Comprehensive Human Health Exam 1 Study Guide

Six Dimensions of Health

The core aspects of total wellness: physical (body function), social (relationships), intellectual (critical thinking), emotional (feelings), spiritual (purpose), and environmental (surroundings).

Determinants of Health

The array of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that influence an individual's or population's health status.

Leading Causes of Death in the United States

The primary diseases responsible for most fatalities nationally; historically led by heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

Steps in Modifying Health Behavior

A multi-stage process involving increasing awareness, contemplating change, preparing for action, taking action, and establishing rewards.

Transtheoretical Model

A behavior change model detailing six structural stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination.

Health Belief Model

A psychological framework explaining that health behaviors are driven by perceptions of disease severity, personal susceptibility, and the benefits/barriers of taking action.

Stress

The mental and physical response and adaptation of the body to real or perceived changes, challenges, and demands.

Fight-or-Flight Response

A physiological reaction occurring in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

Hormones (Stress Response)

Chemical messengers—primarily epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol—released by the endocrine system to prepare the body for immediate action.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

The three-stage physiological response to prolonged stress consisting of the alarm phase, resistance phase, and exhaustion phase.

Eustress

A positive, healthy form of stress that presents opportunities for personal growth and satisfaction (e.g., scoring a goal, getting married).

Resiliency

The personal ability to adapt successfully, bounce back, and recover quickly from adversity, trauma, or significant stress.

Homeostasis

A balanced, stable physiological state in which all of the body's systems function smoothly and optimally.

Techniques Used for Stress Management

Behavioral and cognitive interventions—such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and time management—designed to reduce stress.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for triggering the fight-or-flight response, accelerating heart rate, and increasing alertness.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that slows systems down, promotes digestion, and returns the body to a state of homeostasis.

Cortisol

A primary glucocorticoid stress hormone released by the adrenal glands that elevates blood glucose, suppresses the immune system, and aids metabolism during stress.

Major Depression

A severe mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and sleep disturbances lasting at least two weeks.

Phobia

A persistent, irrational, and intense fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that poses little actual danger.

Suicidal Ideation

Thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.

Self-Esteem

A person's overall subjective evaluation or sense of personal worth and value.

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks along with persistent concern about having additional attacks.

Psychoneuroimmunology

The scientific study of how the brain, nervous system, and immune system interact and influence long-term health outcomes.

Emotional Availability

The ability of an individual to share emotionally intimate experiences, vulnerability, and feelings with another person without fear.

Intimacy

A close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship characterized by deep mutual understanding and vulnerability.

Sternberg's Theory of Love

A triangular model stating that love is composed of three interconnected components: intimacy (emotional), passion (physical), and commitment (cognitive).

Fisher's Theory of Love

A neurobiological theory outlining three distinct evolutionary stages of falling in love driven by specific brain chemistry: lust (testosterone/estrogen), attraction (dopamine/norepinephrine), and attachment (oxytocin/vasopressin).

Nonverbal Communication

The transmission of messages or signals through facial expressions, body language, gestures, posture, eye contact, and physical distance.

Sexual Identity

An individual's internal awareness and understanding of themselves regarding sex, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Transgender

An umbrella term describing individuals whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the biological sex they were assigned at birth.

Intersexuality

A variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit standard medical definitions of male or female.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone produced chiefly by the testes; responsible for stimulating secondary male sex characteristics.

Gonadotropin:

A group of hormones (such as LH and FSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulate the activity and hormone production of the gonads (testes or ovaries).

Perineum

The external region of the body between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx, located between the vulva and anus in females, and the scrotum and anus in males.

Ovulation

The phase of the female menstrual cycle in which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and releases an egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube for potential fertilization.

Seminal Vesicle

Sac-like exocrine glands that secrete a significant fluid component of semen, rich in fructose to nourish sperm cells.

Testes

The male gonads located inside the scrotum that produce sperm cells and synthesize testosterone.

Epididymis

A highly coiled tube curved over the back of each testis where sperm cells mature, are stored, and gain motility.

Prostate Gland

A walnut-sized male gland surrounding the urethra that secretes an alkaline fluid to neutralize vaginal acidity and enhance sperm viability.

Vulva

The collective term for the external female genitalia, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

Fallopian Tube

The pair of tubes along which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus, and where biological fertilization typically occurs.

Function of the Ovaries

The female gonads responsible for producing mature eggs (oocytes) and secreting primary female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Menopause

The permanent cessation of menstruation, medically defined after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Stages of Sexual Response

The four distinct phases of physiological changes during sexual activity outlined by Masters and Johnson: Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, and Resolution.

