Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lecture Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the introductory concepts of anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization, body cavities, directional terms, and core biological principles.

Science

A method of observing and measuring natural phenomenon in order to explain them.

Human anatomy

The study of the structure or form of the human body.

Human physiology

The study of the human body's functions.

Cellular composition

A characteristic of living organisms where cells are the basic units of life and all organisms are composed of them.

Metabolism

The collection of chemical reactions carried out by a living organism, involving either building up or breaking down substances.

Excretion

The process that an organism uses to eliminate potentially harmful waste products created by metabolic processes.

Responsiveness (Irritability)

The ability of organisms to sense and react to changes or stimuli in their environment.

Chemical level

The smallest structural level of organization, ranging from tiny atoms to complex chemical structures called molecules.

Tissue level

A level of organization where two or more cell types and their surrounding extracellular matrix cooperate to perform a common function.

Organ level

A level of organization consisting of two or more tissue types combined to form a structure with a recognizable shape that performs a specialized task.

Systemic anatomy

An approach to anatomy that examines the human body primarily by looking at individual organ systems.

Gross anatomy

The examination of body structures that can be seen with the unaided eye.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues.

Cytology

The microscopic study of cells.

Anatomical position

A frame of reference where the body is standing upright, feet shoulder width apart, upper limbs at sides, with head and palms facing forward.

Anterior (Ventral)

A directional term referring to the front of the body or a body part.

Superior (Cranial)

A directional term meaning toward the head; used only for positions on the head, neck, and trunk.

Proximal

A directional term referring to a structure being closer to the point of origin (generally the trunk).

Medial

A directional term referring to a position that is closer to the midline of the body.

Superficial

A directional term referring to structures that are closer to the surface of the body.

Axial region

A regional division of the body that includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular region

A regional division of the body that includes the upper and lower limbs or appendages.

Midsagittal plane

A plane of section that divides the body or body part into equal left and right sections.

Frontal plane (Coronal plane)

A plane of section that divides the body or body part into anterior and posterior sections.

Transverse plane (Horizontal plane)

A plane of section that divides the body into superior and inferior sections, or proximal and distal sections for limbs.

Dorsal Body Cavity

A cavity located on the posterior side of the body, subdivided into the cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities.

Mediastinum

The space between the pleural cavities that houses the heart, great vessels, trachea, and esophagus.

Retroperitoneal organs

Organs, such as the kidneys, that lie outside of and behind the parietal peritoneum.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of the body's internal environment.

Negative feedback loop

A homeostatic mechanism that opposes an initial change in a regulated variable to return it to its set point.

Positive feedback loop

A mechanism where the effector activity increases and reinforces the initial stimulus, such as during childbirth.

Principle of complementarity of structure and function

The core principle stating that the form of a structure is always such that it best suits its function.

Gradient

A condition present any time more of something exists in one area than another where the two areas are connected.

Serous fluid

A watery, slippery lubricant produced by cells of the serous membrane that prevents friction between membrane layers.

Visceral layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that is in contact with the underlying organ.