Human Anatomy - Chapter 01: A First Look at Anatomy

Flashcards covering the foundational definitions, subdisciplines, organ systems, directional terms, and imaging techniques from Chapter 1 of the Human Anatomy textbook.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures too small to be seen with the unaided eye, including cytology and histology.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Gross anatomy

The study of structures that can be seen with the unaided eye.

Comparative anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that examines similarities and differences across species.

Developmental anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies structural changes from conception through maturity.

Embryology

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies developmental changes occurring prior to birth.

Regional anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies all structures within a single region, such as the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the neck.

Surface anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies superficial and internal structures as they relate to their location on the body surface.

Systemic anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies structures involved with a specific activity, such as digestion.

Pathologic anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that examines anatomic changes resulting from disease.

Radiographic anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies structures visualized by medical imaging procedures such as ultrasound, MRI, or X-ray.

Surgical anatomy

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy that studies anatomic landmarks used before and after surgery, such as using hip bones to find the $L_4$ vertebra.

Structural Organization of the Body

The hierarchy of levels consisting of Atoms, Molecules, Cells, Tissues, Organs, Systems, and the Organism.

Metabolism

A characteristic of living organisms involving chemical reactions.

Growth and development

A characteristic of living organisms involving increased size and specialization.

Responsiveness

A characteristic of living organisms involving sensation and reaction.

Adaptation

A characteristic of living organisms involving alteration to increase reproductive success.

Regulation

A characteristic of living organisms involving the maintenance of homeostasis.

Integumentary System

An organ system that provides protection, regulates body temperature, synthesizes vitamin D, and prevents water loss.

Skeletal System

An organ system that provides support and protection, is the site of hemopoiesis, stores calcium and phosphorus, and provides sites for muscle attachments.

Hemopoiesis

Blood cell production.

Muscular System

An organ system that produces body movement and generates heat when muscles contract.

Nervous System

A regulatory system that controls body movement, responds to sensory stimuli, and is responsible for consciousness, intelligence, and memory.

Endocrine System

An organ system consisting of glands and cell clusters that secrete hormones to regulate growth, chemical levels, and reproductive functions.

Cardiovascular System

An organ system consisting of the heart, blood, and blood vessels that distributes hormones, nutrients, and gases while picking up waste.

Lymphatic System

An organ system that transports and filters lymph and initiates an immune response when necessary.

Respiratory System

An organ system responsible for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between blood and the air in the lungs.

Digestive System

An organ system that mechanically and chemically digests food, absorbs nutrients, and expels waste products.

Urinary System

An organ system that filters blood and removes waste products, concentrates waste in the form of urine, and expels it from the body.

Male Reproductive System

An organ system that produces male sex cells (sperm) and male hormones like testosterone.

Female Reproductive System

An organ system that produces female sex cells (oocytes) and hormones, receives sperm, and serves as the site for fertilization and embryo growth.

Anatomic Position

A common reference position where the body is standing upright, feet parallel on the floor, head level looking forward, and arms at sides with palms facing forward and thumbs pointing away.

Coronal plane

Also called the frontal plane; it divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Transverse plane

Also called the cross-sectional or horizontal plane; it divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Midsagittal plane

Also called the median plane; it divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Oblique planes

Planes that pass through a specimen at an angle.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front or the belly side of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back side of the body.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of a structure.

Caudal

Toward the tail.

Cranial

Toward the head.

Rostral

Toward the nose.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side.

Contralateral

On the opposite side.

Deep

Internal; away from the body surface.

Superficial

External; toward the body surface.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

Axial region

Main body region comprising the head, neck, and trunk, forming the vertical axis of the body.

Appendicular region

Main body region comprising the upper and lower limbs.

Cranial cavity

A cavity in the posterior aspect formed by the skull bones.

Vertebral canal

A cavity in the posterior aspect formed by the vertebral column.

Thoracic cavity

The superior cavity within the ventral cavity, located above the diaphragm.

Abdominopelvic cavity

The inferior cavity within the ventral cavity, located below the diaphragm and divided into abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Parietal layer

The layer of a serous membrane that lines the internal surface of the body wall.

Visceral layer

The layer of a serous membrane that covers the external surface of specific organs.

Mediastinum

The median space in the thoracic cavity containing the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major vessels.

Pericardium

The serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Pleura

The serous membrane surrounding the lungs.