Human Body Systems and Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and terminology related to the anatomy and physiology of the human body, particularly regarding the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body and its parts.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body.

Anterior

Refers to the front of the body.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the body.

Superior

Refers to a structure that is higher or above another structure.

Inferior

Refers to a structure that is lower or below another structure.

Proximal

Refers to a part closer to the center of the body.

Distal

Refers to a part further away from the center of the body.

Axial Skeleton

Consists of the skull, spine, and thoracic cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes the limbs (arms and legs) and pelvis.

Ball and Socket Joint

A type of joint that allows for rotational movement, such as the shoulder and hip.

Hinge Joint

A joint that allows bending and straightening, such as the elbow and knee.

Vertebrae

The individual bones in the spine.

Diaphragm

A muscle that helps with breathing, separating the chest from the abdomen.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air moved into the lungs during a single breath.

Minute Volume

The total amount of air moved in and out of the lungs in one minute.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

Carbon Dioxide

A waste product produced by the body's cells during metabolism, removed from the body through respiration.

Oxygen

A gas essential for cellular respiration and survival, delivered to tissues via the circulatory system.

Pulmonary Circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic Circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.