Chapter 1: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, including definitions, levels of organization, organ systems, directional terminology, anatomical planes, medical imaging, body cavities, membranes, and homeostatic regulation mechanisms.

What is anatomy?

The study of internal and external body structures and their physical relationships among other body parts.

What is physiology?

The study of the functions of the body, specifically how body parts work and carry out life-sustaining activities.

What is the principle of complementarity of structure and function?

All specific functions are performed by specific structures, and the form of a structure relates to its function.

What is gross anatomy (macroscopic anatomy)?

The examination of relatively large structures that can be seen without using a microscope, often involving dissection.

How does regional anatomy differ from systemic anatomy?

Regional anatomy examines all structures in a particular body region simultaneously, while systemic anatomy studies body structure system by system across the entire body.

What is surface anatomy?

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface, focusing on general form and superficial markings.

What are the two main subdivisions of microscopic anatomy?

Cytology (study of cells) and histology (study of tissues).

What is embryology?

A subdivision of developmental anatomy that concerns developmental changes occurring before birth.

What does pathological anatomy study?

Structural changes caused by disease.

What are the four specialized branches of human physiology mentioned?

Cell Physiology, Organ Physiology, Systemic Physiology, and Pathological Physiology.

What are the six levels of structural organization in the human body?

Chemical/Molecular, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, and Organism.

What elements make up 99% of the body at the chemical level?

Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen.

What is a tissue?

A group of similar cells that have a common function.

How many organ systems are humans composed of?

11 organ systems.

What is the primary function of the integumentary system?

Protects against environmental hazards, helps regulate body temperature, and provides sensory information.

What is the main function of the skeletal system?

Provides support and protection for other tissues, stores calcium and other minerals, and forms blood cells.

What is the nervous system's function?

Directs immediate responses to stimuli, coordinates activities of other organ systems, and provides/interprets sensory information.

What is the primary role of the endocrine system?

Directs long-term changes, adjusts metabolic activity and energy use, and controls structural/functional changes during development through hormones.

What is the purpose of precise, specialized terminology in anatomy and physiology?

To prevent misunderstanding and enable precise communication among health care professionals and scientists worldwide.

What are the four components of a physical examination?

Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation.

What is palpation in a physical examination?

Using hands and fingers to feel for areas of tenderness, swelling, or abnormal growths, assessing surface or deep structures.

What do percussion sounds indicate?

Whether an organ is air-filled (lungs), fluid-filled (bladder, stomach), or dense (liver), and can reveal the presence of masses.

What is auscultation?

Using a stethoscope to listen for various lung, heart, and bowel sounds.

What are some normal lung sounds identified during auscultation?

Vesicular, Bronchovesicular, and Bronchial.

What is the anatomical position?

The standard reference position where the body is erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, and thumbs pointing away from the body.

What are the two fundamental divisions of the body?

The axial part (head, neck, trunk) and the appendicular part (limbs/appendages).

Define 'superior' in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'medial' and 'lateral' in anatomical terms.

Medial means toward the midline of the body; lateral means toward the side of the body or away from its midline.

Define 'proximal' and 'distal' in anatomical terms.

Proximal means closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment; distal means farther from the origin or point of attachment.

What is a sagittal plane?

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

What is a frontal (coronal) plane?

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

What is a transverse (horizontal) plane?

A plane that runs horizontally from right to left, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

What is radiopacity in the context of X-rays?

The ability of a substance to stop the passage of X-rays, appearing light or white on the film.

How does Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) create detailed images?

It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to align particles within atoms, and the energy released creates detailed images of soft tissue.

What are the two essential functions of body cavities?

They protect delicate organs from shocks and impacts, and they permit significant changes in the size and shape of internal organs.

What is a serous membrane?

A delicate membrane that lines the walls of internal cavities and covers the surfaces of enclosed viscera, moistened by serous fluid.

What is the difference between visceral serosa and parietal serosa?

Visceral serosa directly covers a visceral organ, while parietal serosa lines the inner surface of the body wall or chamber.

What does each pleural cavity surround?

A lung.

What organ does the pericardial cavity surround?

The heart.

What are the two common methods for dividing the abdominopelvic cavity into smaller areas?

The nine abdominopelvic regions and the four abdominopelvic quadrants.

What is homeostasis?

The existence of a stable internal environment, maintained by various physiological processes.

What are the two general mechanisms of homeostatic regulation?

Autoregulation and extrinsic regulation.

What is autoregulation?

A process where a cell, tissue, organ, or organ system adjusts in response to some local environmental change.

How does the nervous system regulate homeostasis extrinsically?

By directing rapid, short-term, and very specific responses via electrical signals.

How does the endocrine system regulate homeostasis extrinsically?

By releasing chemical messengers (hormones) into the bloodstream, which can affect tissues and organs throughout the body for long-term responses.

What are the three components of a homeostatic regulatory mechanism?

A receptor, a control center, and an effector.

What is negative feedback?

A homeostatic control mechanism where the output shuts off or reduces the intensity of the original stimulus, causing the variable to change in the opposite direction of the initial change.

What is positive feedback?

A homeostatic control mechanism where an initial stimulus produces a response that amplifies or enhances the original change in conditions.

When are positive feedback loops typically found in the body?

When a potentially dangerous or stressful process must be completed quickly to restore homeostasis, such as blood clotting or childbirth.

What is homeostatic imbalance?

A disturbance in the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, often leading to illness or disease.