Human Anatomy and Physiology Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from human anatomy and physiology.

Cavity

A hollow space within the body.

Pharynx

The part of the throat located behind the mouth and nasal cavity.

Larynx

The voice box that contains the vocal cords.

Trachea

The windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchi

Branches of the trachea that lead into the lungs.

Bronchioles

Small airways in the lungs that branch from the bronchi.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Lungs

Organs responsible for gas exchange in the respiratory system.

Thyroid Cartilage

The prominent cartilage in the larynx, also known as the Adam's apple.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and aids in breathing.

Inhalation

The process of taking air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process of expelling air from the lungs.

Partial Pressure of Oxygen

The pressure exerted by oxygen in a mixture of gases.

Esophageal Sphincter

The muscle that controls the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach.

Cardiac Sphincter

Another name for the lower esophageal sphincter.

Pancreas

An organ with both endocrine and exocrine roles in digestion.

Trypsin

A digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Lipase

An enzyme that breaks down lipids into fatty acids.

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Insulin

A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose in the blood.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood sugar levels.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity.

Compliance

The ability of lung tissue to stretch and expand.

Elastic Recoil

The ability of lung tissue to return to its original shape after stretching.

Gas Exchange

The process of oxygen and carbon dioxide moving between the lungs and blood.

Nebron

The functional unit of the kidney.

Filtration

The process of removing waste products from the blood in the kidneys.

Bicarbonates

Compounds that neutralize acid in the GI tract.

Mediastinum

The area between the lungs that contains the heart, esophagus, and trachea.

Transitional Epithelium

The type of epithelium found in the urinary bladder that allows for stretching.

Urinary Bladder

The organ that stores urine.

Ovaries

The essential organs of the female reproductive system.

Testes

The primary organs of the male reproductive system.

Luteinizing Hormone

The hormone that stimulates testosterone secretion in males.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

The hormone that stimulates sperm production in males.

Urinary Tract

The system that produces and eliminates urine.

Digestive Tract

The system responsible for the process of digestion and absorption of food.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli to prevent collapse.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that moves from the stomach to the small intestine.

Liver

An organ that produces bile, which is essential for fat digestion.

Gallbladder

The organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Villi

Small finger-like structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients.

Pulmonary Tissue

The tissue in the lungs that is involved in gas exchange.

Emesis

The act of vomiting.

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease characterized by damage to the liver tissue.

Pyelonephritis

A type of kidney infection.

Ketonuria

The presence of ketones in the urine.

Glucosuria

The presence of glucose in the urine.

Renal Calculi

Kidney stones that can obstruct urinary flow.