A&P Super Fast Memory Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Anatomy and Physiology basics, chemistry, biomolecules, cell biology, metabolism, and mitosis.

Anatomy

The study of structure (what body parts look like).

Physiology

The study of function (what body parts do).

Gross Anatomy

The study of organs and body parts that can be seen with the eyes.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Embryology

The study of development before birth.

Pathology

The study of disease.

Metabolism

Chemical reactions within the body.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment (example: temperature, $\text{pH}$, blood sugar).

Responsiveness

The ability to react to stimuli.

Reproduction

The process of making offspring.

Adaptability

The ability to adjust to changes.

MHRRAR

A memory trick for the characteristics of life: Metabolism, Homeostasis, Responsiveness, Reproduction, Adaptability.

CCTOOO

A memory trick for the levels of organization from smallest to largest: Chemical (atoms), Cellular (cells), Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism.

Integumentary System

Consists of skin and functions in protection.

Skeletal System

Consists of bones and functions in support.

Muscular System

Consists of muscles and functions in movement.

Nervous System

Consists of the brain and spinal cord and provides fast control.

Endocrine System

Consists of glands and functions through hormones.

Cardiovascular System

Consists of the heart and vessels and functions in transport.

Lymphatic System

Consists of lymph nodes and functions in immunity.

Respiratory System

Consists of the lungs and functions in gas exchange.

Digestive System

Consists of the stomach and intestines and functions in digestion.

Urinary System

Consists of the kidneys and functions in waste removal.

Reproductive System

Consists of ovaries/testes and functions in reproduction.

Cephalic

Anatomical region of the head.

Otic

Anatomical region of the ear.

Buccal

Anatomical region of the cheek.

Oral

Anatomical region of the mouth.

Mental

Anatomical region of the chin.

Cervical

Anatomical region of the neck.

Thoracic

Anatomical region of the chest.

Axillary

Anatomical region of the armpit.

Abdominal

Anatomical region of the belly.

Pelvic

Anatomical region of the pelvis.

Inguinal

Anatomical region of the groin.

Lumbar

Anatomical region of the lower back.

Brachial

Anatomical region of the upper arm.

Antecubital

Anatomical region of the front elbow.

Olecranal

Anatomical region of the back elbow.

Carpal

Anatomical region of the wrist.

Digital

Anatomical region of the fingers.

Femoral

Anatomical region of the thigh.

Popliteal

Anatomical region of the back knee.

Crural

Anatomical region of the lower leg.

Sural

Anatomical region of the calf.

Calcaneal

Anatomical region of the heel.

Superior

A directional term meaning above.

Inferior

A directional term meaning below.

Anterior

A directional term meaning front.

Posterior

A directional term meaning back.

Medial

A directional term meaning toward the middle.

Lateral

A directional term meaning away from the middle.

Proximal

A directional term meaning closer to the trunk.

Distal

A directional term meaning farther from the trunk.

Superficial

A directional term meaning near the surface.

Deep

A directional term meaning far from the surface.

Intermediate

A directional term meaning between two structures.

Midsagittal Plane

A cut that creates equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal Plane

A cut that creates unequal left and right sides.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A cut that creates front and back portions.

Transverse Plane

A cut that creates top and bottom portions.

Oblique Plane

A diagonal cut.

Cranial Cavity

The body cavity containing the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

The body cavity containing the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The body cavity containing the heart and lungs.

Pleural Cavity

The specific cavity containing the lungs.

Pericardial Cavity

The specific cavity containing the heart.

Abdominal Cavity

The body cavity containing the stomach and liver.

Pelvic Cavity

The body cavity containing the bladder and reproductive organs.

Proton

A subatomic particle with a $+$ charge.

Neutron

A subatomic particle with a $0$ charge.

Electron

A subatomic particle with a $-$ charge.

Atomic Number

A value equal to the number of Protons in an atom.

Mass Number

A value equal to Protons + Neutrons.

Cation

A positively charged ($+$) ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ($-$) ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond involving the transfer of electrons between a Metal and a Nonmetal.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond involving the sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between molecules.

pH Scale: Acid

A substance with a reading of $0–6$.

pH Scale: Neutral

A substance with a reading of $7$ (e.g., Water).

pH Scale: Base

A substance with a reading of $8–14$.

Buffer

A substance that prevents $\text{pH}$ changes.

Trace elements

Elements needed by the body in tiny amounts.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules used for quick energy, composed of simple sugars like Glucose.

Triglycerides

A type of lipid used for molecules of fat and long-term energy.

Phospholipids

Lipids that make up cell membranes.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that lower activation energy to speed up reactions.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group with the formula $OH$.

Carboxyl Group

A functional group with the formula $COOH$.

Carbonyl Group

A functional group with the formula $CO$.

Amine Group

A functional group with the formula $NH_2$.

DNA

Double-stranded nucleic acid containing deoxyribose sugar and the base Thymine ($T$).

RNA

Single-stranded nucleic acid containing ribose sugar and the base Uracil ($U$).

Purines

Nitrogenous bases Adenine ($A$) and Guanine ($G$).

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases Cytosine ($C$), Thymine ($T$), and Uracil ($U$).

ATP

The cell's energy currency.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell.

Nucleolus

The organelle that makes ribosomes.