An Introduction to the Human Body

Flashcards covering the introductory concepts of human anatomy and physiology, including terminology, anatomical planes, cell structures, and the four major tissue types.

Anatomy

The study of structure; describes the "theatre of events" and focuses on what is there (e.g., the four chambers and valves of the heart).

Physiology

The study of function; focuses on how it works (e.g., the function of the heart as a pump for blood).

cardio-

A root word derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning heart.

pneumo- / pulmo-

Root words derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning lung.

nephro- / rene-

Root words derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning kidney.

osteo-

A root word derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning bone.

dermo-

A root word derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning skin.

-cyte

A suffix derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning cell.

-itis

A suffix derived from Latin or Ancient Greek meaning inflammation.

Gross anatomy

The study of large, easily observable structures.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures that are too small for the naked eye.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Terminologia Anatomica (TA)

The international standard on human anatomic terminology.

Anatomical position

A default reference position where the body is standing erect, facing forward, with arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet slightly apart.

Distal

An anatomical term of direction meaning "distant."

Proximal

An anatomical term of direction meaning close or in "proximity."

Inferior

An anatomical direction meaning below; for example, the abdomen is inferior to the thorax.

Lateral

An anatomical direction meaning to the side; for example, the lungs are lateral to the heart.

Sagittal Plane

Also known as the longitudinal plane; one of the three reference sections used in medical imaging.

Frontal Plane

Also known as the coronal plane; one of the three reference sections used in medical imaging.

Transverse Plane

Also known as the axial plane; one of the three reference sections used in medical imaging.

Plasma Membrane

A lipid bilayer containing phospholipids, steroids, proteins, and carbohydrates that controls the entry and exit of materials.

Mitochondria

Cellular organelles that produce $95\%$ of the ATP required by the cell.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

A cell structure that performs synthesis of secretory products, intracellular storage and transport, and detoxification of drugs or toxins.

Golgi apparatus

Known as the "post office of the cell."

Epithelial Tissue

One of the four major tissue types; it covers exposed surfaces, lines internal passageways and chambers, and produces glandular secretions.

Connective Tissue

One of the four major tissue types; it fills internal spaces, provides structural support, and stores energy.

Muscle Tissue

One of the four major tissue types; it contracts to produce movement.

Nervous Tissue

One of the four major tissue types; it propagates electrical impulses and carries information.