Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

This set covers foundations of anatomy and physiology, including structural levels, directional terminology, body planes, cavities, and mechanisms of homeostasis.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of an organism and the relationship to its parts; the term is derived from two word parts meaning "cutting apart".

Physiology

The study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to discovery.

Hypothesis

A reasonable guess based on previous observations or experiments.

Experiment

A simple test designed to avoid errors, utilizing experimental controls to ensure the test situation is not affecting the results.

Theory or Law

A hypothesis that has gained confidence.

Cells

The smallest living units of structure and function of the body and the simplest units of living matter.

Tissues

An organization of many cells that act together to perform a common function.

Organs

Structures that are larger and more complex than tissues and can often be seen easily.

Systems

The most complex unit of body organization, consisting of varying numbers and kinds of organs working together to perform complex functions.

Anatomical position

The reference position used to describe the way the body moves or the relationship of one area to another.

Bilateral symmetry

A characteristic of the body where the right and left sides mirror each other.

Supine and Prone

Terms used to describe the body when it is not in the anatomical position.

Superior

Toward the head, upper, or above.

Inferior

Toward the feet, lower, or below.

Anterior

Front or in front of.

Posterior

Back or in back of.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Toward the side of the body or away from the midline.

Proximal

Toward or nearest the trunk, or nearest the point of origin.

Distal

Away from or farthest from the trunk.

Superficial

Nearer the body surface.

Deep

Farther away from the body surface.

Sagittal plane

A lengthwise plane that divides the body into right and left sections.

Midsagittal

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal halves.

Frontal (Coronal) plane

A lengthwise plane that divides a structure into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse plane

A horizontal plane that divides a structure into upper and lower parts.

Cranial cavity

The space inside the skull that contains the brain.

Spinal cavity

The space inside the spinal column.

Ventral Cavities

A collective term for the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic cavity

The upper ventral cavity which includes the adventurous mediastinum and pleural cavities.

Abdominopelvic cavity

The lower ventral cavity consisting of the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.

Axial region

The body region consisting of the head, neck, and torso or trunk.

Appendicular region

The body region consisting of the upper and lower extremities.

Homeostasis

The relative constancy of the internal environment.

Feedback Loop

The body's general control system involving nerve endings that feed information to a control center in the brain.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism that opposes change in a controlled condition.

Positive feedback

A control mechanism that amplifies an occurring change.

Developmental Processes

Functions occurring during the early years that improve the efficiency of body functions.

Aging process

Changes occurring after adulthood that diminish the efficiency of body functions.