Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Topic 1 (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terminology from Topic 1: anatomy, physiology, levels of organization, organ systems, homeostasis, control mechanisms, orientation, regional terms, planes, cavities, and abdominal regions/quadrants.

Anatomy

The branch of science that studies the structure of the body and the relationships of its parts.

Gross anatomy

Study of large body structures visible to the naked eye; includes regional, systemic, and surface anatomy.

Regional anatomy

An approach to gross anatomy focusing on a specific body region.

Systemic anatomy

An approach to gross anatomy that studies the body by organ systems.

Surface anatomy

Study of external body features to infer the positions of internal structures.

Microscopic anatomy

Study of body structure at the cellular and tissue levels (cytology and histology).

Cytology

Study of cells.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Developmental anatomy

Study of structural changes from fertilization to birth (embryology and fetology).

Embryology

Study of development from fertilization to birth.

Fetology

Study of fetal development.

Pathological anatomy

Study of structural changes caused by disease.

Radiographic anatomy

Anatomy as revealed by imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound.

X-ray

Imaging method using ionizing radiation to view bones and some soft tissues.

Computed tomography (CT)

Imaging modality that creates cross-sectional images from X-ray data.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize soft tissues.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Imaging modality that detects metabolic activity using radioactive tracers.

Ultrasound

Imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissues.

Physiology

Science of how the body and its parts function; function reflects structure (complementarity of structure and function).

Complementarity of structure and function

Form and function are interdependent—the structure of a body part enables its function, and its function can influence its structure.

Chemical level

The lowest level of organization—atoms and molecules forming the basis of matter in living organisms.

Cellular level

Level consisting of cells and their organelles.

Tissue level

Tissues are groups of similar cells and extracellular matrix performing a common function.

Organ level

An organ is made of two or more tissue types working together to perform specific functions.

Organ system level

A group of organs that cooperate to perform major body activities.

Organism level

The entire living human being.

Integumentary system

Outer protective body system (skin, hair, nails) that guards against environmental hazards and helps regulate temperature.

Skeletal system

Bones, cartilage, ligaments providing support, protection, and levers for movement.

Muscular system

Muscles producing movement and maintaining posture.

Nervous system

Regulates rapid, short-term activities through the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate body activities over longer times.

Cardiovascular (circulatory) system

Transports blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes through the heart and blood vessels.

Lymphatic (immune) system

Returns tissue fluid to the blood and defends against disease via lymph nodes, vessels, spleen, and thymus.

Digestive system

Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.

Respiratory system

Gas exchange system consisting of the lungs and airways.

Urinary (renal) system

Filters blood, forms urine, and maintains fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

Reproductive system

Systems that produce offspring; includes male and female reproductive organs.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism in which the response opposes or reduces the initial stimulus.

Positive feedback

A control mechanism in which the response enhances the initial stimulus (often amplifying a process).

Control center

Integrating center (e.g., brain) that assesses input and directs a response.

Set point

The desired value or range for a physiological variable.

Receptor

Sensor that monitors changes in the internal or external environment.

Afferent pathway

Pathway carrying information toward the control center.

Efferent pathway

Pathway carrying information away from the control center to effectors.

Effector

Body structure that responds to a stimulus to restore homeostasis.

Anatomical position

Standard reference position: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms facing forward.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Superior (cranial)

Toward the head or upper part.

Inferior (caudal)

Toward the feet or lower part.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Superficial (external)

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep (internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Axial region

Relating to the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular region

Relating to the limbs (arms and legs).

Cervical region

Relating to the neck.

Thoracic region

Relating to the chest.

Lumbar region

Relating to the lower back.

Sacral region

Relating to the sacrum.

Palmar region

The palm of the hand.

Axillary region

The armpit area.

Inguinal (groin) region

The area of the lower abdomen near the groin.

Brachial region

The upper arm.

Antebrachial region

The forearm.

Femoral region

The thigh.

Crural region

The leg.

Nasal region

The region of the nose.

Oral region

The region of the mouth.

Cephalic region

The head region.

Frontal region

The forehead region (also a bone in the skull).

Gluteal region

The buttock region.

Popliteal region

The area behind the knee.

Mammary region

The breast region.

Antecubital region

The area in front of the elbow.

Carpal region

The wrist area.

Pubic region

The genital and pubic area.

Patellar region

The area of the knee cap.

Tarsal region

The ankle region.

Optic region

The eye region.

Occipital region

The back of the head region.

Olecranal region

The posterior aspect of the elbow (olecranon).

Perineal region

Region between the anus and external genitalia.

Peroneal region

The lateral aspect of the leg (fibular region).

Abdominal region

The area between the chest and pelvis.

Digital region

Relating to fingers or toes.

Pedal region

The foot region.

Buccal region

The cheek region.

Umbilical region

The area around the navel.

Coxal region

The hip region.

Sural region

The calf region.

Calcaneal region

The heel region.

Hallux

The big toe.

Mental region

The chin region.

Sternal region

Relating to the sternum (breastbone).

Scapular region

The shoulder blade region.