Lecture 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the 'Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology' lecture.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body, answering 'What is the structure?'

Physiology

The study of the function of the human body, answering 'How does it work?' and explaining how anatomical structures operate.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a relatively stable internal environment, essential for the survival and function of cells, through dynamic equilibrium and feedback mechanisms.

Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy

The study of structures visible without magnification, such as heart chambers, bones, and muscles.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that requires magnification to observe, including cytology and histology.

Cytology

The microscopic study of cells.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues.

Interrelationship of Form and Function

The principle that structure determines function at all biological levels, where changes in structure often imply changes in function.

Cells

The smallest living units in the body, performing specific tasks and communicating with others.

Cell Theory

A fundamental biological concept stating that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, all cells arise from pre-existing cells, cells contain hereditary information, and all basic chemical and physiological functions are carried out inside cells.

Chemical Level of Organization

The level where atoms combine to form molecules, which then build cellular structures and regulate functions.

Cellular Level of Organization

The level comprising the smallest living units, individual cells, which vary in structure and function.

Tissue Level of Organization

The level consisting of groups of similar cells and extracellular materials performing a common function.

Organ Level of Organization

Dedicated structures composed of two or more tissue types with a specific function (e.g., the heart).

Organ System Level of Organization

A group of organs that work together to perform coordinated functions (e.g., the cardiovascular system).

Organism Level of Organization

A complete living being, representing the sum of all structural levels in the body.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and extracellular matrix working together to perform a common function.

Primary Tissue Types

The four main categories of tissues in the body: Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Neural tissue.

Epithelial Tissue

A primary tissue type that functions as a protective barrier, covers surfaces, lines cavities/tracts/vessels, forms glands, regulates permeability, and provides sensation.

Connective Tissue

The most diverse primary tissue type, characterized by cells in an extracellular matrix, functioning in support, structure, filling internal spaces, storing energy, and transporting materials.

Muscle Tissue

A primary tissue type specialized for contraction, which generates movement, maintains posture, supports soft tissue, and stabilizes temperature.

Neural Tissue

A primary tissue type specialized for communication via electrical impulses, composed of neurons and neuroglia, found in the CNS and PNS.

Organs

Integrated functional units consisting of multiple tissues performing a unified function (e.g., the heart).

Organ Systems

Functionally related organs that work together to perform physiological tasks and maintain homeostasis.

Integumentary System

An organ system that protects against environmental hazards, helps regulate body temperature, and provides sensory information (e.g., skin, hair, nails).

Skeletal System

An organ system that provides support and protection, stores calcium and other minerals, and forms blood cells (e.g., bones, cartilage).

Muscular System

An organ system that provides movement, generates heat to maintain body temperature, and provides support for other tissues (e.g., skeletal muscles).

Nervous System

An organ system that directs immediate responses to stimuli, coordinates activities of other organ systems, and provides and interprets sensory information (e.g., brain, spinal cord, nerves).

Endocrine System

An organ system that directs long-term changes in other organ systems, adjusts metabolic activity and energy use, and controls structural and functional changes during development (e.g., glands and hormones).

Cardiovascular System

An organ system that distributes blood cells, water, nutrients, waste, gases, and heat throughout the body (e.g., heart, blood vessels, blood).

Lymphatic System

An organ system that defends against infection and disease and returns tissue fluids to the bloodstream (e.g., lymph nodes, spleen, lymphatic vessels).

Respiratory System

An organ system that delivers air to alveoli for gas exchange, provides oxygen to the bloodstream, removes carbon dioxide, and produces sounds for communication (e.g., lungs, trachea).

Digestive System

An organ system that processes and digests food, absorbs nutrients and water, and stores energy reserves (e.g., stomach, intestines, liver).

Urinary System

An organ system that excretes waste products from the blood, controls water balance, stores urine, and regulates blood ion concentrations and pH (e.g., kidneys, bladder).

Reproductive System

An organ system that produces male/female sex cells and hormones, supports embryonic development (female), and provides for sexual intercourse.

Negative Feedback

A homeostatic regulation mechanism where the effector opposes the original stimulus, minimizing change, and is the primary mechanism for maintaining homeostasis (e.g., thermoregulation).

Positive Feedback

A homeostatic regulation mechanism where the initial stimulus produces a response that enhances the original condition, amplifying changes, and is used in processes needing quick completion (e.g., blood clotting, labor).

Receptor (Sensor)

A component of a homeostatic mechanism that is sensitive to environmental change.

Control Center (Integration Center)

A component of a homeostatic mechanism that processes information from the receptor and sends commands to the effector.

Set Point

The desired value for a physiological variable in a homeostatic mechanism (e.g., body temperature at 37°C).

Effector

A component of a homeostatic mechanism that responds to commands from the control center to oppose or enhance the stimulus.

Anatomical Position

A standard reference body position: standing upright, hands at sides, palms facing forward, and feet together.

Supine

Lying face up.

Prone

Lying face down.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Four clinical divisions of the abdominopelvic cavity (Right Upper, Left Upper, Right Lower, Left Lower) used for diagnostic purposes.

Abdominopelvic Regions

Nine anatomical divisions of the abdominopelvic cavity (e.g., epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric) preferred by anatomists for precise organ location reference.

Anterior (Ventral)

A directional term meaning towards the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

A directional term meaning towards the back of the body.

Superior (Cranial)

A directional term meaning towards the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior (Caudal)

A directional term meaning away from the head or towards the lower part of a structure.

Medial

A directional term meaning towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

A directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

A directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment or origin of a limb.

Distal

A directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment or origin of a limb.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A sectional plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Sagittal Plane

A sectional plane that divides the body into left and right portions (includes midsagittal and parasagittal).

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

A sectional plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) portions.

Ventral Body Cavity (Coelom)

The largest body cavity, subdivided into thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, containing respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Functions of Body Cavities

To provide protection from shock and impact and to allow changes in the size and shape of internal organs.

Viscera

Internal organs located within the body cavities.

Serous Membranes

Membranes that line body cavities and cover organs, secreting fluid to reduce friction.

Thoracic Cavity

The superior portion of the ventral body cavity, subdivided into pleural cavities (lungs) and the mediastinum (heart).

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity, containing connective tissue and the heart within the pericardial cavity.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The inferior portion of the ventral body cavity, consisting of the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.

Abdominal Cavity

The superior part of the abdominopelvic cavity, containing digestive glands and organs.

Pelvic Cavity

The inferior part of the abdominopelvic cavity, containing the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and the last segment of the digestive system.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity.

Retroperitoneal Organs

Organs located posterior to the peritoneum, such as the kidneys and pancreas.

Cardi-

A medical root meaning 'heart' (e.g., Cardiology - study of the heart).

-Itis

A medical suffix meaning 'inflammation' (e.g., Arthritis - inflammation of a joint).

Hyper-

A medical prefix meaning 'over, excessive' (e.g., Hypertension - high blood pressure).

Cyt/o

A medical combining form meaning 'cell' (e.g., Cytoplasm - substance of a cell).