An Introduction to Anatomy (Lecture Notes) - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions from the anatomy lecture notes.

Structure determines function

All specific functions are performed by specific structures; form dictates how a body part works.

Microscopic anatomy

Structures that cannot be seen without magnification.

Light microscope

A microscope that uses visible light to magnify specimens.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Gross anatomy

The study of structures visible to the unaided eye (macroscopic anatomy).

Surface anatomy

The general form, morphology, and superficial anatomical markings.

Regional anatomy

The study of all structures within a specific area of the body (superficial and deep).

Systemic anatomy

The study of anatomy one organ system at a time.

Developmental anatomy

Examines structural changes over time during growth and development.

Embryology

The study of the development of an organism from fertilization through the first two months (early development).

Comparative anatomy

The study of anatomical differences and similarities across different species.

Clinical anatomy

Focuses on pathological changes that occur during illness or disease.

Surgical anatomy

Anatomical landmarks and structures important for surgical procedures.

Radiographic anatomy

Study of anatomy as visualized by X-rays, ultrasound, and other imaging methods. Image as a whole!

Cross-sectional anatomy

Using radiographic techniques like CT/MRI to view anatomy in cross sections. Separate pictures in different sections

Chemical/Molecular level

The level of organization consisting of atoms and molecules in the body.

Hydrogen

A major element in the body; one of the four elements that make up about 62% of body mass.

Oxygen

A major element in the body; essential for respiration and energy production. 67%, we're big " sacks“ of water

Carbon

A major element; building block of all organic molecules. 10%

Nitrogen

A major element; essential component of proteins and nucleic acids. 1.5%

Water

An essential inorganic compound; solvent and medium for many bodily processes. 67%

Carbohydrates

Major class of compounds; provide energy and structural support in organisms. 3%

Proteins

Major class of compounds; perform structural, enzymatic, transport, and signaling roles. 20%

Lipids

Major class of compounds; energy storage and components of cell membranes. 10%

Nucleic acids

DNA and RNA; store, transmit, and express genetic information.

Cells

The smallest living units of the body.

Tissues

Collections of similar cells and surrounding matrix.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more tissue types working together.

Organ systems

Groups of organs that cooperate to perform major functions for the body.

11 organ systems

The human body comprises 11 integrated organ systems.

Responsiveness (irritability)

Change activity based upon a stimuli

Adaptability

Long-term responsiveness

Growth

Increase in size of an organism

Differentiation

Specialized to perform particular functions

Reproduction

Production of new generations of the same organism

Movement

Ability to change the position of something

Metabolism

Chemical reactions in the body

Anabolism

Bonding of chemical together

Catabolism

Breaking of chemical bonds

Absorption

Bringing chemicals into the body

Respiration

Absorption, transport, & use of oxygen by cells

Excretion

Removal of waste

Digestion

Catabolism that makes nutrients small enough to be absorbed

Integumentary system

Protects against environmental hazards; helps regulate temperature; includes skin, hair, nails.

Skeletal system

Provides support and protection, stores minerals, forms blood cells.

Muscular system

Enables locomotion, supports the body, and produces heat.

Nervous system

Directs immediate responses to stimuli; coordinates activities of other systems.

Endocrine system

Directs long-term changes in the activities of other organ systems via hormones.

Cardiovascular system

Transports cells and dissolved materials (nutrients, wastes, gases) throughout the body.

Lymphoid (Lymphatic) system

Defends against infection and disease; returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream.

Respiratory system

Delivers air to sites where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.

Digestive system

Processes food and absorbs nutrient. ( organic, minerals, vitamins, & water )

Urinary system

Eliminates excess water, salts, and wastes; helps maintain pH balance.

Superficial anatomy

Anatomical landmarks & correct directional terms

Anatomical position

Standing upright with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Supine

Lying on the back.

Prone

Lying face down (on the stomach).

Anatomical landmarks

Prominent surface features or markers used to locate underlying structures.

Planes of section

Flat surfaces used to section the body for study or imaging (e.g., transverse, sagittal, frontal).

Transverse plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Midsagittal plane

A sagittal plane that passes through the midline, dividing the body into equal right and left halves.

Parasagittal plane

A sagittal plane offset from the midline, dividing the body into unequal right and left portions.

Frontal (coronal) plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Cranial (cephalic)

Toward the head.

Superior

Above or toward the head.

Caudal

Toward the tail end of the body.

Inferior

Below or toward the feet.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Toward the point of attachment or a reference point.

Distal

Away from the point of attachment or a reference point.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the body's surface; toward the interior.

Ventral body cavity

Front cavity that houses most internal organs; separated from the dorsal cavity by the diaphragm.

Dorsal body cavity

Back cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord (cranial and vertebral cavities).

Serous membranes

Two-layer membranes that protect and lubricate ventral body cavities (e.g., pleura, pericardium, peritoneum).

Pleura

Membranes surrounding the lungs.

Pericardium

Membranes surrounding the heart.

Peritoneum

Membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

Four regions dividing the abdomen and pelvis for locating organs.

Abdominopelvic regions

Nine regions used as landmarks to locate abdominal organs.