An Introduction to the Human Body Flashcards

Flashcards introducing human anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization, organ systems, requirements for life, homeostasis, anatomical terminology, and medical imaging techniques.

Anatomy

The scientific study of the body's structures and physical relationships among body parts (the study of form).

Physiology

The study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways in which they work together to support the functions of life (the study of function).

Gross anatomy

The examination of relatively large structures and features, usually visible with the unaided eye.

Microscopic anatomy

The examination of structures that cannot be seen without magnification.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Integumentary System

Organs including skin, accessory structures, hair, and nails; functions include external support, protection of the body, temperature regulation, and serving as a barrier for immune function.

Skeletal System

Organs including bones, cartilage, and joints; functions include internal support, protection of organs, flexible framework for body movement, blood cell formation, and mineral storage.

Muscular System

Organs including skeletal muscles and tendons; functions include locomotion, support, body heat production, maintaining body temperature, and enabling movement with the skeletal system.

Nervous System

Organs including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; functions include detecting and processing sensory information and directing responses to stimuli by coordinating activities of other organ systems.

Endocrine System

Organs including hormone secreting glands such as the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, pineal gland, pancreas, testes, and ovaries; functions include secreting hormones that act as signals to regulate body processes.

Circulatory System

Organs including the heart, blood, and blood vessels; functions include transporting nutrients to cells and waste products from cells, as well as homeostasis of body temperature.

Lymphatic and Immune System

Organs including lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow, and tonsils; functions include returning extracellular fluid to the blood, housing immune cells, protecting against infection and disease, transporting lymph, and absorbing and transporting fats.

Respiratory System

Organs including lungs, trachea, larynx, and nasal passages; functions include gas exchange ($O_2$ and $CO_2$) between air and circulating blood.

Digestive System

Organs including salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and gallbladder; functions include intake, breakdown, and absorption of food to acquire nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and water, as well as elimination of feces.

Urinary System

Organs including kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra; functions include controlling water balance, filtering blood to remove nitrogenous wastes, eliminating excess water, salts, and waste products, and controlling pH and electrolyte balance.

Male Reproductive System

Organs including testes, scrotum, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and penis; functions include production and delivery of sperm (gametes) and production of sex hormones.

Female Reproductive System

Organs including ovaries, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands; functions include production of egg (gamete), secretion of sex hormones, copulation, and support of fetus/infant.

Anabolic reactions

Building reactions in metabolism that consume energy.

Catabolic reactions

Reactions in metabolism that break materials down and release energy.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body, including both anabolic and catabolic reactions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of an internal 'steady state', keeping an internal condition within a set range.

Positive Feedback Loop

A system loop that results in a change in the body's status rather than a return to homeostasis, such as in normal childbirth.

Anatomical Position

Standard positioning of the body used for consistency where the body is standing upright (or laying down face up), feet are at shoulder width, parallel, with toes forward, and upper limbs are held out to each side with palms facing forward.

X-Rays

High energy electromagnetic radiation that allows the internal structures of the body, such as bones, to be seen.

Computed tomography (CT)

A medical imaging technique where results (such as of the head) are shown as successive transverse sections.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A medical imaging device that generates a magnetic field around a patient.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

A medical imaging technique that uses radiopharmaceuticals to create images of active blood flow and physiologic activity of targeted organs.

Ultrasonography

The least invasive medical imaging technique that uses no electromagnetic radiation, commonly used to monitor pregnancies.