Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of human anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization, body systems, anatomical terminology, body cavities, serous membranes, homeostasis, and core principles.

Anatomy

The study of the physical structure of organisms and their body parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions and processes of the body and its systems.

Chemical Level

The simplest level of structural organization, consisting of atoms and molecules essential for life such as water and proteins.

Cellular Level

The structural level where cells serve as the basic structural and functional units of life.

Tissue Level

The structural level consisting of groups of similar cells performing a common function.

Organ Level

The structural level consisting of structures composed of two or more tissue types working together, such as the heart or liver.

Organ System Level

The structural level composed of groups of organs that perform related functions.

Organism Level

The highest structural level of organization, representing the complete living being.

Integumentary System

The organ system that protects the body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.

Skeletal System

The organ system that supports and protects organs, stores minerals, and forms blood cells.

Muscular System

The organ system that produces movement, maintains posture, and generates heat.

Nervous System

The organ system that directs immediate responses to stimuli and coordinates activities of other systems.

Endocrine System

The organ system that secretes hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Cardiovascular System

The organ system that transports blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Lymphatic System

The organ system that returns fluid to blood and defends against pathogens.

Respiratory System

The organ system that delivers air to lungs and exchanges gases between air and blood.

Digestive System

The organ system that processes food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.

Urinary System

The organ system that removes waste from blood and controls water balance.

Reproductive System

The organ system that produces sex cells and hormones, and supports embryonic development in females.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference posture where the body stands upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms facing forward, and feet parallel.

Superior (Cranial)

Directional term meaning toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior (Caudal)

Directional term meaning away from the head or toward the lower part.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Superficial

Directional term meaning toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Directional term meaning away from the body surface; more internal.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

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

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

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

Sagittal Plane

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

Midsagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Parasagittal Plane

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

Dorsal Body Cavity

Body cavity that includes the cranial cavity housing the brain and the vertebral cavity housing the spinal cord.

Ventral Body Cavity

Body cavity that includes the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

Serous Membranes

Thin, double-layered membranes that line body cavities and cover organs, secreting serous fluid to reduce friction.

Parietal Layer

The layer of a serous membrane that lines the cavity walls.

Visceral Layer

The layer of a serous membrane that covers the organs within the cavity.

Pleura

The specific serous membrane that surrounds the lungs.

Pericardium

The specific serous membrane that surrounds the heart.

Peritoneum

The specific serous membrane that surrounds abdominal organs.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that triggers a feedback mechanism.

Receptor

A sensor in a feedback mechanism that detects a stimulus.

Control Center

The component in a feedback mechanism (often the brain) that processes information and determines the response.

Effector

The component in a feedback mechanism that carries out the response to restore balance.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism in which the response opposes, reduces, or eliminates the original stimulus to stabilize physiological variables.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism in which the response enhances or amplifies the original stimulus, as seen in blood clotting and labor contractions.

Gradient

A difference in a variable (such as concentration, pressure, or temperature) between two areas that drives movement.