Chapter 01: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

This flashcard set covers the fundamental terminology of anatomy and physiology including levels of organization, homeostatic mechanisms, body cavities, membranes, and relative anatomical positions.

Anatomy

The study of the structure/morphology of the human body and its parts; derived from Greek for “a cutting up”.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body and its parts; derived from Greek for “relationship to nature”.

Subatomic Particles

$protons$, $neutrons$, and $electrons$ that make up cells.

Molecule

Particles consisting of atoms joined together, such as $water$ or $glucose$.

Macromolecule

Large particles consisting of molecules, such as $DNA$ or $protein$.

Organelle

A functional part of a cell, such as a $mitochondrion$ or $lysosome$.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and functions in the human body.

Tissue

A layer or mass of cells with a specific function, such as adipose tissue.

Organ

A group of different tissues with a specific function, such as the heart, kidney, or stomach.

Organism

A complete living being composed of interacting organ systems.

Ultrasound

A noninvasive procedure using high-frequency sound waves to provide images of soft internal structures like a fetus in the uterus.

Magnetic Resonance Scan (MR)

A noninvasive procedure where a magnetic field changes the alignment and spin of certain atoms to provide high-resolution images of internal structures.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant or stable internal environment.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in a living system, including energy production and nutrient cycling.

Axial portion

The part of the human body consisting of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular portion

The part of the human body consisting of the upper and lower limbs.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Mediastinum

The region between the lungs in the thoracic cavity containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and thymus gland.

Serous membranes

Double-layered membranes that secrete a slippery fluid to prevent friction between the visceral and parietal layers.

Visceral layer

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

Parietal layer

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

Receptor

The component of a homeostatic mechanism that detects and provides information about the stimuli.

Control Center

The decision-maker of a homeostatic mechanism that maintains the set point and compares the change to it.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to signals from the control center to cause change in the internal environment.

Negative Feedback

The most common homeostatic mechanism where the response to a change moves the variable in the opposite direction of the deviation from the set point.

Positive Feedback

An uncommon homeostatic mechanism where the deviation from the set point is intensified, such as in blood clotting or uterine contractions during childbirth.

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, facing forward, with upper limbs at the sides and palms facing forward.

Superior

A relative position term meaning a part is above another part; also known as cephalic.

Inferior

A relative position term meaning a part is below another part; also known as caudal.

Proximal

A relative position term meaning a part is closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

A relative position term meaning a part is farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Sagittal section

A longitudinal cut that divides the body into left and right portions.

Transverse section

A horizontal cut that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Coronal section

A longitudinal cut that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions; also known as a frontal section.

Normal body temperature

A homeostatic set point at approximately $37.0\,^{\circ}C$ ($98.6\,^{\circ}F$).