Chapter 2: Introduction To The Human Body

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 2 notes.

Anatomy

The study of the body's structure.

Gross anatomy

The study of larger structures of the body.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of small structures, such as cells and tissues.

Regional anatomy

Anatomy studied by region (area of the body).

Systemic anatomy

Anatomy studied by organ system (e.g., cardiovascular, nervous).

Histology

Microscopic study of tissues.

Cytology

Microscopic study of cells.

X-ray

Medical imaging using X-ray radiation; best for viewing teeth and bone.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Uses computers and a series of X-rays to visualize internal structures in planes; more detail than X-rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging using magnetic fields and radio signals to provide detailed views; precise but expensive.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Uses small amounts of radiation to detect metabolic activity; useful in diagnosing cancers, heart disease, and strokes.

Ultrasonography

Uses sound waves to yield real-time images; commonly used in pregnancy.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Imaging technique that shows brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation.

Serous membranes

Two-layer membranes that cover organs in the anterior body cavity; parietal layer lines cavities, visceral layer covers organs; serous fluid lies between layers.

Parietal layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines the cavity.

Visceral layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that covers the organ.

Serous fluid

Fluid between the parietal and visceral layers that reduces friction.

Posterior body cavity

Dorsal cavity; includes cranial and spinal cavities.

Anterior body cavity

Front cavity; includes thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic cavity

Part of the anterior cavity that houses the heart and lungs (with pleural and pericardial subdivisions).

Abdominopelvic cavity

Cavity that includes the abdominal and pelvic regions.

Anatomical position

Standing upright; feet parallel; toes forward; upper limbs at the sides with palms facing forward.

Sagittal plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into left and right parts.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse plane

Horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of a structure.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the sides.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or trunk.

Cranial

Toward the head (head end).

Caudal

Toward the tail or inferior end.

Phosphorylation

Addition of a phosphate group to a protein, changing its shape and function; a common regulatory mechanism.

Homeostasis

Dynamic stability of the body's internal environment; variables kept near a setpoint.

Negative feedback

Most homeostatic control; the response reduces the original stimulus.

Positive feedback

A feedback loop in which the original stimulus is enhanced or increased (e.g., childbirth).