Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 1 Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the basic definitions, structural organization, life necessities, homeostasis, and anatomical terminology from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of body structures.

Gross Anatomy

The study of body structures that can be seen without magnification.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of body structures that require magnification to be seen.

Physiology

The study of body functions, including the chemistry and physics of body structures and how they work together to support life.

Regional Anatomy

The study of all structures in a specific body region.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of all structures in a body system.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Metabolism

The sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions in the body.

Anabolism

The process where small molecules are combined into larger molecules, a process that requires energy.

Catabolism

The process where large molecules are broken down into small molecules, a process that releases energy.

Responsiveness

The ability of an organism to adjust to changes in its internal and external environments.

Movement

Includes motion at the joints, as well as the movement of organs, individual cells, and chemicals.

Molecules

Combinations of two or more atoms, such as $H_2O$.

Organelles

Combinations of molecules within a cell that perform specific functions.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more multiple tissues that work together to perform different functions.

Organ System

A group of multiple organs that work together to perform a specific function.

Organism

Any living thing that functions as an individual.

Oxygen

A necessity of life that makes up approximately $20\%$ of the Earth's atmosphere and assists in chemical reactions.

Water

The largest component of and between cells, making up $70\%$ of adult body mass; it regulates temperature and cushions/protects structures.

Energy-yielding nutrients

Nutrients including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins that provide energy and supply amino acids (building blocks).

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals that participate in essential chemical reactions and processes, such as Vitamin C.

Atmospheric Pressure

The force exerted by atmospheric air on objects like the human body, which keeps us grounded and keeps gases dissolved in the body.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a deviation from a set point or normal physiological value.

Sensor

A component in feedback loops that monitors physiological values.

Control Center

The component in feedback loops that compares a physiological value to the normal value or set point.

Effector

A component in feedback loops that causes the change to reverse a situation and return values to the normal range.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that intensifies a change in the body's physiological condition until an endpoint is reached, such as during childbirth involving oxytocin.

Anatomical Position

A standardized body position: standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart and parallel, toes forward, upper limbs held out to the sides, and palms facing forward.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Superior (Cranial)

A position above a structure.

Inferior (Caudal)

A position below a structure.

Lateral

Toward the side of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Proximal

A position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment.

Distal

A position in a limb that is further from the point of attachment.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body.

Supine

A body position where the individual is lying face-up.

Prone

A body position where the individual is lying face-down.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

Transverse Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior) parts.

Cranial Cavity

The part of the dorsal cavity that contains the brain.

Spinal Cavity

The part of the dorsal cavity that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The part of the anterior cavity enclosed by the rib cage that contains the lungs and heart.

Abdominal Cavity

The part of the abdominopelvic cavity that contains digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

The part of the abdominopelvic cavity that contains reproductive organs.