-ray)?

Osteology (study of bones), as it has poor resolution for soft tissues.

How does Computed Tomography (CT Scan) differ from standard X-ray?

It uses a moving X-ray beam and computer-generated images to reveal more soft tissue detail in cross-sections.

What mechanism does Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) use to create images?

A magnetic field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms, and radio waves cause them to produce signals used to create cross-sectional images.

Which imaging technique uses radiolabeled biologically active compounds (tracers)?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

What is the difference between Cytology and Histology?

Cytology is the study of cells, while Histology is the study of tissues.

Arrange the hierarchy of complexity from the simplest level to the most complex.

Atoms, Molecules, Organelles, Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organism.

What are the four biologically important organic molecules in the human body?

Proteins (from amino acids), Complex Carbohydrates (from simple sugars), Nucleic Acids (from nucleotides), and Lipids (from fatty acids and glycerol).

What are the six basic life processes that distinguish living from non-living things?

Metabolism, Responsiveness, Movement, Growth, Differentiation, and Reproduction.

Define homeostasis in the context of the human body.

A dynamic condition that maintains the internal environment within physiological limits through equilibrium.

What are the two major compartments for body fluids?

Intracellular Fluid ($ICF$) inside cells and Extracellular Fluid ($ECF$) outside cells.

Which two body systems are primarily responsible for regulating homeostasis?

The nervous system (rapid changes via nerve impulses) and the endocrine system (slower changes via hormones).

What are the three basic components of a feedback system?

1. Receptor (monitors changes), 2. Control center (evaluates input and generates commands), 3. Effector (produces a response).

Contrast negative and positive feedback systems.

Negative feedback reverses a change in a controlled condition, while positive feedback strengthens or reinforces the change.

What are examples of positive feedback mechanisms?

Childbirth (oxytocin release), blood clotting, protein digestion, and fever.

In clinical diagnosis, what is the difference between signs and symptoms?

Signs are objective, measurable changes (e.g., fever, rash); symptoms are subjective changes not apparent to an observer (e.g., headache, nausea).