Orientation and Introduction to the Body - Anatomy and Physiology

Comprehensive flashcards covering introductory concepts of anatomy and physiology, including structural organization, directional terms, body planes, cavities, and homeostasis.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Anatomist

A person who studies the structure of the human body.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the body.

Pathophysiology

The study of abnormal changes in the functions of the body.

Cells

The smallest measure of living things.

Tissues

A group of cells that all work together for one function.

Organs

A collection of tissues working together.

Body systems

A collection of organs that work towards a common goal.

Organism

The body as a whole.

Anatomical Position

A standardized reference position where the body is viewed from the patient's perspective with the hands, head, and feet pointing forward.

Superior

A directional term meaning towards the head.

Inferior

A directional term meaning towards the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

A directional term meaning the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

A directional term meaning the back of the body.

Medial

A directional term meaning towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

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

Proximal

A directional term meaning near the trunk.

Distal

A directional term meaning further from the trunk.

Superficial

A directional term meaning closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

A directional term meaning further from the body surface.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that runs from top to bottom, dividing the body into a left and right portion.

Midsagittal Plane

A plane that runs directly down the midline of the body, also called the median plane.

Parasagittal Plane

Sagittal planes that are uneven and do not run down the midline.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane that runs vertically from top to bottom, dividing the body into a front (anterior) side and a back (posterior) side.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into top and bottom portions.

Oblique Planes

Planes that are cut at any type of angle other than horizontal or vertical; often remembered as "odd angles."

Dorsal Cavities

Open spaces located in the back of the body, containing the brain and the spine.

Cranial Cavity

A dorsal cavity that contains the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

A dorsal cavity that contains the spine.

Ventral Cavities

Open spaces located in the front of the body, including the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

A ventral cavity that contains the lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

A ventral cavity that contains the intestines, stomach, liver, and reproductive organs.

Homeostasis

The process by which the body maintains relatively constant conditions and stability inside of itself.

Negative Feedback Loop

The most common type of self-regulation mechanism in the body.

Positive Feedback Loop

A self-regulation mechanism used in specific instances like childbirth, breastfeeding, and platelet aggregation.

Axillary

A body region term referring to the armpit.

Brachial

A body region term referring to the arm.

Carpal

A body region term referring to the wrist.

Cephalic

A body region term referring to the head.

Cubital

A body region term referring to the elbow.

Digital

A body region term referring to the fingers or toes.

Tarsal

A body region term referring to the ankle.

Inguinal

A body region term referring to the groin.