The Human Body: An Orientation

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on the human body, anatomy, physiology, and homeostasis.

Anatomy

Study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another

Physiology

Study of the function of body parts; how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities

Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy

Study of large, visible structures

Regional Anatomy

Looks at all structures in a particular area of the body

System Anatomy

Looks at just one system (cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, etc.)

Surface Anatomy

Looks at internal structures as they relate to overlying skin (visible muscle masses or veins seen on surface)

Microscopic Anatomy

Deals with structures too small to be seen by the naked eye

Cytology

Microscopic study of cells

Histology

Microscopic study of tissues

Developmental Anatomy

Studies anatomical and physiological development throughout life

Embryology

Study of developments before birth

Complementarity of Structure and Function

Function always reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its specific form

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells

Organ Level

Contains two or more types of tissues

Organ System Level

Organs that work closely together

Organismal Level

All organ systems combined to make the whole organism

Maintaining Boundaries

Separation between internal and external environments must exist

Movement

Muscular system allows movement of body parts or substances

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and respond to stimuli

Digestion

Breakdown of ingested foodstuffs, followed by absorption of simple molecules into blood

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur in body cells, including catabolism and anabolism

Excretion

Removal of wastes from metabolism and digestion

Reproduction

At the cellular level, involves division of cells for growth or repair; at the organismal level, production of offspring

Growth

Increase in size of a body part or organism due to an increase in the number of cells

Integumentary System

Protects body, regulates temperature, and eliminates wastes (sweat)

Skeletal System

Provides protection, support, body movement, and mineral storage

Muscular System

Movement and maintenance of posture

Nervous System

Rapid, but brief, control of body functions through nerve impulses

Endocrine System

Slow, but longer-lasting, control of body functions through hormones

Cardiovascular (Circulatory) System

Transportation of blood, O2, CO2, nutrients, hormones, and waste

Lymphatic System

Transports fats & proteins from the digestive tract to the cardiovascular system; filters blood and protects against disease (Immunity)

Respiratory System

Blood exchange of O2 & CO2, warms/humidifies air, and traps irritants

Digestive System

Physical & chemical breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste

Urinary System

Urine production for cleaning blood of waste products, regulation of water, electrolyte, & acid/base balance

Reproductive System

Reproduction, development of hormones & sexual characteristics

Homeostasis

Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous changes in environment

Receptor

Monitors environment and responds to stimuli

Control Center

Determines set point at which variable is maintained

Effectors

Receives output from control center and provides a response

Negative Feedback

Response reduces or shuts off original stimulus

Positive Feedback

Response enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus

Homeostatic Imbalance

Disturbance of homeostasis, increases risk of disease