Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the introductory concepts of human anatomy and physiology, including terminology, characteristics of life, directional terms, body planes, cavities, and homeostatic mechanisms.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of an organism and the relationship of its parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions of living organisms and their body parts.

Cytology

The study of cells, which is a subdivision of microscopic anatomy.

Histology

The study of tissues, which is a subdivision of microscopic anatomy.

Responsiveness

The ability of an organism to sense, monitor, and respond to changes in both its external and internal environments.

Conductivity

The capacity of living cells to transmit a wave of electrical disturbance from one point to another within the body.

Growth

An organized increase in the size and number of cells, resulting in an increase in the size of the individual or a particular organ.

Respiration

The exchange of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between an organism and its environment.

Digestion

The process by which complex food products are broken down into simpler substances that can be absorbed and used by body cells.

Absorption

The movement of molecules through a membrane and into body fluids for transport to cells for use.

Secretion

The production and release of important substances, such as digestive juices and hormones, for diverse body functions.

Excretion

The removal of waste products from the body.

Circulation

The movement of body fluids containing substances from one area to another in a continuous, circular route through hollow vessels.

Reproduction

The formation of new individual offspring.

Organelles

Known as 'tiny organs' that live inside cells; they represent the organizational level between molecules and cells.

Anatomical Position

A reference position in which the body is standing erect with feet slightly apart and arms at the sides with palms turned forward.

Superior

Toward the head, upper, or above.

Inferior

Toward the feet, lower, or below.

Anterior (Ventral)

Front or in front of.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Back or in back of.

Medial

Toward the midline of a structure.

Lateral

Away from the midline or toward the side of a structure.

Proximal

Toward or nearest the trunk, or nearest the point of origin of a structure.

Distal

Away from or farthest from the trunk, or farthest from a structure's point of origin.

Superficial

Nearer the body surface.

Deep

Farther away from the body surface.

Lumen

The hollow area of many organs of the body.

Medullary

Refers to an inner region or core of an organ.

Cortical

Refers to an outer region or layer of an organ.

Basal

Refers to the base or widest part of an organ.

Apical

Refers to the narrow tip of an organ.

Sagittal plane

Any lengthwise plane running from front to back and top to bottom that divides the body into right and left.

Transverse plane

Any crosswise plane that divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts.

Coronal plane

Any lengthwise plane running from side to side and top to bottom that divides the body into anterior and posterior.

Mediastinum

The mid-portion of the thoracic cavity where the heart and trachea are located.

Axial region

The specific body region consisting of the head, neck, and torso.

Appendicular region

The specific body region consisting of the upper and lower extremities.

Homeostasis

The relatively constant states maintained by the body.

Negative Feedback

An inhibitory control system that stabilizes physiological variables by producing an action opposite to the change that activated the system.

Positive Feedback

A stimulatory control system that amplifies or reinforces the change occurring; often has destabilizing effects.

Organ

A structure made up of two or more kinds of tissues that together perform a more complex task than a single tissue.

Organ System

A group of organs that perform a more complex function than can any organ alone.