Anatomy and Physiology MEGA Vocab Flashcards

Human Anatomy

Study of the structure or form of the human body

Human Physiology

Study of the body’s functions

Cellular composition

Cells are the smallest units that carry out functions of life

Metabolism

When living organisms carry out chemical processes to maintain life

Anabolism

"Building” processes in which smaller molecules are combined to form larger, more complex molecules, often requiring energy.

Catabolism

“Breaking down” processes

Chemical level

smallest level; chemicals range from tiny atoms to complex molecules

Cellular Level

groups of many different types of molecules combine in specific ways

Tissue Level

two or more cell types and material outside them, extracellular matrix, combine to perform a common function.

Organ level

two or more tissue types combine to form an organ with recognizable shape and performs specialized task

Organ system level

two or more organs that carry out a broad function in the body

Organism level

organ systems function together to make up the working human body

Levels of structural organization and body systems in order

1. Chemical level

2. Cellular level

3. Tissue level

4. Organ level

5. Organ system level

6. Organism level

Integumentary system

the outside layer (skin, hair, nails)

• protects the body from external environment

• produces vitamin D

• retains water

• regulates body temp

Skeletal System

the skeletons (bones, joints)

• supports the body

• protects internal organs

• leverage for movement

• produces blood cells

• stores calcium salts

Muscular system

the muscles (skeletal muscles)

• produces movement

• controls body openings

• generates heat

Nervous system

• the vital parts (nerves, brain, spinal chord)

• regulates body functions

• provides sensation, movement, automatic functions, higher mental functions w nerves

Endocrine system

• pancreas, testes, ovaries, adrenal gland, thymus gland, thyroid gland, pituitary gland, pineal gland, hypothalamus

• regulates body functions

• regulates functions of muscle glands, and other tissues through hormones aka secretion of chemicals

Cardiovascular system

• blood vessels, heart

• pumps and delivers oxygen-poor blood to the lungs and oxygen-rich blood to the tissues

• removes waste from tissues

• transports cells, nutrients, other substances

Lymphatic system

• returns excess tissue fluid to the cardiovascular system

• provides protection against diseases

Respiratory system

• Breathing (lungs, trachea, larnyx, pharynx, nasal cavity)

• Delivers oxygen to the blood

• Removes carbon dioxide from the body

• Maintains acid-base balance

Digestive system

• digests food

• absorbs nutrients into blood

• removes food waste

• maintains fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance

Urinary system

• kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra

• removes metabolic wastes from the blood

• maintains fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance

• stimulates blood cell production

Reproductive System: male

• produces and transports sperm

• secretes hormones

• sexual function

Reproductive System: female

• produces and transports oocytes (eggs)

• place of fetal development, nourishment, childbirth, lactation

• secretes hormones

• sexual function

Systemic Anatomy

Examines individual organ systems

Regional anatomy

examines the body in regions, like head and neck

Surface anatomy

examines surface markings

Gross Anatomy

examines structures that can be seen with the eye (no magnifying things)

microscopic anatomy

examines cells (cytology) and tissues (histology) with the use of a microscope

an- (root word)

without

encephala- (root)

brain

-ic (root)

condition of

Anatomical position

where all body parts and regions are described regardless of position

Anterior / Posterior

Anterior = front

Posterior = back

Superior / Inferior

Superior (cranial) = towards the head

Inferior (caudal) = towards the tail

*used to refer to positions on head, neck, trunk

proximal / distal

proximal = closer to the point of origin

distal = further from the point of origin

*used to refer to position on the limbs only

medial / lateral

medial = closer to the middle line of the body

lateral = position farther from the midline

proximal / distal

proximal = closer to the point of origin

distal = further