Chapter 2: The Human Body in Health and Disease

Anatomical Reference Systems

terms used to describe the location of body planes, directions, and cavities

Structures of The Body

the cells, tissues, and glands that form the body systems that work together to enable the body to function properly

Genetics

the genetic components that transfer characteristics from parents to their child

Tissues

a group of similarly specialized cells that work together to perform specific functions

Glands

a group of specialized cells that is capable of producing secretions

Body Systems and Related Organs

organs are somewhat independent parts of the body that perform specific functions; organs with related functions are organized into body systems

Anatomy

study of the structures of the body

Physiology

study of the functions of the structures of the body

Midsagittal Plane

vertical plane dividing body into equal left and right portions

Frontal Plane

vertical plane dividing body into anterior and posterior portions

Transverse Plane

horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions

Ventral

front or belly side

Dorsal

back

Anterior

front

Posterior

back

Superior

uppermost, above, toward head

Inferior

lowermost, below, or toward the feet

Cephalic

toward the head

Caudal

toward the lower part of the body

Proximal

nearest the midline or beginning of a body structure

Distal

situated farthest from the midline or beginning of a body structure

Medial

direction toward or nearer, the midline

Lateral

direction toward, or nearer, the side of the body, away from the midline

Bilateral

relating to, or having two sides

Cranial Cavity

located within the skull, surrounds and protects the brain

Spinal Cavity

located within the spinal column, surrounds and protects the spinal cord

Ventral Cavity

located along the front of the body, contains the organs that sustain homeostasis

Homeostasis

processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment

Home/o

constant

-stasis

control

Thoracic Cavity (chest cavity or thorax)

surrounds and protects the heart and the lungs

Diaphragm

muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities

Pelvic Cavity

space formed by the hip bones and contains the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems

Inguinal

relating to the groin

Groin

crease at the junction of the trunk with the upper end of the thigh

Chondr/i

cartilage

Hypochondriac

below the ribs; individual with an abnormal concern about their health

Epigastric Region

located above the stomach

Lumb

lower back

Lumbar

part of the back between the ribs and the pelvis

Umbilical Region

surrounds the umbilicus; center of abdominal wall

Umbilicus

belly button/navel

Hypogastric Region

below the stomach

Peritoneum

multilayered membrane that protects and holds the organs in place within the abdominal cavity

Membrane

thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ

Peritonitis

inflammation of peritoneum

Cells

basic structural and functional units of the body

Cytology

study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and chemistry of the cell

Cyt

cell

Cytoplasm

material within the cell membrane that is not part of the nucleus

Nucleus

surrounded by nuclear membrane; controls activities of the cell and helps it divide

Stem Cells

unspecialized cells that are able to renew themselves for long periods of time by cell division

Adult Stem Cells/Somatic Stem Cells

undifferentiated cells in a tissue or organ

Embryonic Stem Cells

undifferentiated cells that are unlike any specific adult cell

Embry/o

fertilized ovum

Proliferate

grow rapidly

Cord Blood

found in umbilical cord and placenta where embryonic stem cells come from

Stem Cell Therapy/Regenerative Medicine

used to heal injuries and treat diseases

Hematopoietic

blood forming

Gene

fundamental unit of physical and functional unit of heredity

Genetics

study of how genes are transferred from parents to their children and roles of genes in health and disease

Dominant Gene

specific variant of a gene that overpowers or “masks” effect of a different version for the same trait

Recessive Gene

specific variant of a gene that is overpowered by a different version

Sickle Cell Anemia

group of inherited red blood cell disorders

Genome

complete set of genetic information of an organism

DNA

deoxyribonucleic acid; main component of chromosomes and is the material that carries the genetic information

Helix

shape twisted like a spiral staircase

Double Helix

two shapes twisted like a spiral staircase

Genetic Mutation

change of the sequence of a DNA molecule

Somatic Cell Mutation

change within the cells of the body; cannot be transmitted to next generation

Gametic Cell Mutation

change within the genes in a gamete that can be transmitted to next generation

Genetic Engineering

manipulating or splicing of genes for scientific or medical purposes

Genetic Disorders/Hereditary Disease

pathological condition caused by an absent or defective gene

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

genetic disorder that is present at birth and affects both the respiratory and digestive systems

Down Syndrome (DS)

trisomy 21, is a genetic variation that is associated with a characteristic facial appearance, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and physical abnormalities such as heart valve disease

Fragile X Syndrome

caused by changes in the MR1 gene that usually makes a protein needed for normal brain development

Hemophilia

hereditary bleeding disorder in which a blood-clotting factor is missing

Huntington’s Disease (HD)

genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child; condition causes nerve degeneration

Marfan Syndrome

disorder affecting the connective tissue throughout the body, including the heart, eyes, blood vessels and musculoskeletal system

Muscular Dystrophy

group of genetic diseases that are characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement

Phenylketonuria

rare genetic disorder in which the essential digestive enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is missing

Tissue

group or layer of similarly specialized cells that join together to perform certain specific functions

Histology

microscopic study of the structure, composition, and function of tissues

Hist-

tissue

Epithelial Tissue

forms a protective covering for all of the internal and external surfaces of the body

Epithelium

specialized epithelial tissue that forms the epidermis of the skin and surface layer of mucous membranes

Endothelium

specialized epithelial tissue that lines the blood and lymph vessels, body cavities, glands, and organs

Connective Tissue

support and connect organs and other body tissues

Dense Connective Tissues

such as bone and cartilage, form the joints and framework of the body

Adipose Tissue

also known as fat, provides protective padding, insulation, and support

Loose Connective Tissue

holds organs in place and binds tissue together

Fluid Connective Tissues

which are blood and lymph, transport nutrients and waste products throughout the body

Muscle Tissue

contains cells with the specialized ability to contract and relax

Nerve Tissue

contains cells with the specialized ability to react to stimuli and to conduct electrical impulses

Aplasia

defective development, or the congenital absence, of an organ or tissue

Aplastic Anemia

caused by the body not producing enough new blood cells

Hypoplasia

underdevelopment of an organ or tissue, usually due to a deficiency in the number of cells

Enamel Hypoplasia

protective outer later of development teeth is deficient