Human Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, and Histology Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental terminology, subdivisions, structural levels, chemical bonds, cellular transport, tissue types, and organ system concepts from human anatomy and physiology lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structures and the relationships among structures.

Physiology

The study of the functions of body structures.

Gross Anatomy

A type of anatomy that can be undertaken without a microscope.

Microscopic Anatomy

Anatomy that requires the use of a microscope, such as a light or phase microscope.

Cytology

The microscopic study of cells.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues; also known as microscopic anatomy.

Embryological Anatomy

The study of prenatal development.

Pathological Anatomy

The study of structural changes associated with disease.

Homeostasis

An inner stability of the body, maintained even if the environment outside the body changes.

Stress

The overall disruption that forces the body to make adaptive changes.

Negative Feedback

A feedback response that is opposite to the initiating stimulus.

Positive Feedback

A feedback response that reinforces the initial stimulus.

Compound

A molecule containing atoms of more than one element.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Midsagittal Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body symmetrically into left and right halves; also called the median plane.

Parasagittal Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body asymmetrically into left and right parts; also called the sagittal plane.

Frontal Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body asymmetrically into anterior and posterior sections; also called the coronal plane.

Transverse Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior sections; also called the horizontal plane.

Catabolism

The phase of metabolism that provides energy by breaking down complex molecules into simple molecules.

Anabolism

The phase of metabolism that uses energy from catabolism to build up the body's structural and functional components; also called biosynthesis.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed by atoms sharing a pair of electrons.

Nonpolar Covalent Bond

A covalent bond formed when atoms share an electron pair equally.

Polar Covalent Bond

A covalent bond formed by the unequal sharing of a pair of electrons.

Anion

An atom that has gained one or more electrons from another atom and has become negatively charged.

Cation

An atom that has lost one or more electrons and has become positively charged.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed by the attraction between a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion.

Hydrogen Bond

A bond formed when a covalently bonded hydrogen acquires a slight positive charge and becomes attracted to negatively charged atoms nearby.

Acid

A substance that releases hydrogen ions ($H^+$) when dissolved in water; a proton donor.

Base

A substance that accepts hydrogen ions ($H^+$) or releases hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) when dissolved in water; also known as alkali.

Salt

A substance that releases a cation other than $H^+$ and an anion other than $OH^-$ when dissolved in water.

pH

The negative log of the concentration of $H^+$ expressed in moles per liter, which expresses the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Buffers

Chemical substances (weak acids or weak bases) that regulate changes in pH and help maintain homeostasis.

Diffusion

The random movement of molecules from areas where they are highly concentrated to areas where they are less concentrated until a uniform distribution is achieved.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Osmotic Pressure

The force exerted by a highly concentrated solution that prevents the net flow of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a lower concentrated solution.

Pinocytosis

The process where the plasma membrane invaginates and encloses small amounts of fluid droplets, releasing small pockets into the cytoplasm; also called 'cell drinking'.

Phagocytosis

The ability of the plasma membrane to engulf large particles and digest them by fusing the pocket with lysosomal enzymes; also called 'cell eating'.

Mitosis

The somatic cell division process during which two diploid ($2n$) daughter cells result from the division of a diploid ($2n$) parent cell.

Meiosis

Reproductive cell division occurring in the gonads that results in haploid ($n$) daughter cells from a diploid ($2n$) parent cell.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells associated with bone formation and development.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Bone-destroying cells that create the bone marrow cavity.

Sarcomere

The organized, functional unit of myofilaments within a myofibril whose components cause muscle contraction.

Neuroglia

Special supporting cells that protect, support, and insulate neurons.

Neurons

Structural and functional units of the nervous system highly specialized to receive stimuli and conduct action potentials.

Exteroceptors

Sensory receptors located near the body surface that provide information about the external environment.

Interoceptors

Sensory receptors located within the body that provide information about the internal environment.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors that provide information about the position and movement of skeletal muscles and joints.