U1: Structure and Function of the Human Body Flashcards

Anatomy and Physiology AB Unit 1: SFH Flashcards

Anatomy

The study of the structure of living things.

Physiology

The study of the ways living things function.

Pathophysiology

the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury

Homeostasis

the ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes

Biofeedback

the technique of making unconscious or involuntary bodily processes (heartbeat, temperature regulation) change to maintain homeostasis

Body Planes

imaginary lines drawn through the body to separate the body into sections

Body Cavities

spaces within the body containing vital organs

Caudal

situated in or directed toward the hind part of the body

Cranial

of or relating to the skull or cranium

Distal

further away from where arm or leg inserts into the body

Dorsal

located near, on, or toward the back or posterior part of the human body

Coronal

relating to the frontal plane

Lateral

located away from the midline of the body

Medial

located on the midline of the body

Metabolism

the chemical reactions involved in sustaining the life of an organism

Midsagittal/Medial

sagittal plane that lies on the midline

Proximal

closer to where arm or leg inserts into the body

Sagittal

divides the body into right and left parts

Thoracic

cavity located in the chest. Contains the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lung, heart, and large blood vessels.

Transverse Plane

divides the body into a top half and a bottom half

Ventral Plane

located on the front or anterior

Pelvic Cavity

contains the urinary bladder, the reproductive organs, and the last part of the intestine

Spinal Cavity

contains the spinal cord

Dorsal Cavity

one long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body divided into the cranial cavity and spinal cavity

Ventral Cavities

located on the front of the body, it is separated into two cavities (thoracic and abdominopelvic) by the diaphragm.

Anatomical Position

The erect position of the body with the face directed forward, the arms at the side, and the palms of the hands facing forward, used as a reference in describing the relation of body parts to one another.

Superior and inferior

Toward and away from the head, respectively

Anterior and posterior

Toward the front and back of the body

Medial, lateral, and intermediate

Toward the midline, away from the midline, and between a more medial and lateral structure

Axial

Head, neck, and trunk

Appendicular

Appendages or limbs

Orbital cavity

Houses the eyes