Chapter 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 01 lecture notes covering introductory concepts of anatomy and physiology, organization levels, characteristics of life, homeostasis, body cavities, organ systems, and relative terms.

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'.

Fabella

An extra bone located behind the knee present in some individuals.

Subatomic Particles

Particles (such as protons, neutrons, and electrons) that make up atoms.

Atom

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

Molecule

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

Macromolecule

Large particles consisting of molecules, such as DNA or proteins.

Organelle

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

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living organisms.

Tissue

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

Organ

A group of different tissues that interact to perform 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 structure composed of interacting organ systems, such as a human.

Ultrasound

A noninvasive medical procedure using high-frequency sound waves to provide images of soft internal structures, such as a fetus in the uterus.

Magnetic Resonance Scan (MR)

A noninvasive medical procedure where a magnetic field alters the alignment and spin of certain atoms to produce high-resolution images of internal structures.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable and constant internal environment.

Cellular Differentiation

The specialization of cells due to selective gene expression.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring within a living system, including energy production and nutrient cycling.

Respiration

The process of making energy, typically by taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into usable nutrients for absorption into the blood.

Circulation

The movement of chemicals and cells through body fluids.

Excretion

The removal of waste products from the body.

Receptor

A homeostatic mechanism component that detects and provides information about stimuli or changes in the internal environment.

Control Center

A homeostatic mechanism component that decision-makes, maintains the set point, and compares change to that set point.

Effector

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

Negative Feedback

The most common homeostatic mechanism where effectors cause responses moving the variable in the opposite direction of the deviation from the set point.

Positive Feedback

An uncommon homeostatic mechanism where the deviation from the set point is intensified initially, creating short-lived unstable conditions such as during blood clotting or uterine contractions in childbirth.

Axial Portion

The major body division that includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Portion

The major body division that includes the upper and lower limbs.

Cranial Cavity

The body cavity within the skull that houses the brain.

Vertebral Canal

The canal containing the spinal cord, also referred to as the spinal cavity.

Thoracic Cavity

The body cavity housing the lungs and thoracic viscera.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The body cavity containing abdominal and pelvic viscera.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.

Mediastinum

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

Abdominal Cavity

The region of the abdominopelvic cavity extending from the diaphragm to the top of the pelvis, containing the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and most intestines.

Pelvic Cavity

The region enclosed by the pelvic bones, containing the end of the large intestine, urinary bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

Serous Fluid

A slippery fluid secreted by serous membranes to prevent friction between membrane layers.

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.

Integumentary System

Organ system that protects tissues, regulates body temperature, supports sensory receptors, and synthesizes Vitamin D.

Skeletal System

Organ system that provides framework, protects soft tissues, attaches muscles, produces blood cells, and stores inorganic salts.

Muscular System

Organ system that causes movements, maintains posture, and generates body heat.

Nervous System

Organ system that detects changes, receives and interprets sensory information, and stimulates muscles and glands via nerve impulses.

Endocrine System

Organ system consisting of glands that secrete hormones to control metabolic activities of body structures.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system consisting of the heart and blood vessels that moves blood and transports gases, nutrients, hormones, and wastes.

Lymphatic System

Organ system that returns tissue fluid to the blood, carries absorbed fats, and defends the body against infection.

Digestive System

Organ system that receives, breaks down, and absorbs food nutrients, and eliminates unabsorbed waste material.

Respiratory System

Organ system that moves air in and out of the body to exchange gases between blood and air.

Urinary System

Organ system that removes blood wastes, maintains water and electrolyte balance, and produces and excretes urine.

Anatomical Position

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

Superior

Relative position term meaning above or closer to the head.

Inferior

Relative position term meaning below or closer to the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Relative position term meaning toward the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Relative position term meaning toward the back.

Medial

Relative position term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Relative position term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Bilateral

Refers to paired structures located on both sides of the body.

Ipsilateral

Refers to structures located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Refers to structures located on opposite sides of the body.

Proximal

Relative position term meaning closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

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

Superficial

Relative position term meaning close to the body surface.

Deep

Relative position term meaning more internal, away from the surface.

Sagittal Section

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

Transverse Section

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

Coronal Section

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

Cross Section

A cut across a cylindrical organ perpendicular to its long axis.

Oblique Section

An angular cut across a cylindrical organ.

Longitudinal Section

A lengthwise cut along the axis of a cylindrical organ.

Cephalic

Anatomical region referring to the head.

Cervical

Anatomical region referring to the neck.

Axillary

Anatomical region referring to the armpit.

Brachial

Anatomical region referring to the arm.

Antecubital

Anatomical region referring to the front of the elbow.

Antebrachial

Anatomical region referring to the forearm.

Carpal

Anatomical region referring to the wrist.

Femoral

Anatomical region referring to the thigh.

Patellar

Anatomical region referring to the front of the knee.

Popliteal

Anatomical region referring to the back of the knee.

Crural

Anatomical region referring to the leg.

Sural

Anatomical region referring to the calf.

Tarsal

Anatomical region referring to the ankle.

Plantar

Anatomical region referring to the sole of the foot.