Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - Video Notes (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from anatomy, physiology, homeostasis, body organization, directional terms, planes, cavities, and abdominal regions/quadrants.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body.

Gross anatomy

The study of large structures that can be observed without magnification.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures that require magnification (cytology and histology).

Regional anatomy

The study of interrelationships of all structures within a specific region of the body.

Systemic anatomy

An approach organized by specific body systems.

Physiology

The study of the functions carried out by the body’s systems.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Neurophysiology

The study of brain, spinal cord, nerves, and how they work together to perform functions.

Chemistry (as it relates to physiology)

Branch of science dealing with the properties and interactions of matter (relevant to physiology).

Physics (as it relates to physiology)

Branch of science dealing with energy, matter, and the laws governing them (relevant to physiology).

Stomach

A J-shaped, pouch-like organ with folds; stores food, secretes digestive juices, and passes partially digested food to the small intestine.

Atom

The simplest building block of matter.

Element

A substance made of one type of atom.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Organelles

Tiny structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Tissue

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

Organ

Multiple tissues combined to form a structure that performs one or more functions.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to meet physiological needs.

Organism

A living being capable of performing all physiological functions.

Set point

The physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates.

Normal range

The restricted range of values optimal for health and stability.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point to restore homeostasis; more common in the body.

Positive feedback

A mechanism that amplifies a stimulus and moves away from equilibrium until a set endpoint.

Variable (Disturbance)

The factor being monitored (e.g., temperature).

Receptors

Sensors that detect changes in a variable.

Control center

The part of the body that processes the signal and activates effectors.

Effectors

Components that bring about changes to restore homeostasis.

Anatomical position

The standard body position: standing upright, feet flat and together, arms at the sides, palms facing forward.

Anterior (ventral)

Front of the body or toward the front.

Posterior (dorsal)

Back of the body or toward the back.

Superior

Position above another part.

Inferior

Position below another part.

Lateral

Toward the side of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk in a limb.

Distal

Farthier from the point of attachment or the trunk in a limb.

Superficial

Toward or nearer the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the surface; farther from the surface.

Midsagittal (Sagittal) plane

Divides the body into left and right halves.

Frontal (Coronal) plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Abdominal regions

The nine regions: Right hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left hypochondriac; Right lumbar, Umbilical, Left lumbar; Right iliac, Hypogastric, Left iliac.

Abdominal quadrants

Four regions: Right upper, Left upper, Right lower, Left lower.

Supine

Lying face up.

Prone

Lying face down.

Axial (axis)

Part of the body that includes the head, neck, and chest.

Appendicular

Part of the body that includes the limbs.

Cranial cavity

The cavity that houses the brain.

Spinal (vertebral) cavity

The cavity that houses the spinal cord (vertebral cavity).

Thoracic cavity

Cavity that houses the heart, lungs, esophagus, and trachea.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Cavity that houses abdominal and pelvic organs (e.g., stomach, liver; bladder, rectum).