Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure (morphology) of the body and its parts (form and organization).

Physiology

The study of the functions of these parts and how they work and interact.

Atom

The smallest unit of a chemical.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Macromolecule

A large particle composed of smaller molecules bound together.

Organelles

Aggregates of macromolecules used to carry out a specific function in the cell; first level of organization found in living organisms.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in all living things.

Tissue

A group of cells that function together.

Organ

A group of tissues with specialized functions.

Organ System

A group of organs functioning together.

Organism

An individual composed of organ systems functioning together.

Growth

Increase in body size, including size and number of cells.

Reproduction

Production of new organisms or cells.

Responsiveness

Reaction to internal or external changes.

Movement

Change in position of a body or body part; movement of internal parts.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring in cells.

Respiration

Release of energy from food using oxygen, producing carbon dioxide.

Digestion

Breakdown of food into usable forms absorbed into the blood.

Circulation

Movement of cells and chemicals in body fluids.

Excretion

Removal of metabolic wastes from the body.

Water

Most abundant chemical in the body; required for metabolism; transport medium; makes up intracellular and extracellular fluids; helps regulate body temperature.

Heat

Energy produced in metabolic reactions; temperature controls reaction rates.

Oxygen

Used to release energy from food; essential for metabolism.

Pressure

Atmospheric pressure needed for breathing; hydrostatic pressure moves blood through vessels.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment; regulated by homeostatic mechanisms.

Receptors

Structures that monitor deviations from a set point and provide information.

Set Point

Normal value or range for a particular variable.

Effectors

Muscle cells or glands that bring about changes to restore balance.

Negative Feedback

Deviation from the set point is corrected; used in most homeostatic mechanisms.

Positive Feedback

Deviation moves conditions farther from the normal state; often short‑lived.

Anatomical Position

Body erect, face forward, upper limbs at sides with palms forward.

Superior

Above another part.

Inferior

Below another part.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Toward the side, away from the midline.

Bilateral

Paired structures with one on each side.

Ipsilateral

Structures on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Structures on opposite sides.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment to the trunk or referenced part.

Distal

Further from the point of attachment to the trunk or referenced part.

Superficial

Near the surface.

Sagittal Plane

A longitudinal plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Median (Midsagittal) Plane

A sagittal plane that passes along the midline and divides the body into equal parts.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane lateral to the midline.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.