Chapter 1: The Sciences of Anatomy & Physiology

Fifty vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy and physiology terms from the notes.

Anatomy

The science of the structure and form of the body, including microscopic and gross anatomy.

Microscopic anatomy

Structures observed only with a microscope; includes cytology and histology.

Cytology

Study of cells and their internal structure.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Gross anatomy

Macroscopic anatomy; structures visible to the naked eye.

Systemic anatomy

Anatomy of each body system studied separately.

Regional anatomy

Structures within a specific body region.

Comparative anatomy

Similarities and differences across species.

Embryology

Developmental changes from conception to birth.

Pathologic anatomy

Anatomic changes due to disease (macroscopic and microscopic).

Radiographic anatomy

Anatomy visualized by scanning procedures (imaging).

Physiology

The science of how body structures function, from molecules to organ systems.

Cardiovascular physiology

Function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Neurophysiology

Function of nerves and the nervous system.

Respiratory physiology

Function of respiratory organs and gas exchange.

Reproductive physiology

Function of reproductive hormones and the reproductive cycle.

Pathophysiology

Function of a body system during disease or injury.

Form follows function

Structure is designed to perform its function; form and function are interrelated.

Anatomic position

Upright stance with feet parallel, upper limbs at sides, palms forward, head level, eyes forward.

Surface anatomy

Surface markings and their relation to underlying structures.

Coronal plane

Frontal plane dividing into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse plane

Horizontal plane dividing into superior and inferior parts.

Midsagittal plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal plane

Vertical plane parallel to midsagittal; divides structure into unequal left and right portions.

Oblique plane

Plane that passes through a structure at an angle.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body (dorsal).

Superior

Above; toward the head.

Inferior

Below; toward the feet (caudal).

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Superficial

Nearer to the body surface.

Body cavities

Enclosed spaces housing internal organs; include posterior (dorsal) and ventral (anterior) cavities.

Cranial cavity

Cavity formed by the skull bones; houses the brain.

Vertebral cavity

Vertebral canal formed by the vertebral column; houses the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

Superior ventral cavity containing mediastinum, heart, and lungs.

Mediastinum

Central thoracic space containing heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major vessels.

Pericardium

Two-layer serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Pericardial cavity

Space between parietal and visceral pericardium containing serous fluid.

Pleura

Two-layer serous membranes around the lungs (parietal and visceral).

Pleural cavity

Space between parietal and visceral pleura containing serous fluid.

Abdominal cavity

Upper area of the abdominopelvic cavity; contains most digestive organs and kidneys.

Pelvic cavity

Lower area of the abdominopelvic cavity; contains urinary bladder and reproductive organs.

Peritoneum

Two-layer serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity; parietal and visceral.

Peritoneal cavity

Potential space between parietal and visceral peritoneum containing serous fluid.

Abdominopelvic nine-region system

Nine regions: umbilical, epigastric, hypogastric, right/left hypochondriac, right/left lumbar, right/left iliac.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

Four quadrants: RUQ, RLQ, LUQ, LLQ.