Anatomy Lecture Exam 1

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental concepts in Human Anatomy, Histology, the Integumentary System, and the Skeletal System.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and organization of the body and the study of relationships of body parts to one another.

Physiology

The study of the function of the human body and its parts.

Principle of Complementarity of Structure and Function

States that the function of body parts in the human body always reflects structure.

Computed Tomography Scanning (CT Scan)

Medical imaging technique using X-rays and computers to produce 3-dimensional images of body structures, used to detect kidney stones and tumors.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Medical imaging technique using radioactive particles to produce images of internal organs, providing indications of organ function as well as structure.

Midsagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body or an organ into equal right and left sides.

Pericardium

A membrane in the pericardial cavity that surrounds and protects the heart.

Situs Inversus

A condition occurring when the internal organs are reversed between the left and right side of the body.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment in a state of equilibrium in which conditions remain within certain limits.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Apical Surface

The upper, free surface of epithelial tissue that is exposed to the exterior or to a body cavity.

Basal lamina

An acellular layer of the basement membrane secreted by epithelial tissue, composed primarily of proteins and sugars, that acts as a filter for diffusing molecules.

Exfoliation

The loss of simple squamous epithelium from a body surface.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A loose connective tissue containing all three types of fibers that provides strength, support, and elasticity while anchoring epithelial tissue.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells located within open spaces called lacunae.

Haversian Systems (Osteons)

Repeating structural units that make up compact bone tissue.

Metaplasia

A tissue growth transformation in which one type of tissue changes into another type of tissue.

Apoptosis

Normal, programmed cell death that occurs when a cell has completed its function.

Holocrine Glands

Exocrine glands whose secretory product accumulates in the cytoplasm and is released when the cell dies, such as sebaceous glands.

Melanosomes

Special storage structures within melanocytes where melanin is stored.

Keratinocytes

The most numerous cells in the epidermis that produce the protein keratin to form a protective layer over the skin.

Langerhan's Cells

Macrophages in the epidermis originating from bone marrow that help activate the immune system; also referred to as dendritic cells.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis, one cell layer thick, containing stem cells that divide to produce epidermal cells and major epidermal derivatives.

Stratum corneum

The most superficial layer of the epidermis, 25 cell layers thick, composed entirely of dead cells that protect the body from foreign invaders.

Dermal Papillae

Projections associated with the papillary region of the dermis that extend upward into the epidermis, containing nerve endings and capillaries.

Subcutaneous Layer (Hypodermis)

A layer composed of areolar and adipose tissue located between the dermis and underlying muscles/tissues that stores energy and insulates the body.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified apocrine sweat glands lining the external ear canal that produce cerumen (earwax).

Sebum

An oily secretion of sebaceous glands that softens and lubricates hair and skin, reduces water loss, and prevents bacterial growth.

Melanoma

Cancer of melanocytes; a rare but increasingly common form of skin cancer where early detection is critical.

Hemopoiesis

The formation and production of blood cells taking place in red bone marrow.

Diaphysis

The shaft region of a long bone.

Periosteum

A two-layered membrane surrounding the surface of a bone involved in bone growth, repair, development, and attachment of ligaments and tendons.

Osteoblasts

Bone-building cells on the surface of bone tissue that secrete collagen and new bone matrix during osteogenesis.

Osteoclasts

Cells involved in bone resorption that release acids and enzymes to degrade bone tissue through osteolysis.

Trabeculae

Thin plates of spongy bone tissue composed of osteocytes and lamellae that enclose spaces filled with red bone marrow.

Intramembranous Ossification

The process of bone formation occurring directly on or over loose fibrous connective tissue without a preceding cartilage stage.

Endochondral Ossification

The pattern of bone formation in which calcified bone tissue develops over a pre-existing hyaline cartilage model.

Epiphyseal Plate

A layer of hyaline cartilage located in the metaphysis of a growing bone that allows length growth in bone.

Wolff's Law

States that a bone grows or remodels in response to the demands placed on it.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland that stimulates osteoclast activity and bone resorption when blood calcium levels drop.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A genetic condition in which the bone matrix does not contain enough collagen.