Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the introductory concepts of human anatomy and physiology, study strategies, structural organization, and homeostatic principles.

Science

A way of observing and measuring natural phenomenon in order to explain them.

Human Anatomy

The study of the structure or form of the human body.

Human Physiology

The study of the body’s functions.

Mnemonics

Mental cues for memorizing material.

Concrete Examples

Connecting material to real-world examples that you can relate to.

Elaborative Questioning

Asking many detailed questions about the material.

Dual Coding

Using text and figures or drawings together to consolidate information.

S Q 3 R Method

A textbook reading strategy consisting of Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review.

Cornell Note-Taking System

A method of dividing paper into two columns (notes and questions) with a shared summary space at the bottom.

Growth Mindset

A mindset where failure is seen as resulting from a lack of effort or incorrect strategy rather than a lack of ability.

Cellular Composition

The property that cells are the smallest units that carry out the functions of life.

Metabolism

The collective chemical processes carried out by living organisms.

Anabolism

“Building” processes within an organism's metabolism.

Catabolism

“Breaking down” processes within an organism's metabolism.

Excretion

The elimination of potentially harmful waste products created by metabolic processes.

Responsiveness (Irritability)

The ability of organisms to sense and react to changes or stimuli in their environment.

Chemical Level

The smallest structural level of organization, ranging from tiny atoms to complex molecules.

Tissue Level

A level of organization where two or more cell types and extracellular matrix combine to perform a common function.

Organ Level

A level of organization where two or more tissue types combine to form a structure with a recognizable shape that performs a specialized task.

Systemic Anatomy

An approach to anatomy that examines individual organ systems.

Gross Anatomy

The study of structures that can be seen with the unaided eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that require a microscope, including Cytology (cells) and Histology (tissues).

Anatomical Position

A common frame of reference where the body is standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart, limbs at sides, with head and palms facing forward.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term referring to the front of the body or a body part.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term referring to the back of the body or a body part.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of origin; used only for positions on the limbs.

Distal

Directional term meaning further from the point of origin; used only for positions on the limbs.

Medial

A position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

A position farther away from the midline of the body.

Axial Region

The broad body region consisting of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Region

The broad body region consisting of the upper and lower limbs.

Sagittal Plane

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

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior sections (or proximal and distal for limbs).

Posterior Body Cavity

The cavity located on the posterior side of the body consisting of the cranial and spinal cavities.

Serous Membranes

Thin sheets of tissue that fold over to form double-layered structures filled with fluid to lubricate organs.

Visceral Layer

The layer of a serous membrane that makes direct contact with the organ.

Parietal Layer

The layer of a serous membrane that attaches to surrounding structures.

Retroperitoneal

Refers to organs located behind the parietal peritoneum.

Homeostasis

The condition in which the body develops and maintains a relatively stable internal environment.

Negative Feedback Loop

A mechanism that opposes the initial change in a regulated variable to promote stability and return the variable to its set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

A mechanism that reinforces the initial change and increases the output, such as in blood clotting or childbirth.

Principle of Complementarity of Structure and Function

The concept that the form of a structure is designed to best suit its function.

Gradients

A condition present any time more of something exists in one area than another and the two areas are connected.