Anatomy and Physiology Board Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, definitions, and levels of organization from the September 9, 2026 Anatomy board notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body, how something looks, and individual body parts across all levels of organization.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body and the job or role that a structure plays in the body across all levels of organization.

Complementarity

The principle stating that structure = function (the structure of a body part dictates its function).

Cell Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized stem cells become specialized cells.

Unspecialized Stem Cells

Cells with no unique structural or functional role that only have the basic structure that all cells share.

Chemical Level (Atoms)

The simplest level of organization consisting of individual elements, such as iron ($Fe$) and diatomic oxygen ($O_2$).

Molecules

Structures made of atoms bonded together, categorized as inorganic molecules (do not contain carbon) or organic molecules (contain carbon, $C$).

Macromolecules

Organic molecules that contain carbon ($C$), consisting of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Cells (Cytology)

The smallest unit of life (cytology); an example is a muscle cell or skeletal muscle cell.

Tissues

A group of 1 type of cells. The 4 major tissue types are epithelial, nervous, muscle, and connective tissue (e.g., skeletal muscle tissue).

Organ

A group of tissue types that usually contains more than 1 tissue type (e.g., deltoid muscle).

Organ System

Groups of more than 1 related organs that work together for a common function (e.g., skeletal muscle system functioning for conscious movement).

Organism

A single living thing (e.g., a human).