Human Anatomy & Physiology – Fundamentals and Systems

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering structural organization, body cavities, tissues, directional terminology, homeostasis, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element; foundation of all higher biological organization levels.

Molecule

A chemical combination of two or more atoms; forms the building blocks for cellular structures.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life, composed of organelles and surrounded by a membrane.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and extracellular material performing a common function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types working together to carry out specific functions.

Organ System

A group of organs that cooperate to accomplish a common physiological task.

Organism

A living individual composed of multiple organ systems functioning together.

Cranial Cavity

Dorsal body cavity housing the brain.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

Dorsal cavity enclosing and protecting the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Ventral body cavity containing lungs, heart, and mediastinum, separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.

Diaphragm (Body Cavity Landmark)

Muscular sheet separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

Ventral cavity housing digestive organs such as stomach, liver, and intestines.

Pelvic Cavity

Ventral cavity positioned below the abdomen, containing urinary bladder and reproductive organs.

Dorsal Cavity

Posterior body cavity made up of cranial and vertebral cavities.

Connective Tissue

Primary tissue type that supports, binds, and protects organs; includes bone, blood, and adipose tissue.

Epithelial Tissue

Primary tissue forming protective linings and glands; covers body surfaces and internal organs.

Muscle Tissue

Primary tissue composed of elongated fibers that contract to produce movement.

Neural (Nervous) Tissue

Primary tissue consisting of neurons and neuroglia; specialized for rapid communication.

Superior

Directional term meaning toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Directional term meaning away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term referring to the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term referring to the back of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Superficial

Directional term meaning near the body surface.

Deep

Directional term meaning farther from the body surface.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into right and left portions.

Midsagittal Plane

Specific sagittal plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Transverse Plane

Horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Variable (Homeostasis)

A physiological parameter—such as temperature or pH—that is monitored and regulated.

Negative Feedback

Homeostatic mechanism that counteracts deviations from a set point, restoring normal conditions.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that amplifies changes, moving the system away from homeostasis.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system consisting of heart, blood, and vessels; transports substances throughout the body.

Blood Plasma

Liquid extracellular matrix of blood, ~92 % water, transporting nutrients, wastes, and hormones.

Erythrocyte

Red blood cell; 0.008 mm in size; transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Leukocyte

White blood cell; ~0.02 mm; defends the body against pathogens via immune responses.

Thrombocyte (Platelet)

Cell fragment ~0.003 mm; initiates blood clotting and wound repair.

Transportation (Blood Function)

Movement of gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones through the circulatory system.

Regulation (Blood Function)

Control of body temperature, pH, and water balance via blood components.

Protection (Blood Function)

Defense against blood loss and pathogens through clotting and immune cells.

Respiratory System

Organ system facilitating gas exchange between environment and bloodstream.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Portion of respiratory system comprising nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Portion of respiratory system including trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.

Nasal Cavity

Airway chamber that warms, moistens, and filters inhaled air.

Pharynx

Muscular tube behind nasal cavity; passageway for food and air.

Larynx

Voice box; connects pharynx to trachea and houses vocal cords.

Epiglottis

Flap of cartilage covering the trachea during swallowing to prevent aspiration.

Trachea

'Windpipe' conducting air from larynx to bronchi.

Bronchus

Primary airway branch entering each lung from the trachea.

Bronchiole

Small airway branches within lungs leading to alveoli.

Alveolus

Tiny air sac where gas exchange occurs between air and blood capillaries.

Diaphragm (Respiration)

Dome-shaped skeletal muscle crucial for inhalation and exhalation.

Inspiration

Process of drawing air into the lungs.

Gas Exchange

Diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and blood.

pH Balance (Blood)

Homeostatic regulation of hydrogen ion concentration to maintain optimal body function.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element; foundation of all higher biological organization levels.

Molecule

A chemical combination of two or more atoms; forms the building blocks for cellular structures.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life, composed of organelles and surrounded by a membrane.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and extracellular material performing a common function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types working together to carry out specific functions.

Organ System

A group of organs that cooperate to accomplish a common physiological task.

Organism

A living individual composed of multiple organ systems functioning together.

Cranial Cavity

Dorsal body cavity housing the brain.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

Dorsal cavity enclosing and protecting the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Ventral body cavity containing lungs, heart, and mediastinum, separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.

Diaphragm (Body Cavity Landmark)

Muscular sheet separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

Ventral cavity housing digestive organs such as stomach, liver, and intestines.

Pelvic Cavity

Ventral cavity positioned below the abdomen, containing urinary bladder and reproductive organs.

Dorsal Cavity

Posterior body cavity made up of cranial and vertebral cavities.

Connective Tissue

Primary tissue type that supports, binds, and protects organs; includes bone, blood, and adipose tissue.

Epithelial Tissue

Primary tissue forming protective linings and glands; covers body surfaces and internal organs.

Muscle Tissue

Primary tissue composed of elongated fibers that contract to produce movement.

Neural (Nervous) Tissue

Primary tissue consisting of neurons and neuroglia; specialized for rapid communication.

Superior

Directional term meaning toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Directional term meaning away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term referring to the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term referring to the back of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Superficial

Directional term meaning near the body surface.

Deep

Directional term meaning farther from the body surface.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into right and left portions.

Midsagittal Plane

Specific sagittal plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Transverse Plane

Horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Variable (Homeostasis)

A physiological parameter—such as temperature or pH—that is monitored and regulated.

Negative Feedback

Homeostatic mechanism that counteracts deviations from a set point, restoring normal conditions.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that amplifies changes, moving the system away from homeostasis.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system consisting of heart, blood, and vessels; transports substances throughout the body.

Blood Plasma

Liquid extracellular matrix of blood, ~92 % water, transporting nutrients, wastes, and hormones.

Erythrocyte

Red blood cell; 0.008 mm in size; transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Leukocyte

White blood cell; ~0.02 mm; defends the body against pathogens via immune responses.

Thrombocyte (Platelet)

Cell fragment ~0.003 mm; initiates blood clotting and wound repair.