Ch 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering structural organization, organelles, cell metabolism, tissues, body cavities, abdominopelvic regions and quadrants, spinal column divisions, directional terms, anatomical planes, and medical word roots.

Cell

The smallest unit of life that can replicate independently; often called the 'building blocks of life'.

Cell Biology

The study of cells.

Cell Membrane

Separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is permeable, controls the movement of substances in and out of cells, and protects the cell from its surroundings.

Nucleus

Contains most of the cell's genetic material in the form of DNA molecules organized into structures called chromosomes.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells, each made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), passed from parents to offspring.

Cytoplasm

The fluid that fills a cell.

Genes

The basic physical and functional unit of heredity, made up of DNA, acting as instructions to make molecules called proteins (RNA).

Karyotype

The number and appearance (photograph) of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Forms an interconnected network connecting to the nucleus that manufactures proteins for the cell.

Mitochondria

Referred to as 'the powerhouse of the cell' because they generate most of the cell's energy supply; also involved in cellular differentiation, cell death, and cell growth.

Anabolism

Process of building up large proteins from small protein pieces called amino acids.

Catabolism

Breaking down molecules for energy.

Metabolism

Total of the chemical processes in a cell, including anabolism and catabolism.

Tissue

A group of specialized cells working together.

Histologist

A scientist who specializes in the study of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that lines cavities and surfaces of blood vessels and organs throughout the body; specialized to form the covering or lining of all internal and external body surfaces.

Muscle Tissue

A soft tissue that composes muscles and gives rise to muscles' ability to contract.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that connects, supports, binds, or separates other tissues or organs, often with collagen or other fibers, including cartilaginous, fatty, and elastic tissues.

Nerve Tissue

Tissue composed of specialized nerve cells called neurons which transmit impulses; located in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Organ

A part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or liver.

Viscera

The internal organs in the main cavities of the body, especially those in the abdomen.

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavity located on the posterior (back) of the body.

Ventral Cavity

Body cavity located on the anterior (front) portion of the body.

Diaphragm

Muscle that extends across the bottom of the thoracic cavity separating it from the abdominal cavity.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Cavity formed by the continuous combination of the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Hypochondriac Regions

Right and left upper regions below the cartilage of the ribs that extend over the abdomen.

Epigastric Region

Abdominopelvic region located above the stomach.

Lumbar Regions

Right and left abdominopelvic regions located near the waist.

Umbilical Region

Abdominopelvic region of the navel or umbilicus.

Inguinal Regions

Right and left lower abdominopelvic regions near the groin, also known as the right and left iliac regions.

Hypogastric Region

Middle lower abdominopelvic region located below the umbilical region.

Regions of Abdominal Area

The nine anatomical regions of the abdomen: right/left hypochondriac, epigastric, right/left lumbar, umbilical, right/left iliac, and hypogastric.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Four divisions of the abdominopelvic area created by intersecting horizontal and vertical lines: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, and LLQ.

Spinal Column

Also called the vertebral column; composed of a series of vertebrae stacked one upon another extending from the neck to the tailbone.

Spinal Cord

A cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers enclosed in the spinal column that connects nearly all parts of the body to the brain, forming the central nervous system.

Intervertebral Disc

Structure found between vertebrae composed of a tough outer portion and a soft inner core that acts as a shock absorber between adjacent vertebrae.

Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)

Condition occurring when some of the softer inner core pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior, which can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Divisions of the Spine

The five regional groupings of vertebrae along the spine: Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, and Coccygeal.

Anterior (Ventral)

Pertaining to the front side of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Pertaining to the back side of the body.

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Proximal

Near a point of attachment to the trunk or near the beginning of a structure.

Distal

Far from a point of attachment to the trunk or far from the beginning of a structure.

Inferior

Below another surface.

Superior

Above another structure.

Medial

Pertaining to the middle, or nearer the medial plane of the body.

Lateral

Pertaining to the side.

Supine

Lying on the back.

Prone

Lying on the belly.

Supine and Prone Positions

Anatomical terms describing face-up horizontal position (supine) vs face-down horizontal position (prone).

Sagittal (Lateral) Plane

Plane that divides the body into two parts lengthwise, right and left.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Plane that divides the body into front and back sections from top to bottom.

Transverse (Axial) Plane

Plane that divides the body into upper (superior/cephalic) and lower (inferior/caudal) portions.

Planes of the Body

Anatomical division lines including the frontal plane, sagittal plane, and transverse plane.

abdomin/o

Combining form meaning abdomen.

adip/o

Combining form meaning fat.

chondr/o

Combining form meaning cartilage.

hist/o

Combining form meaning tissue.

kary/o

Combining form meaning nucleus.

viscer/o

Combining form meaning internal organs.

ana-

Prefix meaning up.

cata-

Prefix meaning down.

epi-

Prefix meaning above.

hypo-

Prefix meaning below.