Chapter 1: The Human Body: An Orientation

These flashcards cover key concepts, terminology, and details from Chapter 1 of The Human Body, focusing on anatomy, physiology, homeostasis, body orientation, and structural organization.

What is anatomy?

The study of the form, or structure of body parts and how these parts relate to one another.

What are the subdivisions of gross anatomy?

Regional anatomy and systemic anatomy.

What is the main difference between anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy refers to the structure of the body, while physiology refers to how the body parts function.

Define homeostasis.

The ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite a changing external environment.

What are the levels of the hierarchy of structural organization?

Atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

What are the functional characteristics of life?

Maintenance of boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

What are the survival needs of the body?

Nutrients, oxygen, water, body temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

What are the three components of homeostatic control mechanisms?

Control center, receptor, and effector.

What is negative feedback?

A control mechanism that reduces the output or effects of a stimulus, helping to maintain homeostasis.

What is the anatomical position?

Body is erect with feet together, palms facing forward, and thumbs pointing away from the body.

What does the term 'superior' mean in anatomical terminology?

Placement of a body structure above another structure.

Name the major body cavities.

Dorsal body cavity and ventral body cavity.

What organs are found in the abdominopelvic cavity?

Stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

What is the function of serous membranes?

They reduce friction between organs and cavity walls, allowing organs to slide easily.

What are the four basic types of tissues?

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

What is the difference between proximal and distal?

Proximal means nearer to the trunk or attachment, while distal means farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

What does the term 'medial' refer to?

Toward the midline of the body.

What are the 9 regions of the abdominopelvic cavity?

Right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac, right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar, right iliac, hypogastric, left iliac.