Anatomy: Homeostasis and Anatomical Terms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamentals of homeostasis, regulatory feedback mechanisms, and anatomical directional terminology based on introductory anatomy notes.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment within suitable limits for cells, even when external conditions or bodily activity change.

Setpoint

The reference value around which the body attempts to maintain a variable, such as approximately $37\,^\circ\text{C}$ for body temperature.

Interval (Range)

The margin of possible variation or limits within which a physiological variable can oscillate naturally.

Volémia

The total volume of circulating blood within the cardiovascular system.

Afferent Nerves

Sensory nerves that transmit detected sensory information from receptors toward the central nervous system.

Efferent Nerves

Motor nerves that carry regulatory commands from the central nervous system out to effectors, such as muscles and glands.

Feedback

A mechanism in which the response produced by an organism influences the ongoing biological process.

Negative Feedback

A regulatory homeostatic mechanism where the generated response acts to counteract the initial change when a variable deviates from its setpoint.

Positive Feedback

A regulatory mechanism where the generated response reinforces and amplifies the initial change, such as oxytocin intensifying contractions during labor.

Stimulus

The initial alteration or change in a variable that triggers a homeostatic regulation mechanism.

Receptor

A regulatory component that detects a change or stimulus and transmits that information to the control center.

Control Center

A regulatory component that receives sensory input, integrates the information, and coordinates an appropriate response.

Effector

A structure, such as a muscle or gland, that carries out and executes the response commanded by the control center.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference posture in which an individual stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Superior (Cephalic / Cranial)

An anatomical directional term meaning situated closer to the head or toward the upper part of the body.

Inferior (Caudal)

An anatomical directional term meaning situated closer to the feet or toward the lower part of the body.

Anterior (Ventral)

An anatomical directional term meaning situated at or toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

An anatomical directional term meaning situated at or toward the back of the body.

Medial

An anatomical directional term meaning located closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

An anatomical directional term meaning located farther away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

An anatomical directional term meaning situated closer to the root of a limb or point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

An anatomical directional term meaning situated farther from the root of a limb or point of attachment to the trunk.

Superficial

An anatomical directional term meaning located closer to the external surface of the body.

Deep

An anatomical directional term meaning located farther away from the surface and toward the interior of the body.

Prone

The anatomical body position of lying face down, with the belly against the surface.

Supine

The anatomical body position of lying face up, with the belly and face facing upward.