Anatomy & Physiology 1 - Body Structures & Anatomical Positions

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on Anatomy and Physiology, focusing on body structures and anatomical positions.

Homeostasis

A condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment, maintaining optimal functioning.

Metabolism

Chemical processes in body cells for energy, including anabolism and catabolism.

Anatomical position

A standard position of the body used as a reference point, where the body stands upright, facing forward with arms at the sides.

Directional terms

Terms that describe the location of one structure in relation to another.

Body cavities

Spaces within the body that contain organs, lined by membranes.

Serous membranes

Thin, pliable membranes that cover the organs within body cavities, enabling movement without friction.

Negative feedback system

A process that reverses a change in a controlled condition to restore homeostasis.

Positive feedback system

A process that strengthens or reinforces a change in one of the body’s controlled conditions.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Frontal plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into right and left parts, which may be equal or unequal.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Contains both abdominal and pelvic cavities, housing various organs.

Cranial cavity

The cavity surrounded by skull bones, containing the brain.

Thoracic cavity

The cavity surrounded by the ribcage, containing the heart and lungs.

Vertebral canal

The cavity within the vertebral column, containing the spinal cord.

Visceral layer

The inner layer of serous membranes that attaches to organ surfaces.

Parietal layer

The outer layer of serous membranes that lines the cavity walls.

Effectors

Organs or cells that respond to signals from the control center in feedback systems.

Growth

Increase in body size due to increased cell size, number or accumulation of materials.

Reproduction

The biological process where organisms replicate themselves, forming new offspring.

Development

The process by which cells specialize to perform specific functions.