Cunnilingus

Oral stimulation of the female external genitalia (vulva, clitoris).

Fellatio:

Oral stimulation of the male genitalia (penis, scrotum).

Autoerotic Behaviors

Sexual self-stimulation or arousal independent of a partner, most commonly expressed through masturbation or sexual fantasies.

Sadomasochism

Sexual practices involving the intentional infliction or receipt of physical pain, humiliation, or dominance/submission for sexual gratification.

Dyspareunia

Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after sexual intercourse.

Barrier Methods of Contraception:

Birth control options that physically prevent sperm from entering the uterus (e.g., male condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps).

Cervical Cap:

A small, silicone cup-shaped barrier device inserted into the vagina to fit tightly over the cervix to block sperm entry.

Depo-Provera:

An injectable hormonal contraceptive method containing progestin given every 12 weeks to inhibit ovulation.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

A small, T-shaped contraceptive device (hormonal or copper) inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider for long-acting, reversible birth control.

Plan B

An over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel designed to prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

Seasonale or Seasonique Pills:

Extended-cycle oral contraceptive pills designed to reduce the frequency of menstrual periods to just four times per year.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Natural family planning methods where a person tracks ovulation markers (e.g., basal body temperature, cervical mucus) to avoid or achieve pregnancy.

Vasectomy

A permanent male sterilization procedure involving the surgical cutting, tying, or sealing of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate.

Hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the uterus; renders a female permanently unable to carry a pregnancy.

Implantation

The process by which a developing blastocyst attaches itself securely to the vascular lining of the endometrium in the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner mucous membrane lining of the uterus, which thickens monthly in preparation for a potential pregnancy and sheds during menstruation if fertilization does not occur.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone produced by the placenta after implantation; detected by standard home pregnancy tests to confirm pregnancy.

Placenta

A temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to provide oxygen, nutrients, and waste elimination between the maternal blood supply and the growing fetus.

Stages of Labor

The three distinct parts of childbirth: First stage (dilation of cervix), Second stage (expulsion/delivery of the baby), and Third stage (delivery of the placenta).

Transition

The final, most intense phase of the first stage of labor where the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters.

Smoking During Pregnancy

The consumption of nicotine/tobacco products while pregnant, which significantly increases the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and placental problems.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal screening test where a small sample of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus via needle to test for fetal genetic abnormalities.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

An early prenatal diagnostic test involving the removal of a tiny tissue sample from the placenta to screen for chromosomal defects.

Leading Cause of Death Among Infants

The primary conditions responsible for mortality under age one, historically led by congenital malformations (birth defects), followed by low birth weight complications.

Preeclampsia

A serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation.

Spontaneous Abortion

The sudden, involuntary loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation, commonly referred to as a miscarriage.

Teratogenic

Any agent, substance, or factor (such as alcohol, certain drugs, radiation, or infections) capable of causing physical abnormalities or developmental defects in an embryo or fetus.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

A rare, acute, and potentially life-threatening systemic bacterial infection typically associated with prolonged high-absorbency tampon use.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision made in the perineum (the area of skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and the anus) during the second stage of labor. Its purpose is to temporarily enlarge the vaginal opening to help facilitate delivery and prevent a more severe, jagged natural tear

Cunnilingus

The oral stimulation of the female external genitalia, specifically targeting parts of the vulva such as the clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora.

The Three Clinical Stages of Labor

First Stage (Dilation & Effacement): This is the longest stage, where regular uterine contractions work to thin (efface) and open (dilate) the cervix from 0 to 10 centimeters. It includes three sub-phases: early, active, and transition (which is also listed right after this term on your guide).

Second Stage (Expulsion): This stage begins once the cervix is completely dilated to 10 centimeters and ends with the physical delivery and birth of the infant. This is the active pushing stage.

Third Stage (Placental Delivery): This final stage occurs right after the birth of the baby and involves the detachment and complete delivery of the placenta from the uterine wall.

Transition

The final, shortest, and most intense phase of the first stage of labor. During this phase, the cervix finishes opening, dilating from 8 centimeters to a full 10 centimeters (complete dilation), which prepares the body for the pushing phase.

Autoerotic Behavior

The sexual self-stimulation or arousal independent of a partner.

Sadomasochism

The sexual practices or interactions involving the intentional infliction or receipt of physical pain, humiliation, or dominance and submission for sexual gratification.