Anatomy and Cell Biology Review

Flashcards covering anatomical terms, body cavities, organ systems, and cell structure/functions for anatomy and biology exam preparation.

Anatomical position

Standing straight up with arms at side and palms facing forward.

Superior

Higher or above.

Cephalad

Towards the head.

Inferior

Lower or below.

Caudal

Toward the tail.

Anterior

To go before or front of the body.

Posterior

Following or towards the back of the body.

Proximal

Nearest or close to the point of attachment.

Distal

Distant or far from the point of attachment.

Superficial

Toward the surface or skin.

Deep

Away from the surface or internal.

Sagittal plane

Cut separating left to right.

Transverse plane

Cut in the middle top to bottom.

Frontal plane

Cut separating the back to the chest.

Dorsal Body Cavities

Includes cranial (brain) and spinal (spinal cord).

Ventral Body Cavities

Includes thoracic (heart & lungs), abdominal (stomach etc.), and pelvic (bladder etc.) regions.

Visceral membrane

Membrane lining the inside of body cavities.

Parietal membrane

Membrane lining the outside of body cavities.

Meninges

Structure that helps hold organs in place and provides routes for nerves and blood vessels.

Integumentary System

System that includes skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands; protects the body and regulates temperature.

Skeletal System

System of bones, cartilage, and ligaments that supports the body and protects organs.

Muscular System

System of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles that enables movement and maintains posture.

Nervous System

System that includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; controls body activities and processes information.

Endocrine System

System of glands that produce hormones to regulate growth and metabolism.

Cardiovascular System

System that includes heart and blood vessels; transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones.

Lymphatic System

System that protects against infection and returns fluid to the blood.

Respiratory System

System that includes lungs and trachea; supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

System that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary System

System that removes waste and regulates water and electrolytes.

Reproductive System

System enabling reproduction and offspring development.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell that holds DNA and makes ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Organelles that make proteins, referred to as protein factories.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Organelles involved in making proteins (Rough ER) and fats, detoxifying chemicals (Smooth ER).

Golgi Apparatus

Cellular structure that packages and ships proteins and fats.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down waste and old cell parts, acting as the garbage disposal.

Peroxisomes

Detox centers in cells that break down alcohol and free radicals.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, making energy (ATP).