Chapter 01: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary practice flashcards created from Chapter 01: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Anatomy

The study of the structure/morphology of the human body and its parts, derived from Greek for 'a cutting up'.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body and its parts, derived from Greek for 'relationship to nature'.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up atoms and cells.

Atom

Tiny particles that make up chemicals, such as hydrogen and carbon.

Molecule

Particles consisting of two or more atoms joined together, such as water or glucose.

Macromolecule

Large particles consisting of smaller molecules joined together, such as DNA or proteins.

Organelle

A functional structure within a cell, such as a mitochondrion or lysosome.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living organisms.

Tissue

A layer or mass of cells with a specific function, such as adipose or epithelial tissue.

Organ

A group of different tissues that interact to perform a specialized function, such as the heart or kidney.

Organ System

A group of organs that function closely together toward a common goal, such as the digestive system.

Organism

An individual living thing composed of interacting organ systems.

Ultrasound

A noninvasive imaging procedure using high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft internal structures, such as a fetus in the uterus.

Magnetic Resonance Scan (MR)

A noninvasive technique using magnetic fields to alter atom alignment and spin, providing high-resolution images of internal structures like the brain.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in a living system, encompassing energy production and nutrient cycling.

Respiration

The process of making energy, typically accomplished by taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide.

Digestion

The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into usable nutrients for absorption into the blood.

Circulation

The movement of substances and cells throughout the body within body fluids.

Excretion

The removal of waste products produced by metabolic processes.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid contained within the interior of living cells.

Extracellular Fluid

All fluid outside of cells, consisting primarily of interstitial fluid and blood plasma.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within normal physiological limits.

Receptor

A component of a homeostatic mechanism that detects and provides information about specific stimuli in the internal environment.

Control Center

The decision-maker in a homeostatic mechanism that maintains the set point and processes incoming sensory information.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to signals from the control center to alter conditions in the internal environment.

Negative Feedback

The primary homeostatic mechanism where effectors reduce deviation from a set point, moving the variable in the opposite direction.

Positive Feedback

An uncommon feedback process in which a deviation from normal state is amplified or intensified rather than reversed.

Axial Portion

The central structural division of the body, comprising the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Portion

The division of the body that includes the upper and lower limbs.

Cranial Cavity

The cavity inside the skull that houses the brain.

Vertebral Canal

The spinal cavity enclosed by the vertebrae that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The cavity located superior to the diaphragm that contains the heart, lungs, and mediastinum.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The continuous space extending from the diaphragm to the floor of the pelvis, housing abdominal and pelvic organs.

Diaphragm

A broad muscular partition separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.

Mediastinum

The region in the thoracic cavity between the lungs, containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and thymus gland.

Abdominal Cavity

The region extending from the diaphragm to the pelvic brim, housing the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines.

Pelvic Cavity

The portion enclosed by pelvic bones containing the end of the large intestine, urinary bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

Oral Cavity

The head cavity containing the teeth and tongue.

Serous Membrane

A double-layered membrane that lines closed body cavities and covers organs, secreting fluid to reduce friction.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that directly covers an internal organ.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines the inner wall of a body cavity.

Pleura

The double-layered serous membrane surrounding the lungs within the thoracic cavity.

Pericardium

The double-layered serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Peritoneum

The double-layered serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering its organs.

Integumentary System

Body system consisting of skin, hair, nails, and glands that protects tissues, regulates body temperature, and supports sensory receptors.

Skeletal System

Body system made of bones, cartilages, and ligaments that provides framework, protects tissues, produces blood cells, and stores inorganic salts.

Muscular System

Body system consisting of muscles that causes movement, maintains posture, and serves as the main source of body heat.

Nervous System

Body system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs that conducts impulses to coordinate short-term body functions.

Endocrine System

Body system consisting of hormone-secreting glands that regulates metabolic activities with slower, longer-lasting effects.

Cardiovascular System

Body system consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood that transports gases, nutrients, hormones, and wastes.

Lymphatic System

Body system that returns excess tissue fluid to blood, transports absorbed fats, and defends the body against infection.

Digestive System

Body system that receives, breaks down, and absorbs food nutrients while eliminating unabsorbed material.

Respiratory System

Body system that moves air in and out of the body, absorbing oxygen and exchanging gases between air and blood.

Urinary System

Body system that removes blood wastes, regulates electrolyte and water balance, and excretes urine.

Anatomical Position

Standard body alignment reference: standing erect, facing forward, upper limbs at sides with palms facing forward.

Superior

Anatomical directional term meaning above another part, or closer to the head.

Inferior

Anatomical directional term meaning below another part, or closer to the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Medial

Anatomical directional term meaning closer to the imaginary midline dividing the body into left and right halves.

Lateral

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the side, away from the midline.

Proximal

Anatomical directional term describing a part closer to the trunk or point of attachment.

Distal

Anatomical directional term describing a part farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

Sagittal Section

A longitudinal cut that divides the body or an organ into left and right portions.

Transverse Section

A horizontal cut that divides the body or an organ into superior and inferior portions.