Human Anatomy & Physiology – Chapter 1: The Human Body – An Orientation

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 1 of Human Anatomy & Physiology: definitions, subdivisions, body systems, homeostatic components, directional terminology, body planes, cavities, and abdominal regions.

Anatomy

The study of body structure, shape, and parts.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function.

Gross Anatomy

Subdivision of anatomy that examines large, visible structures.

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of structures too small for the naked eye, such as cells and tissues.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of structural changes that occur throughout the life span.

Regional Anatomy

Study of all structures in a particular body area.

Pathologic Anatomy

Study of structural changes caused by disease.

Applied Anatomy

Practical application of anatomical knowledge to clinical practice.

Cell Physiology

Study of the functional processes of cells.

System Physiology

Study of the functions of specific organ systems.

Pathophysiology

Study of functional changes associated with disease.

Exercise Physiology

Study of body functions during physical activity.

Neurophysiology

Study of nervous system function.

Cardiovascular Physiology

Study of heart and blood-vessel function.

Endocrinology

Study of hormones and endocrine glands.

Immunology

Study of the body’s defense (immune) system.

Levels of Organization

Hierarchy of structural complexity: subatomic particles → atom → molecule → macromolecule → organelle → cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism.

Integumentary System

External body covering; protects, synthesizes vitamin D, houses receptors.

Skeletal System

Supports and protects organs, stores minerals, forms blood cells, provides levers for movement.

Muscular System

Allows movement, maintains posture, and produces heat.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system that responds to internal and external changes.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones regulating growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels; transports oxygen, nutrients, wastes, etc.

Lymphatic System

Returns fluid to blood, disposes of debris, and houses immune cells.

Respiratory System

Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates indigestible residue.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous waste and maintains water, electrolyte, and pH balance.

Reproductive System

Produces offspring and sex hormones.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in the body; includes energy production and structural building.

Excretion

Removal of metabolic wastes from the body.

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and react to stimuli.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment (dynamic equilibrium).

Receptor (Homeostasis)

Sensor that detects changes (stimuli) in the environment.

Control Center

Determines the set point, analyzes input, and decides on an appropriate response.

Effector

Structure that carries out the control center’s response to restore balance.

Negative Feedback

Mechanism that reduces or opposes the original stimulus to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that amplifies or enhances the original stimulus.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference posture: standing erect, face forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior (Caudal)

Away from the head; toward the lower part.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body; in front of.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body; behind.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Superficial (External)

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep (Internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Sagittal Plane

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

Median (Midsagittal) Plane

Sagittal plane that lies exactly on the midline; produces equal halves.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts; a cross section.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Posterior cavity housing the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial Cavity

Part of the dorsal cavity containing the brain.

Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity

Part of the dorsal cavity containing the spinal cord.

Ventral Body Cavity

Anterior cavity consisting of thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest cavity containing heart and lungs.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Cavity inferior to the diaphragm; houses digestive, urinary, and reproductive organs.

Diaphragm

Dome-shaped muscle separating thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Umbilical Region

Center abdominal region surrounding the navel.

Epigastric Region

Abdominal region superior to the umbilical; over the stomach.

Hypogastric (Pubic) Region

Abdominal region inferior to the umbilical.

Right Iliac (Inguinal) Region

Lower-right abdominal region lateral to the hypogastric; overlies appendix and cecum.

Left Iliac (Inguinal) Region

Lower-left abdominal region lateral to the hypogastric.

Right Lumbar Region

Mid-right abdominal region lateral to the umbilical.

Left Lumbar Region

Mid-left abdominal region lateral to the umbilical.

Right Hypochondriac Region

Upper-right abdominal region beneath the ribs.

Left Hypochondriac Region

Upper-left abdominal region beneath the ribs.

Oral Cavity

Mouth; contains teeth and tongue.

Nasal Cavity

Space within and posterior to the nose; part of the respiratory passages.

Orbital Cavities

Eye sockets in the skull housing the eyes.

Middle Ear Cavities

Air-filled chambers medial to the eardrums containing auditory ossicles.