Anatomy Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing anatomical terms and definitions.

Biceps

The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.

Bile Ducts

The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.

Blood pressure (BP)

The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.

Brachial artery

The major vessel in the upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm.

Brain

The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.

Brainstem

The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration.

Calcaneus

The heel bone.

Capillary vessels

The tiny blood vessels between the arterioles and venules that permit transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between body tissues and the blood.

Cardiac muscle

The heart muscle.

Cardiac output (CO)

A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.

Carotid artery

The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.

Carpals

Small bones that compose the wrist.

Cartilage

The smooth connective tissue that forms the support structure of the skeletal system and provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portions of the outer ear.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.

Cerebellum

One of the three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the little brain: coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges.

Cellular metabolism

A set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy. Includes both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

Cervical spine

The portion of the vertebral column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.

Chordae tendineae

Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.

Chyme

The substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of all of the eaten foods with added stomach acids.

Circulatory system

The complex arrangement of connected tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body.

Clavicle

The collarbone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.

Coccyx

The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone.

Coronal (frontal) plane

An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts.

Coxae

The hip bones (singular: coxa).

Cranium

The part of the skull that encloses the brain and is composed of eight bones.

Cricoid cartilage

A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx.

Cricothyroid membrane

A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.