Human Anatomy Lecture 1 Flashcards

Vocabulary practice cards covering the foundations of human anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization, organ systems, directional terminology, and medical imaging.

Anatomy

A term meaning "to cut apart," it is the study of bodily structure

Anatomical Sciences/ Subdivisions:

Gross Anatomy: Study of the structures visible to the naked eyes.

Surface Anatomy: external structure

Regional Anatomy: interrelationships in specific region

Systemic anatomy: discrete body system

Radiological anatomy

Comparative anatomy

Histology (microscopic anatomy)

Histopathology: microscopic analysis of diseased tissue

Cytology: structure and function of individual cells

variation in human structure

•Not all people have “normal” position of organs

•The common structure- the anatomy seen in approximately 70% of people.

•Even identical twins show differences

•Examples: Lack of certain organs, different locations, different numbers of vertebrates, etc.

•Terminology

–Situs solitus – normal arrangement

–Situs inversus – reversed position of organs

–Situs perversus – one organ atypically positioned

Situs solitus

The normal arrangement of organs seen in approximately 70% of people.

Situs inversus

The condition in which organ positions are reversed.

Situs perversus

The condition in which a single organ is atypically positioned.

Inspection

The method of study involving looking at the surface appearance of the body.

Palpation

The method of study involving feeling a structure.

Auscultation

The method of study involving listening to normal bodily sounds.

Percussion

The method of study involving tapping and listening to tissue density.

Dissection

The process of cutting and separating tissues for study.

Chemical level

The nonliving level of organization consisting of atoms and molecules.

Major atoms in the human body

Four atoms that make up 96% of the body: Carbon ($C$), Hydrogen ($H$), Oxygen ($O$), and Nitrogen ($N$).

Cellular level

The level of organization consisting of organelles and cells; the cell is the smallest living unit and basic unit of life.

Tissue level

An organizational level consisting of a group of cells with similar structure that perform a specific function.

Organ level

An organizational level consisting of a structure with definite anatomical boundaries composed of two or more tissue types working together.

System level

Groups of related organs that work together toward a common function; there are 11 such systems in the body.

Organismal level

The highest level of structural organization, representing all parts of the organism working together.

Biomolecules

The four types of molecules found in living organisms: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Integumentary System

The organ system that provides the external body covering, protection, and sensation.

Skeletal System

The organ system providing internal support and protection.

Muscular System

The organ system responsible for movement.

Lymphatic System

The organ system that returns fluid leaked from blood and provides immune defense.

Respiratory System

The organ system that exchanges gases ($O_2$ and $CO_2$) with the environment.

Digestive System

The organ system responsible for the breakdown and absorption of food and the elimination of undigestable food.

Nervous System

A fast-acting control system of the body.

Endocrine System

The organ system responsible for hormonal control via secretions from glands.

Cardiovascular System

The organ system that transports substances via circulating blood.

Urinary System

The organ system that removes most metabolic wastes from the blood as urine.

Reproductive System

The organ system responsible for producing offspring.

Anatomical Position

A standardized stance described as erect, with palms and face forward.

Anterior (Ventral)

A directional term meaning toward the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

A directional term meaning toward the back.

Superior

A directional term meaning above.

Inferior

A directional term meaning below.

Medial

A directional term meaning closer to the midline.

Lateral

A directional term meaning farther from the midline.

Proximal

A directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

A directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment.

Superficial

A directional term meaning closer to the surface.

Deep

A directional term meaning farther from the surface.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

Oblique Plane

A diagonal plane that lies between the vertical and horizontal planes.

Cranial cavity

A dorsal body cavity that contains the brain.

Mediastinum

A division of the thoracic cavity between the lungs containing the trachea, esophagus, and thymus.

Visceral layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that covers the surface of an organ.

Parietal layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines the cavity wall.

Radiology

The branch of medicine concerned with imaging.

Sonography

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses the reflection of ultrasound waves.