Human Anatomy & Physiology Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to human anatomy and physiology, essential for understanding the structure and functions of the human body.

Anatomy

Study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Physiology

Study of the function of body parts; how body parts work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

Reference Male

Healthy, young male weighing approximately 155 lbs (70 kg).

Reference Female

Healthy, young female weighing approximately 125 lbs (57 kg).

Anatomical Variability

Slight variations in both external and internal anatomy; over 90% of structures match textbook descriptions.

Sex

Set of biological attributes based on chromosomes, gene expression, and hormone action.

Gender

Psychosocial construct comprising behaviors, expressions, and identities.

Gross Anatomy

Study of large body structures visible to the naked eye.

Regional Anatomy

Examines all structures in a specific area of the body.

System Anatomy

Focuses on one system, such as cardiovascular or nervous systems.

Surface Anatomy

Looks at internal structures in relation to overlying skin.

Microscopic Anatomy

Studies structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Cytology

Study of cells.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Developmental Anatomy

Traced through the lifespan and studies changes occurring before birth.

Palpate

Feeling organs with hands.

Auscultate

Listening to organs using a stethoscope.

Medical Imaging Technology

Tools to view inside the body without surgery.

Renal Physiology

Functions of the kidney.

Neurophysiology

Functions of the nervous system.

Cardiovascular Physiology

Functions of the heart and blood vessels.

Complementarity of Structure and Function

Anatomy and physiology are inseparable; structure dictates function.

Chemical Level

The level of organization involving atoms and molecules.

Cellular Level

The level of organization involving cells and organelles.

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells.

Organ Level

Two or more types of tissues.

Organ System Level

Organs that work closely together.

Organismal Level

All organ systems combined to form the whole organism.

Integumentary System

Protects internal structures.

Skeletal System

Supports and protects the body.

Muscular System

Enables movement.

Nervous System

Responds to stimuli.

Endocrine System

Hormonal regulation.

Cardiovascular System

Transports blood.

Lymphatic System

Immune response.

Respiratory System

Gas exchange.

Digestive System

Nutrient breakdown and absorption.

Urinary System

Waste removal.

Reproductive System

Produces offspring.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions in response to external changes.

Law of Mass Balance

Steady state where total substance intake equals its output.

Receptors

Monitors the environment and responds to stimuli.

Control Center

Determines set point and appropriate response.

Effectors

Provides means to respond, such as muscles or glands.

Negative Feedback

Reduces or shuts off the original stimulus, promoting stability.

Positive Feedback

Enhances the original stimulus, useful in processes like childbirth.

Feedforward Response

Anticipates changes in the internal environment.

Homeostatic Imbalance

Disturbances in homeostasis leading to disease or aging.

Anatomical Position

Standard position of the body, facing forward with arms at the side.

Superior

Above.

Inferior

Below.

Anterior

Front.

Posterior

Back.

Medial

Toward the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Proximal

Near to the origin of body part.

Distal

Farther from the origin.

Superficial

On the surface.

Deep

Away from the surface.

Axial Part

Main axis of the body, including head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Part

Limbs of the body.

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into right and left parts.

Frontal Plane

Divides body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

Divides body into superior and inferior parts.

Cranial Cavity

Encases the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

Encases the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Houses lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains digestive and reproductive organs.