The Human Organism: Anatomy and Physiology Fundamentals

This set of flashcards covers the introductory concepts of human anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization, organ system functions, characteristics of life, homeostatic mechanisms, and anatomical terminology.

What is the definition of anatomy?

The study of body structure; it means to dissect.

What is the definition of physiology?

The study of processes and functions, including systemic and cellular physiology.

What are the six levels of structural and functional organization in the human body?

1. Chemical, 2. Cellular, 3. Tissues, 4. Organs, 5. Organ system, 6. Organism.

Within the cellular level of organization, what are some examples of organelles?

Mitochondria, nucleus, ribosomes, and cytoplasm.

How is a 'tissue' defined in structural organization?

A group of cells with similar structure and function plus the extracellular substances they release.

What are the four broad types of tissues?

Epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous.

Which organ system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands?

Integumentary System.

What are the primary functions of the skeletal system?

Provides protection and support, allows body movements, produces blood cells, and stores minerals and adipose tissue.

Which system is responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and air and regulating blood pH?

Respiratory System.

What is the function of the endocrine system?

A major regulatory system that influences metabolism, growth, reproduction, and many other functions via glands that secrete hormones.

How is 'metabolism' defined as a characteristic of life?

The sum of all chemical and physical changes sustaining an organism and the ability to acquire and use energy in support of these changes.

What does 'differentiation' refer to in the context of development?

Changes in cell structure and function from generalized to specialized.

Define homeostasis.

The maintenance of a constant internal environment.

In homeostasis, what is the difference between a 'set point' and a 'normal range'?

A set point is the normal or average value of a variable, while a normal range is the normal extent of increase or decrease around that set point.

What are the three components of a negative feedback mechanism?

1. Receptor (detects changes), 2. Control center (receives signal, establishes set point), 3. Effector (directly causes change).

What is the function of a positive feedback system?

A system response that causes progressive deviation away from the set point, outside of the normal range.

Provide two examples of positive feedback mentioned in the notes.

Childbirth and the formation of a platelet plug (blood clotting).

Describe the 'anatomical position.'

A person standing erect with face and palms forward.

What is the difference between 'supine' and 'prone'?

Supine means lying face up; prone means lying face down.

Define the directional terms 'superior' and 'inferior'.

Superior means above; inferior means below.

What do the terms 'proximal' and 'distal' mean?

Proximal means closer to a point of attachment; distal means farther from a point of attachment.

Which plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves?

Midsagittal plane.

What is a 'frontal' (or coronal) plane?

A vertical plane between lateral surfaces that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

What is the 'mediastinum'?

The space between the lungs within the thoracic cavity.

Which organs are contained within the abdominal cavity?

Stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.

Distinguish between visceral and parietal serous membranes.

The visceral serous membrane covers the organs, while the parietal serous membrane lines the cavity wall.

What are the specific serous membranes and cavity associated with the lungs?

Visceral pleura, parietal pleura, and the pleural cavity.

What are 'mesenteries'?

Double layers of visceral peritoneum that cover and anchor organs within the abdominopelvic cavity.