Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from an Anatomy and Physiology lecture.

Human Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Human Physiology

The science of body functions.

Structure and Function

The relationship where structure mirrors function. For example, the heavy bones of the skull protect brain function, and thin air sacs in the lung permit gas exchange.

Function of the Liver

Filtering blood and producing bile.

Cells

The basic structural and functional units of an organism.

Tissues

Groups of cells with similar structure and function.

Four Basic Types of Tissues

Epithelium, Connective, Muscular, Nervous

Homeostasis

Equilibrium (balance) in the body’s internal environment, maintained within a narrow range compatible with life. Example: Blood glucose levels between 70 and 110 mg/dL.

Challenges to Homeostasis

Physical insults, changes in the internal environment, and physiological stress.

Feedback System

A cycle of events where the body is monitored. Each monitored variable is a controlled condition.

Negative Feedback System

Reverses a change in a controlled condition; maintains homeostasis.

Positive Feedback System

Strengthens or reinforces a change in one of the body’s controlled conditions.

Receptor

Body structure that monitors changes in a controlled condition and sends an input signal to the control center.

Control Center

Evaluates input received from receptors and generates output signals.

Effector

Receives output from the control center and produces a response that changes the controlled condition.

Example of Negative Feedback

Blood Pressure regulation

Example of Positive Feedback

Childbirth