A&P Notes (Exam 1)

Anatomy

The study of structures in the body.

Gross Anatomy

The study of structures visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that require a microscope to be seen.

Regional Anatomy

Examining all structures within a specific area of the body.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of body systems, such as the muscular or nervous systems.

Physiology

The study of the chemistry and functions of the human body.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchy of biological organization from atoms to organisms.

Chemical Level

The smallest level of organization, consisting of atoms and molecules.

Cellular Level

The level of organization that includes cells, the basic unit of life.

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells working together.

Organ Level

Tissues working together to form organs.

Organ System Level

Organs that perform coordinated functions.

Organismal Level

The human body as a whole.

Integumentary System

The organ system that includes skin and its appendages.

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference.

Axial Region

The part of the body that includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Region

The limbs and girdles of the body.

Serous Membranes

Membranes that cover walls and organs in the thoracic cavity.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Negative Feedback

A feedback system that reverses deviation from a set point.

Positive Feedback

A feedback system that intensifies change until a specific outcome is achieved.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body.

Anabolism

The process of building larger molecules from smaller ones.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

Responsiveness

The ability of an organism to react to stimuli.

Growth

The increase in size and number of cells.

Reproduction

The process of producing new cells or organisms.

Nutrients

Substances in food essential for survival.

Buffers

Substances that help maintain pH balance in the body.

pH Scale

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers external surfaces and lines hollow organs.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits electrochemical signals.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized cells that can differentiate into various cell types.

Membrane Transport

The process by which substances move across cell membranes.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane without energy use.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane that requires energy.

Cytoplasm

The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

DNA Structure

The double helix formation of DNA composed of four bases.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells create proteins based on genetic information.

Glandular Epithelium

Modified epithelial cells that secrete substances.