BIO_221_-_Chapter_1_Sp2024

Anatomy

The science of body structures and the relationships among them.

Physiology

The science of the body functions, how the body works.

Chemical Level

The most basic level of organization, consisting of atoms and molecules.

Cellular Level

The level of organization that consists of cells, the basic units of life.

Tissue Level

The level of organization comprising groups of similar cells performing a common function.

Organ Level

The level of organization made up of two or more different types of tissues that work together.

System Level

The level of organization that consists of related organs with a common function.

Organismal Level

The most complex level of structural organization; the entire living being.

Homeostasis

The condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment due to regulatory processes.

Feedback Systems

Systems that regulate homeostasis through monitoring and adjustment processes.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a change in a controlled condition to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A process that strengthens or reinforces a change in a controlled condition.

Directional Terms

Terms used to explain the location of one body part in relation to another.

Superior

Toward the head, or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Away from the head, or lower part of a structure.

Anterior

Nearer to or at the front of the body.

Posterior

Nearer to or at the back of the body.

Medial

Nearer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk.

Distal

Farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk.

Cranial Cavity

Formed by cranial bones and contains the brain.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest cavity; contains pleural and pericardial cavities.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Subdivided into abdominal and pelvic cavities, containing various organs.

Radiograph

An image produced by X-rays; commonly known as an X-ray.

MRI

Imaging technique that uses a high-energy magnetic field to produce detailed images.

CT Scan

Computer-assisted radiography that visualizes soft tissues and organs in detail.

Ultrasound

Imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs.