Comprehensive Anatomy and Physiology Key Concepts for Students

Organic compounds

Large, complex compounds that contain carbon atoms.

What activates homeostatic mechanisms that return the body to its steady state?

Stress.

Proteins

Complex organic compounds composed of chemically linked amino acid subunits.

Ions

Electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms.

Homeostatic mechanisms

Self-regulating control systems that maintain an appropriate internal body environment.

Carbohydrates

Sugars and starches used by the body as fuel molecules to store energy.

DNA

A nucleic acid that contains genetic information coded in specific sequences of nucleotides.

RNA

A nucleic acid that functions mainly in the expression of genetic information for protein synthesis.

Science

A way of thinking and a method of investigating the world in a systematic manner.

Anabolism

The building, or synthetic, phase of metabolism.

Anatomy

The science of body structure.

Physiology

The science that studies body function and how the body works.

Tissue

A group of closely associated cells that work together to perform specific functions.

Chemical elements

The fundamental substances that compose all matter.

Metabolism

All the chemical processes that take place within the body.

Atom

The smallest amount of a chemical element that has the characteristic properties of that element.

ATP

Special energy-storage molecules that package energy released from nutrients.

Cells

The level of organization formed by the association of atoms and molecules.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Positive feedback system

A system where a change in a condition that varies from the steady state sets off events that intensify the change.

Superficial

Structures located toward the surface of the body.

Midsagittal plane

The plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Transverse plane

The plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Perineal region

The area between the anus and the pubic arch.

Bilateral symmetry

The body structure where the right and left halves are mirror images.

Catabolism

The breaking-down phase of metabolism that provides energy for life activities.

Pericardial cavity

The cavity that surrounds the heart.

Lumbar region

The area of the lower back and side between the lowest rib and the pelvis.

Femoral

The term referring to the thigh, or the part of the lower extremity between the hip and the knee.

Caudal

A term sometimes used instead of the word inferior.

Costal

A term referring to the ribs.

Cephalic

A term sometimes used instead of the word superior.

Ventral cavity subdivisions

The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

Organs

Structures formed by the organization of tissues, such as the brain, stomach, or heart.

Vertebrate characteristics

The cranium (brain case) and the vertebral column (backbone).

Proximal

A structure closer to the body midline or point of attachment to the trunk.

Anatomical position

Standing erect, eyes looking forward, arms at the sides, with palms and toes directed forward.

What are synarthroses?

Joints that do not permit movement.

What reduces friction during joint movement and absorbs shock?

Synovial fluid.

What is a sinus?

An air space lined with mucous membrane found in certain cranial bones.

What is a fossa?

A shallow depression on the surface of a bone.

How do blood vessels nourish bone tissue?

They pass through the haversian canals.

What are ligaments?

Bands of connective tissue that hold bones together at joints.

What kind of forces do bones transmit as levers?

Muscular forces.

Where are carpal bones located?

In the wrist, proximal to the fingers.

What are osteons?

Interlocking, spindle-shaped units that make up compact bone.

Where is compact bone found?

Near the surface of the bone where great strength is needed.

What bones make up each half of the pectoral girdle?

The scapula and the clavicle.

How do the upper and lower limbs compare?

The 16 carpal bones correspond to the 16 tarsal bones.

What are tendons?

Bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones.

What is the function of osteoblasts?

They produce bone by secreting collagen.

What is the function of osteoclasts?

They are cells that break down bone.

What are lacunae?

Small cavities where osteocytes are found.

Where is synovial fluid secreted?

By a membrane lining the joint capsule.

What are epiphyseal lines?

The remnants of growth centers (metaphyses) that disappear at maturity.

What is the joint capsule?

A structure made of tough, fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the joint.

Which structure is not part of the appendicular skeleton?

The sacrum.

Which structure is not part of the axial skeleton?

The pelvic girdle.

What is the primary function of the skeletal system?

It supports and protects the body by serving as a bony framework for other tissues and organs.

How many cranial bones make up the cranium?

8 cranial bones.

What type of joint is the elbow or knee?

A hinge joint.

What are epiphyses?

The expanded ends of a long bone.

How many bones make up the facial portion of the skull?

14 bones.

Which bone forms the forehead?

The frontal bone.

What does the inner layer of the periosteum produce?

Bone.

What is the diaphysis?

The main shaft of a long bone.

What is the endosteum?

A thin layer of cells that lines the marrow cavity of a long bone.

What do the maxillae form?

The upper jaw.

What is the ulna?

The medial bone of the forearm and the main forearm bone in the elbow joint.

What is the neural arch?

The posterior, curved region of a vertebra.

What is the function of the occipital bone?

It forms the posterior part and most of the floor of the skull.

What does red marrow produce?

Blood cells.

What is the sagittal suture?

The joint between the two parietal bones.

What are the six types of synovial joints?

Gliding, condyloid, saddle, pivot, hinge, and ball and socket.

What fills the spaces within spongy bone?

Bone marrow.

What are sarcomeres?

The basic units of muscle contraction.

What type of contraction occurs when muscles shorten and thicken?

Isotonic contraction.

What type of contraction occurs when the muscle length does not appreciably change but muscle tension increases?

Isometric contraction.

What is the voluntary muscle attached to bones called?

Skeletal muscle.

What is a nerve that controls muscle contractions called?

A motor nerve.

Which muscle is responsible for extending the elbow?

Triceps brachii.

What waste product is produced during the anaerobic metabolism of glucose?

Lactic acid.

What structure releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine?

A motor neuron.

Approximately how many skeletal muscles allow for human movement and daily activities?

600.

What are the thread-like structures that fill muscle fibers?

Myofibrils.

What is the connective tissue covering that surrounds each muscle?

Epimysium.

What are individual skeletal muscle cells referred to as?

Muscle fibers.

What is the state of partial contraction in muscles that provides muscle tone?

Muscle tone.

What enzyme breaks down excess acetylcholine?

Acetylcholinesterase.

What are the tough cords of connective tissue that anchor muscle to bones?

Tendons.

What structure in muscle fibers has inward extensions that form transverse tubules?

Plasma membrane.

What are the smaller protein thread structures that compose myofibrils?

Filaments.

When is oxygen debt paid back?

During the period of rapid breathing.

What does rapid breathing help break down to pay back oxygen debt?

Lactic acid.

What is the function of synergist muscles?

They stabilize joints.

Which muscle adducts the scapula, rotates it, and draws the shoulders upward?

Trapezius.

Which muscle elevates the upper corners of the mouth?

Zygomatic.

Which muscle extends and rotates the thigh laterally and tilts the pelvis?

Gluteus maximus.

Which muscle flexes the trunk and compresses the abdominal contents?

Rectus abdominis.

What is the attachment of a muscle to the less movable bone called?

Origin.