BIOL 211 Chapter 1: The Human Body - Orientation and Terminology (Flashcards)

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering chapter concepts: anatomy vs physiology, terminology, body positions, directional terms, and life functions.

What is Anatomy?

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

What is Physiology?

The study of the function of body parts, and how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

What are the reference values for the reference male in the textbook (age and weight)?

Age 20–25 years; weight ~155 lb (70 kg).

What are the reference values for the reference female in the textbook (age and weight)?

Age 20–25 years; weight ~125 lb (57 kg).

What is Gross (macroscopic) anatomy?

The study of large structures visible to the naked eye.

What is Regional anatomy?

Looks at all structures in a particular area of the body (e.g., head, chest, abdomen).

What is System anatomy?

Looks at just one organ system (e.g., cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, urinary).

What is Surface anatomy?

Looks at internal structures as they relate to overlying skin.

What is Microscopic anatomy?

Structures too small to be seen by the naked eye.

What are Cytology and Histology?

Cytology is the microscopic study of cells; Histology is the microscopic study of tissues.

What is Developmental anatomy?

Studies changes in anatomy and physiology that occur throughout life.

What are Embryology and Gerontology?

Embryology: development before birth; Gerontology: changes that occur with aging.

What techniques are used for studying anatomy as listed in the notes?

Mastery of anatomical terminology; observation; palpation; manipulation; auscultation.

What is the focus of modern physiology studies?

Cellular and molecular level; often based on organ systems and chemical reactions within cells.

What is the Principle of Complementarity?

Anatomy and physiology are inseparable; function reflects structure and structure determines possible functions.

What are the Necessary Life Functions?

Maintenance of boundaries; movement; responsiveness; digestion; metabolism; excretion; reproduction; growth.

What maintains boundaries in the body?

Separation between internal and external environments; plasma membranes and skin.

What is the function of the muscular system?

Movement of body parts and substances through skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.

What is Responsiveness?

The ability to sense and respond to stimuli (e.g., withdrawal reflex, breathing rate adjustments).

What is Digestion?

Breakdown of ingested food and absorption of simple molecules into blood.

What is Metabolism?

The sum of all chemical reactions in body cells; includes catabolism and anabolism.

What is Excretion?

Removal of waste products of metabolism and digestion (urea, CO2, feces).

What is Reproduction in biology?

Cellular level: division of cells for growth/repair; organismal level: production of offspring.

What is Growth?

Irreversible increase in size and changes in shape of a body part or organism.

What is Standard Anatomical Position?

Body erect with feet slightly apart; palms facing forward; thumbs away from midline.

What are other body positions besides Standard Anatomical Position?

Sitting, upright; recumbent; prone (face down); supine (face up).

What does Superior mean?

Toward the head end or upper part; above.

What does Inferior mean?

Away from the head end; toward the lower part; below.

What does Anterior (ventral) mean?

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

What does Posterior (dorsal) mean?

Toward the back of the body; behind.

What does Ventral mean and how does it relate to Anterior?

Ventral means toward the belly; Anterior can refer to cranial or ventral depending on context.

What does Dorsal mean and how does it relate to Posterior?

Dorsal means toward the back; Posterior can refer to caudal or dorsal depending on context.

What does Proximal mean?

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

What does Distal mean?

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

What does Superficial mean?

Toward or at the body surface.

What does Deep mean?

Away from the body surface; more internal.

What does Medial mean?

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

What does Lateral mean?

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

What does Intermediate mean?

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

What does Ipsilateral mean?

On the same side of the body (e.g., right hand and right foot).

What does Contralateral mean?

On opposite sides of the body (e.g., right hand and left foot).