Anatomy and Physiology: Concepts and Organ Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts in anatomy and physiology, including levels of structural organization, necessary life functions, organ systems, and chemical properties relevant to human biology.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Physiology

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

Levels of Structural Organization

The hierarchy of organization in the body from chemical to organismal levels.

Chemical Level

Consists of atoms, molecules, and organelles.

Cellular Level

Single cells, the basic structural and functional units of life.

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ Level

Contains two or more types of tissues that work together.

Organ System Level

All organ systems combined to make the whole organism.

Organismal Level

The complete living being that can carry out all basic life functions.

Homeostasis

The condition of maintaining a stable internal environment.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism where the output shuts off the original effect of the stimulus.

Positive Feedback

A control mechanism that enhances the original stimulus.

Receptor

A component of homeostatic control mechanisms that detects changes.

Control Center

Processes the signals from the receptor and sends out commands.

Effector

The component that carries out the response to restore balance.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur within body cells.

Excretion

Removal of wastes from metabolism and digestion.

Survival Needs

Nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure necessary for life.

Integumentary System

Protects deeper tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses receptors and glands.

Skeletal System

Protects and supports body organs and provides a framework for muscles.

Muscular System

Allows movement and maintains posture.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system that responds to changes.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones regulating processes like growth and reproduction.

Cardiovascular System

Transports blood that carries oxygen, nutrients, and wastes.

Lymphatic/Immune System

Returns fluid to blood and houses white blood cells for immunity.

Respiratory System

Supplies blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units for body cells.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates water and electrolyte balance.

Reproductive System

Produces offspring and is involved in the development of the fetus.

Chemicals of Life

Elements and compounds essential for life include carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Atoms

The smallest particles of an element that retain the properties of that element.

Molecules

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Compounds

Molecules that contain two or more different kinds of atoms.

Mixtures

Two or more components that are physically intermixed.

Solutions

Homogeneous mixtures where particles are evenly distributed.

Suspensions

Heterogeneous mixtures with large visible solutes that settle out.

Chemical Bonds

Energy relationships between electrons of reacting atoms.