Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy and physiology concepts from the notes.

Anatomy

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

Physiology

Study of the function of body parts; how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

What’s the difference between anatomy and physiology

What’s scientific method

Observe

• Hypothesize

•Experiment

•Draw Conclusions

Gross (macroscopic) anatomy

Study of large, visible structures.

Regional anatomy

Study of all structures within a specific area of the body.

Systemic anatomy

Study of one system (e.g., cardiovascular, nervous).

Surface anatomy

Study of internal structures as they relate to overlying skin.

Microscopic anatomy

Structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Cytology

Microscopic study of cells.

Histology

Microscopic study of tissues.

Developmental anatomy

Study of anatomical development throughout life.

Embryology

Study of developments before birth.

Complementarity of structure and function

Principle that a structure’s form determines or limits its function.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in an organism, including catabolic and anabolic processes.

Catabolic (catabolism)

Breaking down molecules as part of metabolism.

Anabolic (anabolism)

Building up molecules as part of metabolism.

Generative processes

Processes that increase size or number (growth and reproduction).

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and respond to stimuli (sensory reception).

Controlled processes

Homeostatic mechanisms managed by body systems (e.g., feedback mechanisms).

Organized structure

Specific arrangement of structures within an organism.

Homeostasis

A state of balance among body systems necessary for life.

Receptor

Sensor that detects changes in a controlled variable.

Control center

Receives information and determines the appropriate response.

Effector

Structure that produces a response to adjust the variable.

Afferent pathway

Carries information from receptors to the central nervous system.

Efferent pathway

Carries information from the CNS to an effector.

Positive feedback

Response that reinforces the original stimulus (e.g., labor contractions).

Negative feedback

Response that reduces the original stimulus (e.g., regulation of blood glucose).

Homeostatic imbalance

Disturbance of homeostasis; can increase disease risk and relate to aging.

Anatomical position

Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away.

Superior (cranial)

Toward the head end or upper part; above.

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head end; toward the lower part; below.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body; in front of.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body; behind.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and more lateral structure.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Cephalic (cranial)

Relating to the head.

Axial skeleton

Bones of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular skeleton

Bones of the limbs.

Nine abdominal regions

Right hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left hypochondriac; Right lumbar, Umbilical, Left lumbar; Right iliac, Hypogastric, Left iliac.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

Right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower quadrants for clinical reference.

Dorsal body cavity

Protects the nervous system; cranial cavity and vertebral cavity.

Ventral body cavity

Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities; divided by the diaphragm.

Pleural cavities

Cavities surrounding each lung within the thoracic cavity.

Pericardial cavity

Encloses the heart within the mediastinum.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering viscera.

Serous membranes (serosa)

Double-layered membranes with a parietal and visceral layer separated by serous fluid.

Parietal serosa

Lines the walls of body cavities.

Visceral serosa

Covers the organs within cavities.

Serous fluid

Fluid between parietal and visceral layers to reduce friction.

Oral cavity

Mouth; part of the digestive system.

Nasal cavity

Nose cavity.

Orbital cavities

Eye sockets.

Middle ear cavities

Cavities containing auditory structures.

Synovial cavities

Joint cavities within synovial joints.

Atom

Basic unit of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Nucleus

Center of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

Proton

Positively charged particle in the nucleus.

Neutron

Electrically neutral particle in the nucleus.

Electron

Negatively charged particle in the electron cloud.

Electron cloud

Region around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.

Biochemistry

Chemistry relevant to biological systems.

Observation

Act of looking at or examining a body part.

Palpation

Using touch to assess structures.

Auscultation

Listening to body sounds with a stethoscope.