Human Anatomy – Chapter 1: The Human Body – An Orientation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 1: The Human Body—An Orientation, including structural hierarchy, organ systems, anatomical terminology, body planes, and cavities.

Anatomy

Study of the structure of the human body.

Physiology

Study of body function.

Gross Anatomy

Examination of body structures visible to the naked eye.

Regional Anatomy

Study of all structures in a single body region (e.g., abdomen).

Systemic Anatomy

Study of body structures by organ system.

Surface Anatomy

Study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface.

Microscopic Anatomy (Histology)

Study of tissues and cells that require magnification.

Chemical Level

Atoms combine to form molecules; the simplest level of organization.

Cellular Level

Level at which cells and their functional subunits exist.

Tissue Level

Group of similar cells performing a common function.

Organ Level

Discrete structure composed of at least two tissue types performing a specific task.

Organ System Level

Group of organs working together for a common purpose.

Organismal Level

Whole person; result of all simpler levels functioning interdependently.

Integumentary System

External body covering; protects tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, houses receptors & glands.

Skeletal System

Protects and supports organs, provides framework, forms blood cells, stores minerals.

Muscular System

Allows movement, facial expression, maintains posture, produces heat.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system that responds to internal and external changes.

Endocrine System

Glands secrete hormones regulating growth, reproduction, and nutrient use.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels transport blood carrying gases, nutrients, wastes.

Lymphatic/Immune System

Returns leaked fluid to blood, disposes of debris, houses lymphocytes, mounts immune response.

Respiratory System

Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide through gas exchange in lungs.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units; eliminates indigestible residue as feces.

Urinary System

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

Reproductive System

Overall function is production of offspring; includes testes, ovaries, ducts, and accessory organs.

Anatomical Position

Standing upright, feet together, eyes forward, palms anterior, thumbs outward; reference for terminology.

Axial Region

Head, neck, and trunk—the body’s main axis.

Appendicular Region

Limbs (appendages or extremities).

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head or upper part of a structure; above.

Inferior (Caudal)

Away from the head; toward the lower part of a structure; below.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body; in front of.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body; behind.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; inner side.

Lateral

Away from the midline; outer side.

Proximal

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

Distal

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

Superficial (External)

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep (Internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into right and left parts.

Median (Midsagittal) Plane

Sagittal plane that lies exactly on the midline.

Parasagittal Plane

Sagittal plane offset from the midline.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Plane dividing body into superior and inferior parts.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Posterior cavity containing cranial and vertebral cavities.

Cranial Cavity

Space within the skull housing the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

Space within the vertebral column containing the spinal cord.

Ventral Body Cavity

Anterior cavity containing thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Superior ventral cavity; houses lungs and heart.

Mediastinum

Central thoracic space containing heart, esophagus, and trachea.

Pleural Cavity

Serous cavity surrounding each lung.

Pericardial Cavity

Serous cavity surrounding the heart within the mediastinum.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Inferior ventral cavity subdivided into abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

Contains liver, stomach, kidneys, and other digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Contains bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Serous Cavity

Slit-like space between parietal and visceral serosae filled with serous fluid.

Parietal Serosa

Outer serous membrane lining the cavity wall.

Visceral Serosa

Inner serous membrane covering the organs.

Serous Fluid

Lubricating fluid secreted by serosae, allowing organs to slide with minimal friction.

Pleura

Serous membranes associated with the lungs.

Pericardium

Serous membranes associated with the heart.

Peritoneum

Serous membranes associated with abdominal viscera.

Abdominal Quadrants

Right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower divisions of the abdomen.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Quadrant containing liver, gallbladder, and parts of stomach and intestines.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Quadrant containing stomach, spleen, and parts of liver and pancreas.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Quadrant containing appendix, cecum, and portions of small intestine.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Quadrant containing descending colon and sigmoid colon.