Hole's Human Anatomy & Physiology - Chapter 1 Vocabulary

A complete collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, levels of organization, homeostatic mechanisms, organ systems, and relative directional terms from Chapter 01 of Hole's Human Anatomy & Physiology.

Anatomy

The study of the structure/morphology of the human body and its parts; derived from Greek for "a cutting up".

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body and its parts; derived from Greek for "relationship to nature".

Atom

Tiny particles that make up chemicals, such as hydrogen and carbon.

Molecule

Particles consisting of atoms joined together, such as water and glucose.

Macromolecule

Large particles consisting of molecules, such as DNA and protein.

Organelle

A functional part of a cell, such as a mitochondrion or lysosome.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and functions in living organisms.

Tissue

A layer or mass of cells with a specific function, such as adipose or epithelial tissue.

Organ

A group of different tissues with a specific function, such as the heart, kidney, or stomach.

Organ System

A group of organs with a common function, such as the digestive system.

Organism

An individual living entity composed of interacting organ systems.

Ultrasound

A noninvasive procedure using high-frequency sound waves that provides images of soft internal structures; used to obtain a sonogram of a fetus in the uterus.

Magnetic Resonance Scan (MR)

A noninvasive procedure in which a magnetic field changes the alignment and spin of certain types of atoms to provide high-resolution images of internal structures such as the brain.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in a living system, involving energy production and nutrient cycling.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Receptor

A part of a homeostatic mechanism that detects and provides information about stimuli.

Control Center

The decision-maker in a homeostatic mechanism that maintains the set point.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to the control center and causes necessary changes in the internal environment.

Negative Feedback

The most common homeostatic mechanism where effectors return conditions toward the normal range, lessening the deviation from the set point.

Positive Feedback

An uncommon, short-lived homeostatic mechanism where the change or deviation is intensified rather than reversed.

Axial Portion

The main portion of the human body consisting of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Portion

The main portion of the human body consisting of the upper and lower limbs.

Cranial Cavity

Major body cavity of the axial portion that houses the brain.

Vertebral Canal

Body cavity of the axial portion that contains the spinal cord; also called the spinal cavity.

Thoracic Cavity

Body cavity of the axial portion that houses the lungs and thoracic viscera.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Body cavity of the axial portion that contains abdominal and pelvic viscera.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Mediastinum

The region between the lungs in the thoracic cavity containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and thymus gland.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of a double-layered serous membrane that covers an organ.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of a double-layered serous membrane that lines the wall of a cavity.

Serous Fluid

A slippery fluid secreted by serous membranes that occupies the cavity space and prevents friction between layers.

Integumentary System

Organ system providing body covering, protection, regulation of body temperature, sensory reception, and production of Vitamin D.

Skeletal System

Organ system providing support, movement, framework, protection, attachment sites, storage of inorganic salts, and production of blood cells.

Muscular System

Organ system providing support and movement, maintaining posture, and serving as the main source of body heat.

Nervous System

Organ system providing integration and coordination of organ function through nerve impulses and neurotransmitters, yielding rapid, short-term effects.

Endocrine System

Organ system providing integration and coordination of organ function through chemical messengers called hormones, yielding slower, longer-lasting effects.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system responsible for the transportation of gases, nutrients, blood cells, hormones, and wastes throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

Organ system that transports fluids from tissue spaces to blood, carries fats from the digestive system to blood, and defends the body against infection.

Digestive System

Organ system that receives food, breaks down food, absorbs digestion products, and excretes unabsorbed waste.

Respiratory System

Organ system that moves air in and out of the body, exchanges gases between blood and air, and absorbs oxygen.

Urinary System

Organ system that removes blood wastes, regulates electrolyte and water balance and blood pressure, produces urine, and excretes it.

Anatomical Position

The standard body orientation where a person stands erect, facing forward, with upper limbs at the sides and palms facing forward.

Superior

Anatomical term of relative position meaning above or closer to the head.

Inferior

Anatomical term of relative position meaning below or toward the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Anatomical term of relative position meaning toward the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Anatomical term of relative position meaning toward the back.

Medial

Anatomical term of relative position meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Anatomical term of relative position meaning away from the midline of the body.

Bilateral

Anatomical term referring to paired body structures located on both sides.

Ipsilateral

Anatomical term referring to structures located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Anatomical term referring to structures located on opposite sides of the body.

Proximal

Anatomical term of relative position meaning closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

Anatomical term of relative position meaning farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Superficial

Anatomical term of relative position meaning close to the body surface.

Deep

Anatomical term of relative position meaning more internal.

Sagittal Section

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

Mid-sagittal Section

A median section that divides the body into equal left and right portions along the midline.

Parasagittal Section

A sagittal section lateral to the midline that divides the body into unequal left and right portions.

Transverse Section

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

Coronal Section

A frontal longitudinal cut that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Cross Section

A section formed by a cut made straight across a cylindrical organ.

Oblique Section

A section formed by an angular cut across a cylindrical organ.

Longitudinal Section

A section formed by a lengthwise cut along a cylindrical organ.