Chapter 20 - Anatomy and Physiology

Human Anatomy

The various structures that make up the body, including organs formed by specialized cells and tissues.

Physiology

The study of how organs function and interact within the body.

Cardiovascular System

The system that facilitates the movement of blood throughout the body.

Heart

A muscular organ in the thoracic cavity that pumps blood through the body.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, except for the pulmonary artery.

Pulmonary Vein

The vein that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

Alveoli

Tiny inflatable pockets in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Gas Exchange

The process of exchanging oxygen from the atmosphere for carbon dioxide in the blood.

Rod Cells

Photoreceptor cells in the retina sensitive to light, primarily for night vision.

Cone Cells

Photoreceptor cells in the retina that sense color and detail.

Visual Acuity

The ability to see clearly without distortion, tested in aviation medicals.

Blind Spot

The area on the retina with no rod or cone cells, where no visual information is detected.

Hearing

The ability to perceive sound through the vibration of air particles transmitted to the auditory system.

Tympanic Membrane

The eardrum that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound.

Auditory Nerve

The nerve that transmits electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain for sound processing.

Semicircular Canals

Fluid-filled structures in the inner ear that detect angular motion and balance.

Otolith Organs

The organs that sense acceleration in vertical and horizontal planes in the inner ear.

Cochlea

The spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and allows blood to fill the chambers.