Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 1 Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, directional terms, body planes, cavities, feedback loops, and medical imaging techniques from Chapter 1.

Human Anatomy

The study of body structures, derived from the Greek word meaning 'to cut'.

Human Physiology

The science of body functions, which explains how the body works to maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis

A dynamic condition of equilibrium in the body's internal environment that maintains function within a narrow range compatible with life.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes in the body, encompassing both catabolic (breaking down) and anabolic (building up) processes.

Responsiveness

The body's ability to detect and respond to changes in its internal or external environment.

Differentiation

The development of a cell from an unspecialized state to a specialized state with specific structures and functions.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Body fluid contained within cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Body fluid located outside of cells.

Interstitial Fluid

The extracellular fluid (ECF) present between cells and tissues.

Controlled Condition

A monitored variable in a feedback system, such as body temperature or blood pressure.

Receptor

A body structure that monitors changes in a controlled condition and sends input to a control center.

Control Center

A component of a feedback system (typically the brain) that sets normal range values, evaluates receptor input, and generates output commands.

Effector

A body structure or organ that receives output from the control center and produces a response that changes the controlled condition.

Negative Feedback System

A feedback mechanism that reverses a change in a controlled condition.

Positive Feedback System

A feedback mechanism that strengthens or reinforces a change in a controlled condition.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference position where the subject stands erect facing the observer, head level, eyes facing forward, feet flat on the floor directed forward, and arms at the sides with palms forward.

Superior

Directional term meaning above, top, or toward the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning below, bottom, or away from the head.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline.

Proximal

Directional term meaning nearest to the origination of a structure.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the origination of a structure.

Superficial

Directional term meaning towards the surface of the body.

Deep

Directional term meaning towards the core of the body.

Midsagittal Plane

A single vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)

A plane that divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body or an organ into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Oblique Plane

A plane that passes through the body or an organ at an angle other than standard right angles.

Meninges

Layers of protective tissue that line the cranial cavity and vertebral canal.

Serous Membranes (Serosa)

Thin, slippery, double-layered membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and covering contained organs to reduce friction.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that covers organs within body cavities.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines body cavity walls.

Pleura

The serous membrane covering the lungs (visceral pleura) and pleural cavity walls (parietal pleura).

Pericardium

The serous membrane covering the heart (visceral pericardium) and pericardial cavity walls (parietal pericardium).

Peritoneum

The serous membrane covering abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum) and abdominal cavity walls (parietal peritoneum).

Radiography

A medical imaging technique performed using X-rays to produce images of interior body structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A safe medical imaging technique using an extremely powerful magnetic field to differentiate normal and abnormal tissues.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

A medical imaging procedure using a computer to organize X-rays into 3D cross-sectional images of soft tissue.

Ultrasound Scanning (Sonography)

A noninvasive and painless medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves.