ANPH 111 - Week 1: The Human Body

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, definitions, levels of organization, homeostatic principles, anatomical positions, and serous membranes from Week 1 ANPH 111.

Anatomy

The scientific discipline that investigates the structure of the body, derived from the word meaning to dissect or cut apart and separate parts of the body for study.

Physiology

The science of body functions that deals with the processes or functions of living things as an ever-changing organism.

Organelles

The small structures that make up some cells.

Organism

Any living thing considered as a whole, whether composed of one cell, such as a bacterium, or of trillions of cells, such as a human.

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions taking place in an organism, including the ability to use energy to perform vital functions such as growth, movement, and reproduction.

Growth

An increase in size of all or part of an organism, or an increase in number or length.

Reproduction

The formation of new cells or new organisms, providing the possibility for tissue repairs and continuity.

Systemic Anatomy

An anatomical approach that dwells on specific body systems, such as the skeletal and muscular systems.

Regional Anatomy

An anatomical approach that reviews specific body areas, such as the head or abdomen.

Surface Anatomy

The study of external features, such as bony projections, to examine internal structures in a living person.

Anatomical Imaging

An approach that utilizes imaging techniques like ultrasound and X-rays to evaluate internal structures.

Cellular Physiology

A subdivision of physiology that focuses on processes at the cellular organizational level.

Systemic Physiology

A subdivision of physiology focusing on the function of specific organ systems.

Human Physiology

The specific study of the processes and functions of the human organism.

Chemical Level

The structural level of organization dealing with how different atoms like hydrogen and carbon interact to form molecules.

Cell Level

The level of organization representing the basic unit of organisms, where molecular substances affect living cellular structures.

Tissues

Groupings of combined cells that are similar in characteristics and surrounding materials, which determine their functions.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types working together to perform one or more specific functions.

Organ System

A group of organs working together to sustain a specific function, such as the urinary system.

Responsiveness

The capability of an organism to react or adjust to a stimulus or environmental change.

Development

The process of change an organism undergoes through time, which includes both growth and differentiation.

Differentiation

A developmental process involving a change in structure and function from a generalized state to a specialized structure.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain balance despite changes in the internal and external environment.

Variables

Conditions such as volume, chemical content, and temperature whose values may change and trigger homeostatic responses.

Homeostatic Mechanism

A regulatory mechanism, governed mainly by the nervous or endocrine system, that maintains a variable near its set point.

Stimulus

Any disruption that causes a change in a monitored controlled condition.

Receptor

A feedback system component that monitors a controlled condition and sends input to a control center.

Control Center

A feedback system component that receives input, compares it against a set point, and sends output commands to an effector.

Effector

A feedback system component that receives output commands from the control center and produces a response that alters the controlled condition.

Negative Feedback System

A control system that reverses a change in a controlled condition to restore it to the set point.

Positive Feedback System

A control system that further strengthens a change in a controlled condition until shut off by an external event.

Anatomical Position

The standard stance where the body is erect and upright with head level, eyes facing forward, feet flat on the floor, and arms at the sides with palms turned forward.

Prone Position

A reclining body position where the subject is lying face down.

Supine Position

A reclining body position where the subject is lying face up.

Longitudinal Section

A cut made along the long axis of an organ.

Transverse Section

A cut made at a right angle to the long axis of an organ; also referred to as a cross section.

Oblique Section

A cut made across the long axis of an organ at an angle other than a right angle.

Serous Membranes

Fluid-secreting membranes that line trunk cavities and cover internal organs to reduce friction.

Parietal Serous Membrane

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

Visceral Serous Membrane

The portion of a serous membrane that directly covers internal organs.

Pericardial Cavity

The fluid-filled space enclosed by serous membranes surrounding the heart.

Pleural Cavities

The fluid-filled spaces enclosed by serous membranes surrounding the lungs.

Peritoneal Cavity

The serous membrane-lined cavity surrounding certain abdominal and pelvic organs.

Mesenteries

Parts of the peritoneum that anchor abdominal organs in place and serve as passageways for blood vessels and nerves.

Retroperitoneal Organs

Organs located behind the parietal peritoneum, including the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, parts of the intestines, and urinary bladder.