Human Anatomy Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from the Human Anatomy lecture notes.

Sagittal plane

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

Dorsal body cavity

The cavity housing the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial cavity

The space within the skull that contains the brain.

Thoracic cavity

The chamber within the body that contains the lungs and heart.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Stimulus

An environmental change that elicits a response.

Feedback loop

A system where outputs are circled back and used as inputs.

Control center

The part of the feedback system that processes information.

Negative feedback loop

A process that counteracts a change to bring the system back to a set point.

Sebaceous gland

Glands in the skin that secrete oil.

Arrector pili muscle

Muscles that cause hair to stand up.

Keratinocyte

A type of skin cell that produces keratin.

Spongy bone

Bone that has many holes and is lighter than compact bone.

Collagen

A protein that provides strength and structure to connective tissues.

Bone matrix

The hard, non-cellular component of bone.

Osteoblast

A cell that produces bone matrix.

Osteoclast

A cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Articular cartilage

Smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints.

Ligament

A connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Synovial membrane

Tissue that lines the joint cavities and secretes synovial fluid.

Suture

A junction between two bones in the skull that is fused.