Intro to A&P

Anatomy

The study of the structure and morphology of the human body and its parts, derived from Greek for cutting up.

Physiology

The study of the function of the human body and its parts, derived from Greek for relationship to nature.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body.

Negative Feedback

A homeostatic mechanism that reverses the change caused by a stimulus to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A homeostatic mechanism that amplifies or increases deviations from a set point, leading to a specific outcome.

Subatomic particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up cells.

Cells

The basic unit of structure and function in the human body.

Tissues

Layers or masses of cells with specific functions.

Organs

Groups of different tissues working together to perform specific functions.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Serous Membrane

A membrane that lines body cavities and covers organs, comprising parietal and visceral layers.

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavities located at the back of the body, including cranial and spinal cavities.

Ventral Cavity

Body cavities located at the front of the body, including thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Iliac Region

The lower right and left regions of the abdomen, associated with structures of the abdomen.

Supine Position

When the body is lying on its back with the anterior portion facing up.

Prone Position

When the body is lying on its front with the anterior portion facing down.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left sides.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Coronal Plane

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

Oblique Cut

An angular section used to examine organs or tissues more effectively.

Integumentary System

Body system responsible for covering, protection, and temperature regulation.

Muscular System

Body system responsible for movement and maintaining body heat.

Nervous System

Body system that coordinates organ functions through nerve impulses.

Endocrine System

Body system that coordinates organ functions through hormones.

Homeostatic Mechanism

Systems in the body that work to maintain homeostasis.

Cells

The basic units of life that make up all living organisms.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a crucial role in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain a person's genes, made of DNA.

Proteins

Large, complex molecules that perform many critical functions in the body, including building tissues.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in cells.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that regulate biological systems, including negative and positive feedback loops.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes.

Cell Membrane

A protective barrier that regulates what enters and exits the cell.

Blood

The fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins, delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells.

Immune System

The body's defense system against infections and diseases.

Circulatory System

The system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for breathing and gas exchange in the body.

Digestive System

The system that processes food to extract and absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, responsible for transmitting signals.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for the movement of the body and its parts.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that forms the protective outer layer of the body and lines internal organs.