Overview of Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of anatomy, physiology, levels of organization, organ systems, and homeostatic control mechanisms.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body and how all body parts work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

Principle of Complementarity of Structure and Function

The principle stating that function is dependent on structure and the form of a structure relates to its function.

Anatomical Variation

Structural differences among individuals of a species, such as variations in the number of pulmonary veins or lumbar vertebrae, which typically do not affect function.

Physiological Variation

Functional differences in an organ, organ system, or organism that are more widespread than anatomical variation and can be influenced by age or gender.

Levels of Organization

The structural hierarchy of the human body, ordered from simplest to most complex: chemical, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism.

Organelle

A tiny organ composed of many molecules that performs specialized functions within a cell.

Cell

The smallest unit of life that possesses all defining features of life.

Tissue

A collection of cells serving a common function.

Organ

A structure formed by several types of tissues coming together to perform common functions.

Organ System

A group of several organs and related tissues that function together.

Organism

An individual living entity consisting of an assemblage of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Integumentary System

An organ system that creates a barrier that protects the body from pathogens and fluid loss, and performs sensory reception.

Skeletal System

An organ system that supports and protects the body.

Muscular System

An organ system that creates the movement of the body and contributes to body temperature homeostasis.

Nervous System

An organ system that acts as the sensor for homeostasis and connects the brain to every part of the body.

Endocrine System

An organ system that secretes the hormones that regulate many bodily processes.

Cardiovascular System

An organ system that delivers oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body, and contributes to temperature regulation.

Lymphatic System

An organ system that regulates fluid balance in the body and houses some of the immune cells that defend the body from pathogens.

Respiratory System

An organ system that exchanges air with the atmosphere and provides surface area for the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood.

Digestive System

An organ system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients into the body.

Urinary System

An organ system that contributes to blood pressure and pH homeostasis, and removes waste products from the body.

Reproductive Systems

Organ systems that produce and exchange gametes, house the fetus until birth, and facilitate lactation.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous changes in the environment.

Receptor (Sensor)

A component of a homeostatic control mechanism that monitors the environment and responds to stimuli.

Control Center

A component of a homeostatic control mechanism that determines the set point at which a variable is maintained, receives input from the receptor, and determines the appropriate response.

Effector

A component of a homeostatic control mechanism that receives output from the control center and provides the means to respond to a stimulus.

Negative Feedback Loop

A homeostatic control mechanism in which the body's response decreases or shuts off the original stimulus to restore a variable to its normal set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

A homeostatic control mechanism in which the response enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, creating a cascade or amplifying effect.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A disturbance of homeostasis that increases the risk of disease and contributes to changes associated with aging.