Introduction to Anatomy, Physiology, and Homeostasis

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, organ systems, and homeostatic mechanisms from Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 notes.

Gross Anatomy

The subdivision of anatomy that studies macroscopic or broad structures visible to the naked eye, such as muscles, blood vessels, and organs.

Cytology

The branch of microscopic anatomy specifically focused on studying individual cell structures.

Histology

The branch of microscopic anatomy concerned with the study of tissues.

Physiology

The study of the functions of biological structures and organ systems.

Renal Physiology

The study of kidney function.

Tissue

A group of cells with the same structure that perform the same or very similar functions.

Metabolism

The total sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body.

Catabolism

The metabolic process of breaking down large molecules or polymers into smaller monomers, such as breaking down proteins into amino acids.

Anabolism

The metabolic process of building complex structures and polymers by rebinding smaller monomers based on the body's needs.

Integumentary System

The organ system comprising the skin and its appendages (hair, nails, and sweat glands) that provides protection, synthesizes vitamin D, houses sensory receptors, and regulates body temperature.

Skeletal System

The organ system that forms the body framework, assists in movement, forms blood cells within bone marrow, and stores minerals, including $99\%$ of the body's calcium.

Endocrine System

The organ system composed of glands that secrete hormones to adjust the intensity and rate of cellular metabolism and work.

Urinary System

The organ system that eliminates nitrogenous waste products and regulates water content, blood pressure, electrolytes, and long-term blood pH within the range of $7.35$ to $7.45$.

Homeostasis

The dynamic process of maintaining a relatively stable internal environment despite continuous internal and external changes.

Afferent Pathways

The incoming neural pathways that transmit sensory signals from receptors toward the control center.

Efferent Pathways

The outgoing neural pathways that transmit signals away from the control center to an effector.

Effector

An organ, such as a muscle or gland, that responds to outgoing signals from the control center to alter a body function.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

The most common homeostatic control mechanism that opposes, reduces, or shuts off the original stimulus to bring a variable back to its normal level.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A homeostatic control mechanism that enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, producing an amplifying cascade to complete infrequent events.