Human Anatomy - Chapter 1 Foundations

Vocabulary flashcards for Anatomy lecture review.

Anatomy

The study of external structures, internal structures, and the relationship between body parts through careful observation.

Physiology

The study of how the body functions and mechanisms within the body, relating anatomical structures to physiological function.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that cannot be seen without magnification, including cytology and histology.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic Anatomy)

The study of structures that can be seen without magnification, including surface, regional, and systemic anatomy.

Surface Anatomy

Study of general anatomical form and superficial markings.

Regional Anatomy

Refers to all the structures in a specific area of the body, such as the head, neck, and trunk.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of the organ systems of the body, like the digestive or cardiovascular system.

Developmental Anatomy

Examines structural changes over time.

Embryology

The study of early developmental stages.

Comparative Anatomy

Considers anatomical similarities and differences in different types of animals.

Clinical Anatomy

Studies anatomical changes that occur during pathological illnesses.

Surgical Anatomy

Studies anatomical landmarks important for surgical procedures.

Radiographic Anatomy

Using x-rays or ultrasound scans to study anatomy.

Cross-sectional Anatomy

Using radiographic techniques (CT, MRI, and spiral scans) to study cross sections of the body.

Chemical/Molecular Level

Molecules formed from interacting atoms, organized into complex contractile protein fibers.

Cellular Level

Interlocking cells forming cardiac muscle tissue.

Tissue Level

Cardiac muscle tissues making up most of the heart.

Organ Level

A complex three-dimensional structure made of tissues.

Organ System Level

Combination of various organs that make up a specific system.

Organism Level

All organ systems working together to keep the body healthy.

Responsiveness

The ability to respond to changes and make long-lasting adjustments.

Growth and Differentiation

Increase in the size and number of cells, with cells becoming specialized to perform particular functions.

Reproduction

The production of new generations of the same organism.

Movement

Internal or external motion.

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions in the body, including anabolism and catabolism.

Anabolism

The synthesis of complex molecules.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules.

Absorption

The process of bringing material into the body.

Respiration

The absorption, transport, and use of oxygen by cells.

Excretion

The removal of waste.

Integumentary System

Protects against environmental hazards, helps control body temperature (includes skin, hair, and nails).

Skeletal System

Supports and protects tissues, stores minerals, and forms blood cells (includes bones and joints).

Muscular System

Allows for locomotion, provides support, and produces heat (includes skeletal muscles).

Nervous System

Directs immediate responses to stimuli by coordinating activities of other organ systems (includes brain, spinal cord, and nerves).

Endocrine System

Directs long-term changes in activities of other organ systems (includes glands that secrete hormones).

Cardiovascular System

Transports cells and dissolved materials, including nutrients, wastes, and gases (includes heart, blood, and blood vessels).

Lymphatic System

Defends against infection and disease; returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream (includes lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes).

Respiratory System

Delivers air to sites where gas exchange can occur between the air and circulating blood; produces sound (includes lungs, trachea, and nasal cavity).

Digestive System

Processes food and absorbs nutrients (includes stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas).

Urinary System

Eliminates excess water, salts, and wastes (includes kidneys and urinary bladder).

Male Reproductive System

Produces sex cells and hormones (includes testes and associated structures in males).

Female Reproductive System

Produces sex cells and hormones; supports embryonic and fetal development (includes ovaries, uterus, and associated structures in females).

Anatomical position

The location of the body when standing with feet flat on the floor, hands at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Supine

Lying down face up in the anatomical position.

Prone

Lying down face down in the anatomical position.

Superior (Cranial or Cephalic)

Toward the head.

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

The front; before.

Posterior (Dorsal)

The back; behind.

Medial

Toward the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Superficial

At, near, or relatively close to the body surface.

Deep

Toward the interior of the body; farther from the surface.

Proximal

Toward an attached base.

Distal

Away from an attached base.

Sagittal plane

Separates the tissue/body into left and right sections.

Midsagittal

Equal left and right sections.

Parasagittal

Parallel section to the midline.

Transverse plane

Separates the tissue/body into proximal and distal sections.

Frontal plane

Separates the tissue/body into anterior and posterior sections.

Cranial cavity

Contains the brain.

Spinal cavity

Contains the spinal cord.

Anterior cavity

Contains the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

Pleural cavity

Contains the lungs.

Pericardial cavity

Contains the heart.

Abdominal cavity

Contains many digestive glands and organs.

Pelvic cavity

Contains the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and the last portion of the digestive tract.

Peritoneal cavity

Encloses several organs including the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas and the gallbladder.