Unit 1 – The Basics: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the basics of human anatomy and physiology, including structural levels, diagnostic techniques, and homeostasis.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and shape of the body and body parts and their relationships to one another; derived from Greek words meaning "up" and "cutting."

Physiology

The study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts, including all its physical and chemical processes.

Collagen

A fibrous, structural protein found in the skin that is shaped like a rope to provide strength and prevent tearing.

Hemoglobin

A globular or round protein used to transport oxygen in the blood.

Transitional Epithelium

A type of tissue lining the ureters, bladder, and part of the urethra that stretches readily to permit distension by urine.

Autopsy

Also called necropsy or postmortem examination, it is the dissection and examination of a dead body to determine cause of death or identify diseases.

Inspection

A non-invasive diagnostic technique consisting of a visual examination of the body.

Palpation

A diagnostic technique involving gently touching body surfaces with hands to assess structure and function.

Auscultation

A diagnostic technique that involves listening to body sounds, typically using a stethoscope.

Percussion

The act of tapping on the body surface with fingertips and listening to the resulting echoes.

Conventional Radiography

A medical imaging technique using a single burst of x-rays to produce a 2-D image; primarily used in osteology due to poor soft tissue resolution.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

A moving x-ray beam that produces a computer-generated cross-section of the body, revealing more soft tissue detail than standard x-rays.

Angiography

A technique used to visualize the lumen of blood vessels and heart chambers using x-rays with catheters, CT, or MRI.

Ultrasound (US)

A safe, non-invasive imaging method using high-frequency sound waves to display a sonogram on a video monitor.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique using a magnetic field and radio waves to realign hydrogen atoms to create detailed cross-sectional images of organs and tissues.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

An imaging technique using radiolabeled biologically active compounds (tracers) to diagnose diseases in oncology, the brain, or the heart.

Cytology

A branch of anatomy focusing on the study of cellular structure and functions.

Histology

The microscopic study of the structure of tissues.

Embryology

The study of the first eight weeks of development following the fertilization of a human egg.

Surface Anatomy

The study of surface markings of the body to understand internal anatomy through visualization and palpation.

Metabolism

The sum of all biochemical processes occurring in cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell develops from an unspecialized state to a specialized state.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of the internal environment within physiological limits, representing a dynamic equilibrium produced by organ systems and regulatory processes.

Interstitial Fluid

The extracellular fluid (ECF) located between cells and tissues, often referred to as the body's internal environment.

Receptor

A body structure that monitors changes in a controlled condition and sends input to a control center via an afferent pathway.

Control Center

A component of a feedback system, usually the brain, that evaluates input from receptors and generates output commands.

Effector

A body structure that receives output from a control center and produces a response that changes the controlled condition.

Negative Feedback System

A regulatory mechanism that reverses a change in a controlled condition, such as blood pressure or body temperature regulation.

Positive Feedback System

A self-amplifying cycle that strengthens or reinforces a change in a controlled condition, occurring during childbirth or blood clotting.

Signs

Objective changes in body function that a clinician can observe and measure, such as a fever or a rash.

Symptoms

Subjective changes in body functions that are not apparent to an observer, such as a headache or nausea.