Overview of Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of anatomy, physiology, organ systems, and homeostatic mechanisms as discussed in the lecture.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body’s structural machinery, often focusing on the cellular or molecular level.

Regional Anatomy

The study of all structures in one specific part of the body, such as the abdomen or leg.

Systemic Anatomy

Gross anatomy of the body studied specifically by system.

Surface Anatomy

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin.

Cytology

The study of the cell.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Embryology

The study of developmental changes of the body that occur before birth.

Pathological Anatomy

The study of structural changes caused by disease.

Radiographic Anatomy

The study of internal structures visualized by specialized scanning procedures such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans.

Renal Physiology

The study of kidney function.

Neurophysiology

The study of the workings of the nervous system.

Cardiovascular Physiology

The study of the operation of the heart and blood vessels.

Principle of Complementarity

The concept that function always reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its specific form.

Chemical Level

The simplest level of structural organization where atoms combine to form molecules.

Tissue Level

A level of structural organization consisting of similar types of cells.

Organ Level

A level of structural organization made up of different types of tissues.

Organismal Level

The highest level of structural organization, made up of the various organ systems.

Integumentary System

Forms the external body covering, protects deep tissues from injury, and synthesizes vitamin D; composed of skin, sweat glands, hair, and nails.

Skeletal System

Composed of bone, cartilage, and ligaments; protects and supports body organs and provides a framework for muscles.

Muscular System

Composed of muscles and tendons; allows for locomotion, maintains posture, and produces heat.

Nervous System

The fast-acting control system of the body; composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Endocrine System

Composed of glands that release hormones to regulate body activities such as growth and nutrient use.

Lymphatic System

Drains fluid leaked from blood vessels and returns it to blood; houses white blood cells involved with immunity.

Respiratory System

Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes $CO_2$; composed of the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Urinary System

Eliminates wastes from the body and regulates water, electrolyte, and pH balance of the blood.

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions that occur in the body.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment in an ever-changing outside world.

Receptor

A homeostatic control component that monitors the environment and responds to stimuli.

Control Center

A homeostatic control component that determines the set point at which a variable is maintained.

Effector

A homeostatic control component that provides the means to respond to stimuli.

Negative Feedback

A system where the output shuts off or reduces the intensity of the original stimulus, such as the regulation of room temperature.

Positive Feedback

A system where the output enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, such as the regulation of blood clotting.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A disturbance of the body's normal equilibrium; can allow destructive positive feedback mechanisms to take over.