Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 1 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terminology, organ system functions, directional terms, and homeostatic mechanisms from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of the external and internal structures of the body and the physical relationships between body parts.

Gross anatomy

The study of structures and features that are visible to the naked eye.

Micro Anatomy

The study of structures that cannot be seen without magnification.

Somites

Segmental blocks that form muscles, vertebrae, and related structures.

Physiology

The study of how living organisms perform their vital functions.

Cytology

The study that analyzes the internal structures of cells.

Histology

The study that examines tissues, which are groups of cells that work together and perform specific functions.

Sign

Something observable and objective that cannot be disputed, such as fever, low oxygen levels, heart rate, or shivering.

Symptom

A subjective indication of a condition described by the patient, such as fatigue, pain, headache, nausea, or dizziness.

Integumentary System

Organ system providing protection from environmental hazards and temperature control.

Skeletal System

Organ system providing support, protection of soft tissues, mineral storage, and blood formation.

Muscular System

Organ system responsible for locomotion, support, and heat production.

Nervous System

Organ system that directs immediate responses to stimuli, usually by coordinating the activities of other organ systems.

Endocrine System

Organ system that directs long-term changes in the activities of other organ systems.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system responsible for the internal transport of cells and dissolved materials, including nutrients, wastes, and gases.

Lymphoid System

Organ system providing defense against infection and disease.

Respiratory System

Organ system delivering air to sites where gas exchange can occur between the air and circulating blood.

Digestive System

Organ system that processes food and absorbs organic nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and water.

Urinary System

Organ system that eliminates excess water, salts, and waste products, and controls pH.

Reproductive System

Organ system responsible for the production of sex cells and hormones.

Supine

Anatomical position defined as lying on your back, face up.

Prone

Anatomical position defined as lying face down.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional reference to the front or belly side of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional reference to the back or behind side of the body.

Cranial (Cephalic)

Directional term meaning toward the head.

Superior

Directional term meaning above or at a higher level (toward the head in humans).

Caudal

Directional term meaning toward the tail (coccyx in humans).

Inferior

Directional term meaning below, at a lower level, or toward the feet.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline or longitudinal axis of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline or longitudinal axis of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning toward an attached base.

Distal

Directional term meaning away from an attached base.

Superficial

Directional term meaning at, near, or relatively close to the body surface.

Deep

Directional term meaning toward the interior of the body; farther from the surface.

Pathology

The study of disease.

Homeostasis

The state when the internal environment is stable at all levels and systems are functioning normally.

Receptor

A sensor sensitive to a particular stimulus or environmental change in homeostatic regulation.

Control center

Component of homeostatic regulation that receives and processes information and sends out commands.

Effector

A cell or organ that responds to the commands of the control center and whose activity either opposes or enhances the stimulus.

Negative feedback

A mechanism of homeostatic regulation that opposes variations from normal to keep body systems within a range compatible with life.

Positive feedback

A mechanism of homeostatic regulation that enhances variations from normal and produces extreme responses, such as blood clotting or labor.