A&P Exam 1 Study Guide

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Physiology

The study of the function of body parts and the body as a whole.

Levels of Structural Organization

The human body is organized into cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the organism level.

Functional Characteristics Necessary for Life

Includes responsiveness, growth, reproduction, respiration, digestion, metabolism, and excretion.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a change in a controlled condition; for example, regulation of body temperature.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that enhances or intensifies a change in a controlled condition; for example, childbirth.

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that contain organs; examples include the cranial, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of the cell that regulates what enters and exits; contains proteins for transport, signaling, and cell recognition.

Intercellular Junctions

Structures that connect cells together, such as tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions.

Diffusion

The passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, which requires energy.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that forms protective layers and is involved in secretion and absorption.

Microscopy Preparation

The steps involved in creating tissue sections include fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining.

Types of Epithelial Tissue

Includes simple squamous, cuboidal, columnar, stratified, pseudostratified, and transitional epithelia, each with specific functions and locations.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete products into ducts; examples include sweat and salivary glands.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream; examples include thyroid and adrenal glands.

Embryonic Tissue Layers

The three layers are ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which develop into different tissue types.

Cutaneous Membrane

The skin, which provides protection and helps regulate temperature.

Mucous Membrane

A membrane that lines body cavities opening to the exterior, secreting mucus for lubrication.

Serous Membrane

A membrane that lines closed body cavities and covers organs; secretes serous fluid.

Connective Tissue

A diverse group of tissues that provide support, bind other tissues together, and store energy.

Cells of Connective Tissue

Includes fibroblasts, adipocytes, macrophages, and mast cells, each with specific roles.

Structural Elements of Connective Tissue

Includes cells, fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular), and ground substance.

Scurvy

A condition caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to impaired collagen production.

Types of Connective Tissue

Include loose, dense, adipose, blood, bone, and cartilage tissues, each with specific functions.

Role of Perichondrium

A dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds cartilage, providing nutrients and support.

Tissue Growth and Repair

Tissues can undergo hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy, or metaplasia during growth, repair, and loss.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become different cell types; include embryonic and adult stem cells.

Wound Healing Stages

Includes hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

Components of the Epidermis

Includes keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells.

Layers of the Epidermis

Stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale.

Skin Color Variation Factors

Determined by melanin levels, blood flow, and thickness of the stratum corneum.

Hair Follicle Structure

Composed of the follicle bulb, dermal papilla, and shafts; associated with arrector pili muscles and sebaceous glands.

Hair Growth Cycle

Includes anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) phases.

Structure of Fingernail

Consists of the nail plate, nail bed, cuticle, and lunula, providing protection and support.

Cutaneous Gland Secretions

Includes sweat, sebum, and pheromones, each serving different functions.

Types of Burns

Classified as first, second, and third-degree burns, based on depth and severity.

Rule of Nines

A method for estimating the total body surface area affected by burns, guiding treatment.

Skin Cancers

Includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, distinguished by appearance and aggressiveness.

ABCDs of Melanoma

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, and Diameter larger than 6mm, used for identifying melanoma.