Chapter 1: The Human Body - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 1: The Human Body (Anatomy & Physiology I).

Anatomy

Study of the structure of living organisms.

Physiology

Study of the function of living organisms; how and why it works.

Gross Anatomy

Structures visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

Structures viewed with a microscope; includes cytology and histology.

Cytology

Study of cells.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Developmental Anatomy

Changes in structure throughout the lifespan.

Chemical Level

Atoms and molecules; first level of structural organization.

Cellular Level

Cells composed of molecules; basic unit of life.

Tissue

Groups of similar cells performing a common function.

Organ

Structure made of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

Organ System

Group of organs that work together to perform a set of functions.

Organism

A living being; all organ systems functioning together.

Homeostasis

Relatively stable internal conditions maintained by the body.

Negative Feedback

Response that reverses the initial change, returning conditions toward normal.

Positive Feedback

Response that reinforces the initial change; used in events like childbirth and blood clotting.

Anatomical Position

Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs away from the body.

Superior

Toward the head end or upper part of the body/structure.

Inferior

Toward the lower part of the body/structure.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Ventral

Relating to the belly; in humans, synonymous with anterior.

Dorsal

Relating to the back; in humans, synonymous with posterior.

Sagittal Plane

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

Midsagittal (Median) Plane

A sagittal plane that lies exactly along the midline.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane offset from the midline.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

A horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Back cavity containing the cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities.

Ventral Body Cavity

Front cavity containing the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Cranial Cavity

Cavity that houses the brain.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

Cavity that houses the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Cavity that contains the heart and lungs.

Pleural Cavity

Cavities that house the lungs (two).

Pericardial Cavity

Cavity within the mediastinum that contains the heart.

Mediastinum

Central compartment of the thoracic cavity; contains the heart, great vessels, etc.

Abdominal Cavity

Cavity containing digestive viscera (stomach, intestines, liver, etc.).

Pelvic Cavity

Cavity containing the bladder, some reproductive organs, and rectum.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Combined abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Serous Membrane

Thin double-layered membrane covering organs; parietal lines walls, visceral covers organs; serous fluid between layers.

Parietal Membrane

Membrane that lines the walls of a cavity.

Visceral Membrane

Membrane that covers the organs.

Serous Fluid

Lubricating fluid between serous membrane layers to allow organ movement with minimal friction.

Integumentary System

External body covering (skin); protects tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, houses receptors, and helps regulate temperature.

Skeletal System

Protects and supports body organs; provides framework for movement; bone marrow makes blood cells; stores minerals.

Muscular System

Produces movement; maintains posture; generates heat.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system; responds to changes by activating muscles and glands.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones regulating growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels; pumps blood and transports oxygen, CO2, nutrients, wastes.

Lymphatic System/Immunity

Returns leaked fluid to blood; houses lymphocytes; mounts immune response.

Respiratory System

Keeps blood oxygenated and removes carbon dioxide; gas exchange in lungs.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units; eliminates indigestible substances.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes; regulates water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.

Reproductive System

Produces offspring; includes male and female organs.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Four quadrants of the abdomen: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ.

RUQ

Right upper quadrant of the abdominopelvic cavity.

LUQ

Left upper quadrant of the abdominopelvic cavity.

RLQ

Right lower quadrant of the abdominopelvic cavity.

LLQ

Left lower quadrant of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Rule of Threes

Three minutes without oxygen; three hours without shelter; three days without water; three weeks without food.

Homeostatic Imbalance

Living outside the homeostatic range; increases risk of disease.