Human Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 1 Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary terms and their definitions from Chapter 1 of Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Anatomy

The study of the body's structure.

Physiology

The study of the body's function.

Complementarity of Structure and Function

The principle that function always reflects structure.

Levels of Structural Organization

Human body organization from smallest chemical level to organism level: chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism.

Maintenance of Life

Involves maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring in the body, including catabolism and anabolism.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.

Receptor (sensor)

Monitors the environment in a homeostatic control system.

Effector

Receives output from the control center and provides means to respond.

Directional Terms

Describes the location of body structures in relation to one another, based on standard anatomical position.

Body Planes

Surfaces along which body structures can be cut for anatomical study; includes sagittal, frontal (coronal), and transverse planes.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body vertically into right and left parts.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides the body vertically into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior parts.