An Introduction to the Human Organism Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards derived from Topic 1 notes covering foundational concepts in human anatomy, physiology, organ systems, homeostasis, planes, cavities, and medical imaging.

Anatomy

The study of body structures and the relationships among them.

Physiology

The study of how the body works and its functions.

Integumentary System

Body system consisting of skin, hair, nails, and some glands that regulates body temperature and protects the body.

Skeletal System

Body system consisting of bones, joints, and cartilage that provides protection and support, contains cells for blood formation, and offers surface area for muscle attachment.

Muscular System

Body system consisting of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that functions in body movement and maintaining posture.

Nervous System

Body system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs that functions in sensation, interpretation, and integration.

Endocrine System

Body system consisting of hormones, glands, and some organs that produces hormones to control activities such as growth and metabolism.

Cardiovascular System

Body system consisting of the heart and blood vessels that transports blood with nutrients and oxygen, transports carbon dioxide and wastes, aids immune responses, and helps regulate body temperature.

Lymphatic/Immune Systems

Body system consisting of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymph fluid, and lymphoid organs that defends against pathogens and returns proteins and fluid back to the blood.

Respiratory System

Body system consisting of the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, bronchial trees, and lungs that takes in oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and maintains acid/base balance.

Digestive System

Body system consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and accessory organs that breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates wastes.

Urinary System

Body system consisting of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra that handles production, storage, and elimination of urine, regulates blood volume, acid/base balance, and regulates RBC production.

Reproductive Systems

Body system consisting of gonads (testes and ovaries) and accessory organs responsible for the reproduction of offspring.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a relatively stable internal environment in response to a changing external environment.

Negative Feedback Loops

Control mechanisms that reverse a change, used in maintaining parameters such as blood sugar, temperature, and blood pressure.

Positive Feedback Loops

Control mechanisms that amplify or enhance a change, such as during childbirth.

Anatomical Position

Standard body position characterized by standing erect, head level and facing forward, lower limbs parallel with feet flat on the floor, and upper limbs at the sides with palms facing forward.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into front and back sections.

Transverse Plane

A plane that divides the body into top and bottom sections.

Sagittal (Median) Plane

A plane that divides the body into left and right sides.

Midsagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right sides.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into unequal left and right sides.

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavity that encloses organs of the nervous system, comprising the cranial cavity and vertebral canal.

Ventral Cavity

Body cavity housing the majority of the viscera, divided into thoracic and abdominopelvic subdivisions.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that covers and adheres to the viscera.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that covers and adheres to the walls of body cavities.

Medical Imaging

Techniques that allow physicians to view images of the human body to diagnose anatomical and physiological abnormalities.