Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts in anatomy, physiology, the scientific method, evolutionary principles, and the structural hierarchy of human body organization.

Histology

Microscopic anatomy that involves looking at tissues using a microscope.

Histopathology

The microscopic examination and study of the structure and function of cells.

Ultrastructure

Fine detail of structure that may be resolved using an electron microscope.

Comparative physiology

The study of different species to learn about body functions.

Hippocrates

The father of medicine, famous for the Hippocratic oath.

Scientific method

The process of performing science including careful observation, logical thinking, proper analysis of observations, and conclusions.

Inductive method

The process of making numerous observations until one becomes confident in drawing generalizations and predictions.

Hypothetical deductive method

The method by which most physiological knowledge is gained, where an investigator formulates a hypothesis.

Hypothesis

An educated guess, educated speculation, or a possible answer to a question.

Falsifiability

The principle that to claim something is scientifically true, it must be possible to prove it wrong.

Peer review

The process where research is evaluated and verified for credibility by other scientists.

Fact

Information that can be independently verified.

Law of nature

A written generalization about the way matter and energy behave, derived from inductive reasoning and repeated observations.

Theory

An explanatory statement or set of statements derived from facts, laws, and confirmed hypotheses.

Charles Darwin

The founder of how species originate and change through time.

Evolution

The change in genetic composition of a population of organisms.

Natural selection

The process through which evolution works, driven by selection pressures.

Selection pressures

Factors, such as predators, that force or promote the reproductive success of some individuals more than others.

Adaptations

Inherited features of anatomy and physiology that involve the response to selection pressures.

Organism

The complete individual.

Organ system

A system composed of multiple organs working together.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more different tissue types.

Tissues

Similar cells and cell products forming a discrete region of an organ.

Cells

The smaller unit of life that carries out all the basic functions of life.

Organelles

Microscopic structures in cells, such as the mitochondria, nucleus, or Golgi apparatus, that are composed of molecules.

Molecules

Particles composed of atoms.