Chapter 1 - Anatomy & Physiology Integrated Overview (VOCABULARY)

Key vocabulary terms and definitions spanning Chapter 1: Anatomy & Physiology, including basics of anatomy and physiology, levels of organization, body planes, directional terms, organ systems, body cavities, serous membranes, and regional anatomy.

Anatomy

The study of the form and structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of how the body functions.

Microscopic anatomy

Anatomy viewed only with a microscope; includes cytology and histology.

Cytology

Study of body cells and their internal structure.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Gross anatomy

Anatomy visible to the naked eye (macroscopic anatomy).

Systemic anatomy

Anatomy of each body system studied as a whole.

Regional anatomy

Anatomy of structures in a specific region of the body.

Surface anatomy

Study of superficial markings and their relation to deeper structures.

Comparative anatomy

Comparison of anatomical similarities and differences across species.

Embryology

Developmental changes from conception to birth.

Pathologic anatomy

Macroscopic and microscopic anatomical changes due to disease.

Radiographic anatomy

Anatomy visualized through imaging techniques (e.g., X-ray, MRI, CT).

Form follows function

Principle that anatomical structures are designed to perform their specific functions.

Homeostasis

Ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.

Receptor

A sensor that detects changes in a variable.

Control center

Interprets input from receptors and initiates responses via effectors.

Effector

Structure that produces a change to alter the stimulus.

Negative feedback

First the variable moves within a normal range; response opposes the stimulus to restore balance.

Positive feedback

Stimulus is reinforced to move the variable further in the same direction until a climactic event occurs.

Set point

The desired value or level at which a variable is maintained.

Homeostatic imbalance

Failure of the body's systems to maintain homeostasis, leading to disease.

Chemical level (level of organization)

Atoms, molecules, and macromolecules—the simplest level of organization.

Cellular level

Level consisting of cells, the basic units of life.

Tissue level

Level where similar cells perform a common function.

Organ level

Level where two or more tissues form an organ.

Organ system level

Level where related organs work together in a system.

Organismal level

All organ systems functioning together to form a living organism.

Anatomic position

Standard reference posture: upright, feet parallel, palms facing anteriorly, head level, eyes forward.

Coronal (frontal) plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.

Midsagittal (median) plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal plane

Vertical plane parallel to the midsagittal plane; divides into left and right portions.

Oblique plane

Plane that passes through a structure at an angle.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or trunk.

Posterior aspect

Back side of the body; part of the posterior aspect of the body.

Ventral cavity

Larger body cavity partitioned by the diaphragm; includes thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Cranial cavity

Space within the skull that houses the brain.

Vertebral (spinal) canal

Space formed by the vertebral column that houses the spinal cord.

Mediastinum

Median space in the thoracic cavity containing the heart and major vessels.

Pericardium

Two-layered serous membrane surrounding the heart (parietal and visceral layers with a pericardial cavity).

Parietal pericardium

Outer layer of the pericardium that lines the heart's outer sac.

Visceral pericardium

Inner layer of the pericardium that covers the heart itself.

Pleura

Two-layered serous membranes around the lungs (parietal and visceral).

Parietal pleura

Outer layer lining the thoracic cavity.

Visceral pleura

Inner layer covering the surface of the lungs.

Pleural cavity

Space between the parietal and visceral pleura containing serous fluid.

Peritoneum

Two-layered serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity (parietal and visceral).

Parietal peritoneum

Outermost layer lining the abdominopelvic cavity walls.

Visceral peritoneum

Innermost layer covering most abdominal and pelvic organs.

Peritoneal cavity

Potential space between parietal and visceral peritoneum containing serous fluid.

Serous membrane

Double-layered membranes that secrete serous fluid to reduce friction.

Serous fluid

Lubricating liquid between serous membranes.

Abdominopelvic regions

Nine anatomical regions (umbilical, epigastric, hypogastric, and right/left hypochondriac, lumbar, iliac) used to describe areas of the abdomen and pelvis.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

Four sections (right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower) for dividing the abdominopelvic cavity.