Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Human Body

Vocabulary flashcards covering branches of anatomy and physiology, human body systems, basic life processes, homeostasis feedback loops, directional terms, and serous membranes from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of structure.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function.

Embryology

The first eight weeks of growth and development after fertilization of a human egg; the earliest stage of developmental biology.

Developmental biology

The growth and development of an individual from fertilization to death.

Cell biology

Cellular structure and functions.

Histology

Microscopic structure of tissues.

Gross anatomy

Structures that can be examined without a microscope.

Systemic anatomy

Structure of specific systems of the body such as the nervous or respiratory systems.

Regional anatomy

Specific regions of the body such as the head or chest.

Surface (topographical) anatomy

Surface markings of the body to understand internal anatomy through visualization and palpation (gentle touch).

Imaging anatomy

Internal body structures that can be visualized with techniques such as x-rays, MRI, CT scans, and other technologies for clinical analysis and medical intervention.

Clinical anatomy

The application of anatomy to the practice of medicine, dentistry, and other health-related sciences.

Pathological anatomy

Structural changes (gross to microscopic) associated with disease.

Molecular physiology

Functions of individual molecules such as proteins and DNA.

Neurophysiology

Functional properties of nerve cells.

Endocrinology

Hormones (chemical regulators in the blood) and how they control body functions.

Cardiovascular physiology

Functions of the heart and blood vessels.

Immunology

The body's defenses against disease-causing agents.

Respiratory physiology

Functions of the air passageways and lungs.

Renal physiology

Functions of the kidneys.

Exercise physiology

Changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity.

Pathophysiology

Functional changes associated with disease and aging.

Integumentary System

Body system consisting of skin, hair, fingernails, toenails, sweat glands, and oil glands that protects the body, regulates temperature, eliminates wastes, makes vitamin D, detects sensations, and provides insulation.

Skeletal System

Body system consisting of bones, joints, and associated cartilages that supports and protects the body, provides surface area for muscle attachments, aids movement, houses blood cell-producing cells, and stores minerals and lipids.

Muscular System

Body system specifically consisting of skeletal muscle tissue that participates in body movements, maintains posture, and produces heat.

Nervous System

Body system consisting of brain, spinal cord, nerves, and special sense organs that generates action potentials to regulate body activities, detects environmental changes, interprets them, and responds.

Endocrine System

Body system consisting of hormone-producing glands and cells that regulates body activities by releasing chemical messengers (hormones) into the blood.

Cardiovascular System

Body system consisting of blood, heart, and blood vessels where the heart pumps blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to cells and carbon dioxide and wastes away.

Lymphoid (Lymphatic) System and Immunity

Body system consisting of lymphatic fluid, vessels, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and tonsils that returns proteins and fluid to blood, carries lipids, and protects against disease-causing microbes.

Respiratory System

Body system consisting of lungs and air passageways that transfers oxygen to blood and carbon dioxide to exhaled air, helps regulate acid-base balance, and produces sound.

Digestive System

Body system consisting of organs of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs that achieves physical and chemical breakdown of food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates solid wastes.

Urinary System

Body system consisting of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra that produces, stores, and eliminates urine, and regulates volume and chemical composition of blood.

Genital (Reproductive) Systems

Body system consisting of gonads and associated organs that produces gametes, releases hormones regulating reproduction, and transports/stores gametes.

Homeostasis

A condition of equilibrium, or balance, in the body's internal environment.

Negative feedback loop

A feedback loop that reverses the change in a controlled condition.

Positive feedback loop

A feedback loop that strengthens or reinforces the change in a controlled condition.

Anatomical position

A standardized method of observing or imaging the body where a person stands erect, facing the observer, with upper extremities at the sides, palms turned forward, and feet flat on the floor.

Superior (cephalic or cranial)

Toward the head, or the upper part of a structure.

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head, or the lower part of a structure.

Anterior (ventral)

Nearer to or at the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Nearer to or at the back of the body.

Medial

Nearer to the midline (an imaginary vertical line that divides the body into equal right and left sides).

Lateral

Farther from the midline.

Intermediate

Between two structures.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body as another structure.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body from another structure.

Proximal

Nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk; nearer to the origination of a structure.

Distal

Farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk; farther from the origination of a structure.

Superficial (external)

Toward or on the surface of the body.

Deep (internal)

Away from the surface of the body.

Serous membranes

Thin, double-layered membranes that cover the viscera within the thoracic and abdominal cavities, line the walls of the thorax and abdomen, and reduce friction.