Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Chapter 6 of the Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, focusing on anatomy, physiology, and the systems of the human body relevant to emergency medical services.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body.

Physiology

The study of normal bodily function, including the processes that occur within the body's systems.

Pathophysiology

The study of the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

Topographic anatomy

A method of describing the location of body parts in relation to each other.

Coronal plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Sagittal plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

Midsagittal plane

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

Transverse plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Cells

The basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.

Tissues

Groups of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organs

Structures composed of different types of tissues that work together to perform specific functions.

Body systems

Groups of organs working together to perform complex functions.

Skeletal system

The body system made up of bones and connective tissues that supports and protects the body.

Axial skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and their attachments.

Joints

Locations in the body where two or more bones meet.

Ball-and-socket joint

A joint that allows for rotational movement in multiple directions.

Hinge joint

A joint that allows movement primarily in one direction.

Vertebral column

The spine, composed of vertebrae, that houses and protects the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

The chamber of the body that houses the heart and lungs.

Pelvic girdle

The structure formed by the pelvis, connecting the trunk and lower limbs.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle involved in the process of breathing.

Inhalation

The process of taking air into the lungs, which is an active process.

Exhalation

The process of releasing air from the lungs, which is a passive process.

Ventilation

The physical act of moving air into and out of the lungs.

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli and tissues.

Blood pressure

The pressure that blood exerts against the walls of arteries.

Perfusion

The circulation of blood in an organ or tissue.

Hypoperfusion

An inadequate blood supply to organs, tissues, and cells.

Sympathetic nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest-and-digest' functions.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin that provides a barrier against the environment.

Dermis

The deeper layer of skin that contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts produced by the body that help break down food.

Lymphatic system

A system that supports the circulatory and immune systems, transporting lymph.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released into the bloodstream that regulate body functions.