A&P I Chapter One Flash Cards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the anatomy & physiology lecture notes to help with memorization and understanding of core concepts.

Anatomy

The study of the structure or parts that make up the human body.

Physiology

The study of how the parts of the body function and work together.

Complementarity of form and function

The principle that a structure’s form determines its function, and its function reflects its form.

Gross (macroscopic) anatomy

Anatomy of structures large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Microscopic anatomy

Anatomy of structures that require a microscope to be seen (cells and subcellular components).

Cytology

The branch of anatomy dealing with the study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues—the groups of cells that perform common functions.

Tissue

A group of similar cells organized to perform a specific function.

Organ

Two or more tissues organized to perform a particular function.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform a major body function.

Cardiovascular (circulatory) system

Heart, blood vessels, and blood; transports nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Integumentary system

Skin, hair, and nails; provides protection, boundary, and temperature regulation.

Skeletal system

Bones and joints; supports, protects, and aids movement.

Nervous system

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; coordinates activities and responses.

Immune/Lymphatic system

Defends against disease and maintains fluid and immune surveillance.

Muscular system

Muscles; enable movement and posture maintenance.

Reproductive system

Gonads and associated organs; enables production of offspring.

Digestive system

Digestive tract and organs; breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Respiratory system

Lungs and airways; gas exchange and respiration.

Urinary (excretory) system

Kidneys, bladder, and ducts; removes wastes and maintains fluid balance.

Endocrine system

Glands that produce hormones regulating body processes.

Chemical level

Lowest level of biological organization; atoms and molecules form the basis of life.

Atoms

The basic units of matter that form elements and molecules.

Molecules

Two or more atoms bonded together to form a compound.

Cells

The basic unit of life; all living organisms are composed of cells.

Organelles

Membrane-bound structures within cells that perform specific functions (e.g., mitochondria, Golgi).

Cytology

Study of cells and their internal structure.

Histology

Study of tissues and their organization.

Anatomical position

Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms forward.

Directional terms: superior (cranial)

Toward the head; higher on the body.

Directional terms: inferior (caudal)

Toward the feet; lower on the body.

Directional terms: anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Directional terms: posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Directional terms: medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Directional terms: lateral

Away from the midline; toward the side.

Directional terms: proximal

Near the point of attachment; closer to the trunk or center.

Directional terms: distal

Farther from the point of attachment; farther from the trunk.

Directional terms: superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Directional terms: deep

Away from the surface; more internal.

Intermediate

Between two structures; between medial and lateral, or proximal and distal.

Planes: transverse (horizontal) plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Planes: frontal (coronal) plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Planes: sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right portions.

Mid-sagittal plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into unequal left and right portions.

Oblique plane

A plane that is diagonal relative to the standard anatomical planes.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a steady, narrow range of internal conditions necessary for life.

Receptor

Sensor that detects changes in the internal or external environment.

Control center

Site (often the brain) that processes information and determines a response.

Effector

Organ or tissue that responds to restore homeostasis (e.g., muscles or glands).

Negative feedback

Response that dampens or turns off the stimulus to return to set range.

Positive feedback

Amplifies the response to move away from the set range (usually for a goal, e.g., childbirth).

Set point

The target value around which a variable is maintained in homeostasis.

Blood glucose range

Normal fasting blood glucose typically around 80-100 mg/dL; deviations trigger regulatory responses.

pH range of blood

Healthy blood pH is narrowly maintained around 7.35–7.45.

Catabolism

Metabolic reactions that break down molecules into smaller components.

Anabolism

Metabolic reactions that synthesize complex molecules from smaller ones.

Respiration (gas exchange)

Process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide for cellular metabolism.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in cells that convert nutrients into energy and building blocks.