Strand 2: Human Body Systems for Patient-Centered Care & Diagnostics

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Feedback loop

A cycle of feedback in which the output of a system either amplifies (positive feedback) or reduces (negative feedback) its function.

Negative feedback

A feedback mechanism that counteracts a change, bringing the system back to a set point.

Positive feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies a change until a specific endpoint.

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference point: standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of the body.

Anterior

Referring to the front of the body.

Posterior

Referring to the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk of the body, usually referring to limbs.

Distal

Farther away from the trunk of the body, usually referring to limbs.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther away from the surface of the body.

Dorsal cavity

The cavity containing the brain and spinal cord.

Ventral cavity

The cavity that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Integumentary system

The system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels, nerves, and glands.

Hypodermis

The layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the dermis.

Wound healing

The process of tissue repair following an injury, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation.

Pressure injuries

Skin and tissue damage resulting from prolonged pressure, often over bony prominences.

Neurologic assessment

An evaluation of the nervous system to assess function and identify deficits.

CNS

Central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral nervous system, consisting of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood glucose levels, which can cause symptoms like confusion and loss of consciousness.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Blood pressure

The force of blood against the walls of arteries, representing cardiac output and vascular resistance.

MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure)

An average blood pressure in a person's arteries during one cardiac cycle.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels, indicating liver dysfunction.

Urine output

The amount of urine produced by the kidneys, an indicator of kidney function.

Acid-base balance

The mechanisms the body uses to keep its fluids close to neutral pH.

Antigen

A foreign substance that prompts an immune response.

Vaccination

A method to stimulate the immune system to develop immunity to specific pathogens.

Lymphatic system

A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins and waste, also supporting immune function.

Inflammation

A protective response characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

Reproductive system

The organ system involved in producing gametes and hormones for reproduction.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly series of changes in hormone levels and reproductive organs in females.

Compensatory mechanisms

Physiological responses that help maintain homeostasis when a disturbance occurs.

Differential diagnosis

A systematic method used to identify the disease causing a patient's symptoms.

Clinical reasoning

The process of applying medical knowledge to diagnose and treat patients based on available information.

Patient-centered care

An approach to healthcare that respects and responds to patient preferences, needs, and values.

Soap notes

A method for documenting patient information that consists of Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.

Physiology

The study of how the body's systems function.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and its parts.