Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the study of anatomy and physiology as covered in the lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships.

Physiology

The study of the functions of body parts; how structures work.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that help maintain homeostasis by balancing variables like temperature and pH.

Gross Anatomy

The study of large, visible structures such as organs and muscles.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that require magnification, including histology and cytology.

Cells

The basic unit of life, forming the fundamental building blocks of tissues and organs.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body, including catabolism and anabolism.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The cellular 'energy currency' used in metabolism.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism that brings a system back to balance.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies a change, moving the system away from its starting state.

Directional Terms

Terms that describe locations of structures relative to other structures.

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that contain organs, including dorsal and ventral cavities.

Medical Imaging

Techniques used to visualize structures inside the body, such as X-rays and MRI.

Acclimation

Short-term adjustments to maintain balance in response to environmental changes.

Adaptation

Long-term genetic adjustments that occur in response to environmental changes.

Biosphere

The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships.

Physiology

The study of the functions of body parts; how structures work.

Example of Anatomy vs. Physiology in the heart?

Anatomy: The heart has four chambers. Physiology: The heart pumps blood.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that help maintain homeostasis by balancing variables like temperature and pH.

Gross Anatomy

The study of large, visible structures, such as muscles, organs, and bones.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that require magnification, including histology (tissues) and cytology (cells).

Regional Anatomy

The study of all structures in a particular area, for example, the chest.

Systematic Anatomy

The study of specific organ systems, for example, the skeletal or digestive system.

Cells

The basic unit of life, forming the fundamental building blocks of tissues and organs.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body, including catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism vs. Anabolism

Catabolism: Breaks down molecules, releases energy. Anabolism: Builds molecules, uses energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The cellular 'energy currency' used in metabolism.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism that brings a system back to balance. For example, blood sugar regulation.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies a change, moving the system away from its starting state. For example, labor contractions.

What comes after the Organ System level in the hierarchy of organization?

Organismal Level.

Directional Terms

Terms that describe locations of structures relative to other structures.

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that contain organs, including dorsal and ventral cavities.

Body cavity containing the heart?

Ventral, thoracic, pericardial cavity.

Serous membrane around the lungs?

The pleura (or pleural membrane).

Medical Imaging

Techniques used to visualize structures inside the body, such as X-rays and MRI.

Acclimation

Short-term adjustments to maintain balance in response to environmental changes.

Adaptation

Long-term genetic adjustments that occur in response to environmental changes.

Biosphere

The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.

Relationship between Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy provides information about the structure, while physiology reveals the function of these structures; form dictates function.

Chemical Level of Organization

The simplest level, involving atoms and molecules essential for life.

Cellular Level of Organization

Cells, the smallest units of living matter, composed of molecules.

Tissue Level of Organization

Groups of similar cells performing a specific function.

Organ Level of Organization

Structures composed of at least two different tissue types that perform a specific function.

Organ System Level of Organization

Groups of organs that work together to accomplish a common purpose.

Organismal Level of Organization

The highest level, representing the living human being, with all organ systems working together to maintain life.

Arrange in order: Organelle, Tissue, Organ, Organism

Organelle, Tissue, Organ, Organism.

Smallest unit of life?

The cell.

Main function of the skeletal system?

Support and protection, blood cell formation, mineral storage.

Two systems that regulate body functions and their speed?

Nervous system: regulates fast. Endocrine system: regulates slow or long-term.

Which system returns fluid to the blood and defends against disease?

Lymphatic system.

Why is oxygen essential for human life?

Required for ATP production via aerobic respiration.

Which nutrient is most abundant in the body?

Water.

What is decompression sickness caused by?

Rapid pressure changes causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood.

What plane divides the body into left and right halves?

Sagittal plane.

What plane divides the body into front and back (anterior and posterior) parts?

Frontal or Coronal plane.

What plane divides the body into top and bottom (superior and inferior) parts?

Transverse plane.

Best imaging technique for bones?

X-ray.

Best imaging technique for brain tumors?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Imaging technique for metabolic activity (e.g., cancer, brain activity)?

PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography).

Imaging technique safe for pregnancy?

Ultrasound.