Ch. 1 Major Themes in A&P

Flashcards covering core concepts from Chapter 1: anatomy vs physiology, hierarchy, homeostasis, negative/positive feedback, feedback loop components, and basic life processes.

What is Anatomy?

The study of the structure of the human body—the parts and where they are.

What is Physiology?

The study of how structures function—how they work.

What is the Hierarchy of Complexity in the human body?

Atoms → molecules → macromolecules and organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organisms.

What is Homeostasis?

The ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions by detecting changes and opposing them.

What is Negative Feedback?

A process that maintains dynamic equilibrium by reversing a detected change, keeping conditions within a set range around a set point.

What is Positive Feedback?

A self-amplifying cycle that increases the original change in the same direction and is used for rapid processes (e.g., childbirth, blood clotting, nerve signaling).

What are the components of a feedback loop?

Receptor, integrating (control) center, and effector.

What is a Receptor?

Senses change in the body.

What is the Integrating (control) Center?

Processes sensory information and directs the response.

What is an Effector?

A cell or organ that carries out the corrective action to restore homeostasis.

What is a Stimulus in a feedback loop?

The change detected by the receptor.

What is a Response in a feedback loop?

The action produced by the effector.

What happens to body temperature when it is too warm?

Skin vessels dilate and sweating begins to lose heat.

What happens to body temperature when it is too cold?

Skin vessels constrict and shivering begins to gain heat.

Characteristics of Life: Organization

Living things exhibit a higher level of organization than nonliving things.

Characteristics of Life: Cellular composition

Living matter is compartmentalized into one or more cells.

Characteristics of Life: Metabolism (Catabolism)

Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules to release energy.

Characteristics of Life: Metabolism (Anabolism)

Anabolism is the synthesis of larger, complex molecules; building up.

Characteristics of Life: Responsiveness

Ability to sense and react to stimuli (e.g., withdrawal reflex, control of breathing).

Characteristics of Life: Development

Differentiation and growth; unspecialized cells become specialized.