The Human Body: An Orientation

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of human anatomy and physiology, including organ systems, life functions, and homeostatic mechanisms.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts.

Physiology

The study of the function of body parts.

Principle of Complementarity

The concept that structure is equal to function.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchical order of the body from simplest to most complex: Chemical, Cellular, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organism.

Integumentary System

Organ system consisting of skin, hair, and nails; functions include protection, excretion, and sensation.

Skeletal System

Body system composed of bones and joints; functions include support, protection, and storage.

Muscular System

Body system composed of skeletal muscles; primary function is movement.

Nervous System

System including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors; functions include rapid communication, interpretation, and response to stimuli.

Endocrine System

System involving glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas; functions include slow communication and hormone production.

Cardiovascular System

System consisting of the heart and blood vessels; functions include transportation and protection.

Lymphatic System

System including red bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes; functions include immunity, protection, and returning lymph to blood.

Respiratory System

System including the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and lungs; primary function is gas exchange.

Digestive System

System including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines; functions to breakdown food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate undigested food.

Urinary System

System that functions to filter blood, remove metabolic wastes, and maintain water, salt, and pH balance.

Reproductive System

Organ system primarily responsible for producing offspring.

Life Functions

Eight processes necessary for life: Maintain boundaries, Movement, Responsive to environment, Digestion, Metabolism, Excretion, Reproduction, and Growth.

Survival Needs

Five essentials for human life: Nutrients, Oxygen, Water, Body temperature for chemical reactions, and Atmospheric pressure for gas exchange.

Homeostasis

Maintaining equilibrium; a constant internal environment regardless of external changes.

Receptor

A sensor for stimuli that detects changes in a variable.

Control Center

The component that monitors stimuli, determines if conditions are normal, and receives input via the afferent pathway.

Effector

The component that influences the condition, receiving output from the control center via the efferent pathway.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A control system where the stimulus is reversed, such as the regulation of room temperature or blood glucose.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A control system where the stimulus is enhanced, such as the process of blood clotting.

Normal Blood Glucose Range

$70 - 100\,mg/dl$.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A disturbance in equilibrium that can lead to disease, aging (loss of efficiency), or pathological states (loss of feedback).