Anatomy and Physiology – Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Anatomy and Physiology lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and its parts; literally means “to cut apart.”

Physiology

The science of how the body works and its functions.

Gross Anatomy

Study of anatomical structures visible to the naked eye.

Systemic Anatomy

Examination of each body system as a whole and its associated organs.

Regional Anatomy

Study of all structures in a specific body area and their relationships.

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of anatomical features requiring a microscope, such as cells and tissues.

Surface Anatomy

Study of external body features visible without aid.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of fertilized egg development into adult form (e.g., embryology).

Cytology

Microscopic study restricted to individual cellular structures.

Histology

Study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Pathology

Study of disease, including causes, development, structural changes, and effects on the body.

Pathophysiology

Study of functional changes associated with disease and aging.

Autopsy

Post-mortem examination of the body and internal organs performed by a pathologist.

Postmortem

Pertaining to or occurring after death.

Clinical Autopsy

Hospital autopsy performed to clarify disease processes and cause of death.

Forensic Autopsy

Medico-legal autopsy used to determine manner of death and gather evidence.

Appendectomy

Surgical removal of the appendix, often to treat appendicitis.

Suffix “-tomy”

Means cutting or making an incision (from Greek “tomia”).

Laparotomy

Open surgical procedure involving a large abdominal incision to access the cavity.

Endocrinology

Study of the endocrine system and hormones.

Neurophysiology

Study of nerve cell function and nervous system activity.

Cardiovascular Physiology

Study of heart and blood-vessel function.

Immunology

Branch of biology studying the immune system.

Respiratory Physiology

Examination of lung and airway functions.

Chemical Level

Basic level of organization where atoms combine to form molecules.

Cellular Level

Level at which molecules associate to form cells—the smallest living units.

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells performing a specific function.

Organ Level

Two or more tissue types working together to perform common functions.

Organ System Level

Group of organs forming a functional unit.

Organismal Level

A complete living being capable of independent life functions.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue type specialized in protection, absorption, filtration, and secretion.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, protects, and binds other tissues; includes bone, cartilage, blood.

Muscle Tissue

Contractile tissue capable of movement and returning to original shape.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to bones for body movement.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue forming the heart wall.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in walls of organs such as uterus, digestive tract, bladder.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that provides internal communication and control; found in brain, spinal cord, nerves.

Integumentary System

Skin, hair, nails; protects deeper tissues, regulates temperature, synthesizes vitamin D.

Skeletal System

Bones, cartilages, joints; supports body, protects organs, forms blood cells.

Muscular System

Skeletal muscles that permit movement, posture, and heat production.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system of brain, spinal cord, nerves, sensory receptors.

Endocrine System

Hormone-producing glands that regulate body activities.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels that transport blood, nutrients, gases, and waste.

Lymphatic System

Lymph vessels, nodes, spleen, tonsils; returns fluid to blood and houses immune cells.

Respiratory System

Nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; exchanges oxygen and CO₂.

Digestive System

Organs that break down food and absorb nutrients; includes stomach, intestines.

Urinary System

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra; removes nitrogenous waste and regulates fluid balance.

Reproductive System

Organs producing offspring; uterus supports fetal development.

Metabolism

Sum of all chemical processes in the body.

Catabolism

Breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Anabolism

Building of complex substances from simpler components.

Responsiveness

Ability to detect and respond to stimuli or changes.

Movement

Motion of the whole body, organs, cells, or organelles.

Growth

Increase in body size due to cell size and/or number.

Differentiation

Process by which a cell becomes specialized from an unspecialized state.

Reproduction

Formation of new cells for growth or new individuals.

Nutrients

Chemicals from food used for energy and cell building, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals.

Oxygen

Gas required for energy-releasing metabolic reactions and essential life functions.

Water

Makes up 60–80 % of body weight; solvent for chemical reactions and transport.

Normal Body Temperature

Optimal internal temperature of 37 °C (98.6 °F) for metabolic reactions.

Homeostasis

Dynamic equilibrium of the body’s internal environment.

Feedback System

Cycle that monitors and adjusts a controlled condition to maintain homeostasis.

Receptor

Sensor that detects changes and sends input to a control center.

Control Center

Structure that processes input and sends output to effectors.

Effector

Organ or cell that produces a response altering the controlled condition.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells; includes interstitial fluid, plasma, and others.

Interstitial Fluid

ECF found between cells and tissues.

Blood Plasma

ECF within blood vessels.

Lymph

ECF within lymphatic vessels.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

ECF surrounding brain and spinal cord.

Synovial Fluid

ECF within joint cavities.

Aqueous Humor

ECF in the anterior chamber of the eye.