Ch1

Anatomy

The study of structure and the relationships among structures.

Physiology

The study of how body structures function.

Homeostasis

A condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur in the body.

Responsiveness

The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment.

Differentiation

The change in a cell from an unspecialized state to a specialized state.

Autopsy

A postmortem examination of the body to determine the cause of death.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid inside body cells.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside body cells.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid filling narrow spaces between cells of tissues.

Plasma

ECF found in blood vessels.

Lymph

ECF found within lymphatic vessels.

Cerebrospinal fluid

ECF in and around the brain and spinal cord.

Synovial fluid

ECF found in joints.

Aqueous humor

Fluid within the eyes.

Negative feedback system

A feedback system that reverses a change in a controlled condition.

Positive feedback system

A feedback system that enhances or reinforces a change in a controlled condition.

Baroreceptors

Pressure-sensitive cells that detect changes in blood pressure.

Symptoms

Subjective changes in body functions that are not apparent to an observer.

Signs

Objective changes that a clinician can observe and measure.

Diagnosis

The art of determining the nature of a disease.

Anatomical position

A standardized method of observing or imaging the body.

Prone position

Lying face down.

Supine position

Lying face up.

Cranial cavity

Space formed by cranial bones containing the brain.

Vertebral canal

Space formed by the vertebral column containing the spinal cord.

Meninges

Three layers of protective tissue lining cranial and vertebral cavities.

Thoracic cavity

Cavity containing pleural and mediastinal cavities.

Pleural cavities

Two cavities that enclose the lungs.

Pericardial cavity

Cavity that surrounds the heart.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Cavity divided into abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Serous membrane

Thin membrane covering organs in thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Visceral layer

Covering layer adhering to organs.

Parietal layer

Lining layer of the cavity walls.

Radiography

A branch of medical imaging that uses X-rays.

Medical imaging

Techniques used to visualize the inside of the body for diagnosis.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases are transmitted among individuals.

Pharmacology

The science dealing with the effects and uses of drugs in treatment.

Clinical connection

Examples linking theoretical knowledge to practical applications.

Chemical level

The smallest level of structural organization in the body.

Systems

Related organs that work together for common functions.

Tissues

Groups of similarly specialized cells and the substances surrounding them.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more different tissues with specific functions.

Oblique section

A cut made at an angle to the planes of the body.

Cavities

Spaces within the body that protect and support internal organs.

Body regions

Specific names for areas of the body for reference.

Directional terms

Terms used to accurately locate body parts relative to each other.