Chapter 1: Introduction to the Body

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, anatomical levels of organization, body cavities, body regions, and feedback mechanisms from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

Study of the structure of an organism and relationship to its parts.

Physiology

Study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.

Molecules

Particle composed of one or more smaller units called atoms.

Macromolecules

Large molecules that are needed as nutrients for the body.

Cells

Smallest living units of structure and function in the body.

Tissue

Organization of many cells acting together to perform a common function.

Organ

A group of different kinds of tissues that act together to perform a common function.

System

Organization of different organs that act together to perform complex functions, being the most complex units of the body.

Organism

Body as a whole, composed of many different systems having different functions that act together.

Anatomical Position

Specific position assumed where the body is erect or standing, arms at sides, palms turned forward, head forward, and feet forward, set slightly apart and aligned at the toe.

Axial region

Body region consisting of the head, neck, and torso or trunk.

Appendicular region

Body region consisting of the upper and lower extremities.

Viscera

The body's internal organs.

Cranial cavity

Dorsal cavity located inside the skull that contains the brain.

Spinal cavity (vertebral canal)

Dorsal cavity located inside the vertebral column that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

Ventral chest cavity containing the mediastinum and pleural cavities.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Mediastinum

Middle portion of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart.

Pleural cavities

Lateral portions of the thoracic cavity that contain the lungs.

Abdominal cavity

Subdivision of the abdominopelvic cavity that contains digestive organs.

Pelvic cavity

Subdivision of the abdominopelvic cavity that contains portions of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Homeostasis

Relative constancy of the internal environment.

Feedback loop

Body's general control system made of three components: receptor/sensor, control center, and effector.

Negative feedback

Feedback control mechanism that opposes (negates) a change in a controlled condition.

Positive feedback

Feedback control mechanism that amplifies the change until something stops the process.