Anatomy Finals

levels of organization from simplest to most complex

• molecule

• cell

• tissue

• organ

• organ system

• organism

superior v. inferior: 

Superior:(ABOVE) Toward the head ex. Stomach 

Inferior: (BELOW)Toward the feet ex. Pelvis 

anterior v. posterior: 

Anterior: (INFRONT) Toward the front ex. Sternum (breast bone) 

Posterior: (BEHIND/BACK) Toward the rear ex. Brainsten

medial v. lateral

Medial: TOWARD the MIDLINE ex. The big toe is a medial (to the small toe) 

Lateral: TOWARD the OUTSIDE/LEDGE  ex. The ear is lateral to the nose 

proximal v. distal

Distal: TOWARD the END of a LIMB ex. The wrist is distal (to the elbow)

Caudal: AWAYFROM the HEAD, same as inferior. (FEET)

sagittal (or longitudinal)

frontal (or coronal)

transverse

Receptor

 takes information from the body about variables. Responds to changes in the environment and sends information to the control center. 

Effector

 takes action in the body to change variables. Provides a means for response to the stimulus. 

control center

determines whether variables above/low set point, analyzes the information whether action is required or appropriate response. 

CNS v. PNS

(CNS): consists of the brain and spinal cord. Incoming sensory information and issue instructions based on past experience and current conditions. They send the information out to the body. 

(PNS): part of the nervous system outside the CNS. Consists nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord. Spinal nerves carry impulses to and from the spinal cord. Cranial nerves carry impulses to and from the brain.

somatic v. autonomic: 

The somatic nervous system - allows us to voluntarily control our skeletal muscles, referred to as the voluntary nervous system. 

autonomic nervous system - involuntary. Referred to as the involuntary nervous system has 2 parts - the sympathetic and parasympathetic, which brings the opposite effects. One stimulates and the other inhibits. Cardiac, smooth muscle, and glands. 

parasympathetic v. sympathetic: 

Parasympathetic conserves energy and promotes rest, while sympathetic activates the fight or flight response.

Dendrite

the branching extensions of neurons that carry electrical signals towards the cell body. The receptive portion of a nerve cell.

Cell body

Metabolic center of the neuron. Contains nucleus. Nissel bodies and neurofibrils are important.

Axon

Generate nerve impulses and conduct them away from the cell body. Transmits signals to other neurons, muscles and glands.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps between the two myelin insulation sheaths, which insulate (speed up) the axon of neurons. To speed up propagation of action potentials along the axon via saltatory conduction.

Schwann cell

Produce myelin sheath.

axon terminal

Releases neurotransmitters.

myelin sheath

Wrapped around the Schwann cell, so the axon sends information out of the cell body faster.

3 layers of meninges

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater

Functions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

assists the brain by providing protection, nourishment, and waste removal.

Muscle Types

	Skeletal	Cardiac	Smooth
where found in the body?	everywhere	heart	organs
appearance?	striated	striated	not striated (smooth)
control of contraction?	voluntary	involuntary	involuntary

Origin

attachment to an immovable.

Insertion

attachment to a moveable bone.

Flexion

decreases the angle of the joint brings two bones closer together. Use

Extension

Opposite of flexion, increases the angle or distance, between two bones or parts of the body. Ex

Abduction

moving a limb away from the midline of the body. Ex

Adduction

opposite of abduction movement of a limb toward the body midline

agonist (prime mover)

Muscle with the major responsibility for certain movements

Antagonist

Muscles that oppose or reverses a prime mover