BIOL 217: Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture 1

Initial lecture concepts for BIOL 217, covering anatomical terminology, levels of organization, body systems, and homeostatic mechanisms.

Anatomy

The study of the form and structure of body parts.

Physiology

The study of the function of body parts.

Systemic anatomy

Divisions of anatomy that studies the anatomy of each body system.

Regional anatomy

Divisions of anatomy that examines the structures in a body region.

Surface anatomy

Divisions of anatomy focusing on superficial anatomic markings and internal body structures.

Comparative anatomy

Divisions of anatomy that examines anatomical similarities and differences in different species.

Embryology

The study of developmental changes from conception to birth.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body.

Anabolism

A type of metabolism where small molecules are joined to form larger ones.

Catabolism

A type of metabolism where large molecules are broken down into smaller ones.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain consistent internal environment in response to changing internal or external conditions.

Anatomic Position

A specific body stance characterized by an upright position, feet parallel and flat on the floor, upper limbs at the sides, palms facing anteriorly, head level, and eyes looking forward.

Superior

Directional term meaning towards the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning towards the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term meaning towards the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term meaning towards the back.

Proximal

Directional term meaning towards the attachment point.

Distal

Directional term meaning away from the attachment point.

Medial

Directional term meaning towards the midline.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline.

Superficial

Directional term meaning towards the outside of the body (skin).

Deep

Directional term meaning towards the inside of the body, away from the skin.

Coronal Section

A body plane that separates the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Section

A body plane that separates the body into superior and inferior parts.

Sagittal Section

A body plane that separates the body into right and left parts.

Parietal layer

The layer of a serous membrane that lines the internal surface of the body wall.

Visceral layer

The layer of a serous membrane that covers the external surface of organs (viscera).

Serous fluid

A liquid secreted by cells in the serous membrane that acts as a lubricant and reduces friction.

Pericardium

The serous membrane associated with the heart.

Pleura

The serous membrane associated with the lungs.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane associated with the abdominopelvic cavity.

Negative feedback

A homeostatic control mechanism where the resulting action is in the opposite direction of the stimulus, keeping a variable within a normal range.

Positive feedback

A homeostatic control mechanism where the stimulus is reinforced to continue moving the variable in the same direction until a climactic event occurs.