Anatomy Class Notes Chapters 1-4

Gross anatomy

The study of body structures that are visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic anatomy

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

Physiology

The study of the functions of the body and its parts.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Levels of Structural Organization

The arrangement of the body from chemical to organism level.

Chemical level

The level of organization that includes atoms and molecules.

Cellular level

Basic unit of life where all functions of life begin.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure made up of different types of tissues working together.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Organism

A living being that can carry out all basic life processes.

Homeostasis

A state of equilibrium or balance within the body.

Feedback mechanisms

Processes that help maintain homeostasis through receptors, control centers, and effectors.

Negative feedback

Mechanism that reduces the original stimulus to return to equilibrium.

Positive feedback

Mechanism that enhances or intensifies the original stimulus.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

The four sections used to locate organs in the abdominopelvic region: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ.

Body cavities

Spaces within the body that hold and protect internal organs.

Dorsal cavity

Cavity that includes the cranial and vertebral cavities.

Ventral cavity

Cavity that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

X-ray

A medical imaging technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to view dense body structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A high-energy molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular activities.

Monosaccharides

Single sugar units that are the simplest forms of carbohydrates.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides that function in energy storage and structural support.

Proteins

Large molecules made up of amino acids that perform a vast array of functions.

Nucleic acids

Biomacromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, that are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types.

Epithelial tissue

A type of tissue that lines surfaces and forms glands.

Connective tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs.

Muscle tissue

A type of tissue that contracts to produce movement.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits electrical impulses for communication and response.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division that can invade other tissues.

Homeostasis

A condition of balance within the body’s systems.

Cell membrane

A selectively permeable barrier consisting of a phospholipid bilayer.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell that contains organelles.