Expanded Study Guide for Module 1: The Human Body

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the human body as presented in the module.

Anatomy

Study of body structures and how parts relate to one another.

Physiology

Study of body functions and how body parts work to support life.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a relatively stable internal environment.

Separation

Keeping internal environment distinct from external.

Movement

Moving body parts or internal fluids.

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and respond to stimuli.

Digestion

Breakdown of food into absorbable molecules.

Absorption

Uptake of nutrients by the body.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in the body.

Excretion

Removal of wastes from the body.

Growth

Increase in size or number of cells.

Reproduction

Formation of offspring.

Dynamic Equilibrium

Conditions fluctuate within a narrow range.

Negative Feedback

Reverse the stimulus; common mechanism in body regulation.

Positive Feedback

Enhance or amplify the stimulus; leads to explosive events.

Integumentary System

Protects the body and synthesizes Vitamin D.

Muscular System

Responsible for movement and heat generation.

Skeletal System

Provides support and protection; produces blood cells.

Nervous System

Fast control and communication within the body.

Cardiovascular System

Transport of blood and other substances.

Respiratory System

Facilitates gas exchange.

Endocrine System

Hormone production and slow control of body functions.

Digestive System

Breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

Urinary System

Excretion of wastes and maintenance of water balance.

Reproductive System

Production of offspring.

Cranial Cavity

Houses the brain.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

Houses the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains lungs and the heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains digestive organs, kidneys, and reproductive organs.

Superior

Toward the head.

Inferior

Away from the head.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Proximal

Closer to the body's trunk.

Distal

Farther from the trunk.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into right and left sides.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides the body into front and back.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Divides the body into top and bottom.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

Connective Tissue

Supports, binds, and protects other tissues.

Muscle Tissue

Specialized for contraction and movement.

Nervous Tissue

Specialized for communication and control.

Tissue

Group of similar cells organized for a specific function.

Cutaneous Membrane

Protective layer consisting of the epidermis and dermis.

Mucous Membrane

Secretes mucus and lines various tracts in the body.

Serous Membrane

Lines closed body cavities and secretes serous fluid.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single flat layer of cells for diffusion and filtration.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells for secretion and absorption.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells; may be ciliated for movement.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of flat cells; offers protection against abrasion.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears layered but is not; involved in secretion.

Transitional Epithelium

Specialized for stretching; found in the urinary bladder.

Tight Junctions

Seal cells tightly together to prevent leakage.

Adherens Junctions

Connect neighboring cells' cytoskeletons for mechanical support.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions that resist shearing forces.

Hemidesmosomes

Attach epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane.

Gap Junctions

Open channels between cells for quick communication.

Loose Connective Tissue

Holds organs together; includes areolar and adipose tissues.

Dense Connective Tissue

Provides strength and support; includes tendons and ligaments.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue; includes hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.

Compact Bone

Dense outer layer of bone that provides strength.

Spongy Bone

Light and porous bone that contains marrow.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Striated and voluntary muscle attached to bones.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Striated and involuntary muscle found in the heart.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Non-striated and involuntary muscle in hollow organs.

Neurons

Excitable cells that transmit electrical signals.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells that protect and nourish neurons.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that have ducts and secrete onto surfaces.

Dermis

Layer of skin beneath the epidermis, contains connective tissue.

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin made of epithelial tissue.

Hypodermis

Subcutaneous layer made mainly of adipose tissue.

Stratum Basale

Deepest layer of the epidermis where mitosis occurs.

Stratum Spinosum

Layer with spiny appearance due to cell junctions.

Stratum Granulosum

Layer where keratinization begins.

Stratum Corneum

Outer layer of flat, dead keratinized cells.

First-Degree Burn

Affects only the epidermis; redness and pain.

Second-Degree Burn

Affects epidermis and upper dermis; blisters.

Third-Degree Burn

Full-thickness burn; may not be painful initially.

Rule of Nines

Way to estimate total body surface area affected by burns.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer that arises from stratum basale.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer that arises from stratum spinosum.

Malignant Melanoma

Aggressive skin cancer arising from melanocytes.