Anatomy, Physiology, and Integumentary System Review

A comprehensive vocabulary flashcard set covering foundational human anatomy and physiology concepts, fluid compartments, directional terminology, tissue classification, intercellular junctions, glandular secretion methods, and integumentary system structures.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The science of body function.

Homeostasis

The condition in which the internal environment of the body is kept in a balanced state.

Embryology

A subcategory of developmental anatomy that covers development from conception to $8\text{ weeks}$ of pregnancy.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Pathology

The study of diseases.

Catabolic process

Chemical processes in the body that involve breaking down compounds.

Anabolic process

Chemical processes in the body that involve building up compounds.

Differentiation

The process by which cells differentiate from each other to perform specialized functions.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside the cells.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside the cells.

Interstitial fluid

The extracellular fluid located between cells.

Synovial fluid

The extracellular fluid located within joint cavities.

Negative feedback system

A homeostatic mechanism where the output produces results opposite to the original stimulus.

Positive feedback system

A homeostatic mechanism where the output produces results in the same direction as the original stimulus.

Anatomical Position

Standard body posture where the body is facing the observer, eyes forward, feet flat on the floor, arms at side, and palms facing forward.

Visceral layer

The layer of a serous membrane that covers or directly attaches to an organ.

Parietal layer

The layer of a serous membrane that lines the cavity wall.

Palpation

A non-invasive diagnostic technique involving touching the body surface with hands.

Auscultation

A non-invasive diagnostic technique involving listening to body sounds, typically using a stethoscope.

Percussion

A non-invasive diagnostic technique involving tapping on the body surface with fingertips to listen to echoes.

Tight junctions

Leakproof junctions between cells found in organs such as the stomach and bladder.

Adherens junctions

Belt-like intercellular junctions containing cadherin that keep tissue from separating during contraction.

Cadherin

The glycoprotein that forms the belt-like structure in adherens junctions.

Hemidesmosomes

Intercellular junctions that attach a cell to the basement membrane.

Gap junctions

Junctions formed by connexons that allow fast communication between cells, such as in cardiac tissue.

Endothelium

Simple squamous epithelium lining the cardiovascular system.

Mesothelium

Simple squamous epithelium found in serous membranes, including the pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum.

Fibroblasts

Connective tissue cells responsible for producing fibers.

Chondrocytes

Cells responsible for forming and maintaining cartilage tissue.

Osteocytes

Cells that maintain bone tissue.

Adipocytes

Connective tissue cells that store triglycerides.

Mesenchyme

Embryonic connective tissue that gives rise to all other connective tissues.

Merocrine secretion

Glandular secretion via exocytosis where no portion of the cell is lost or damaged.

Apocrine secretion

Glandular secretion where a piece of the cell is pinched off and released.

Holocrine secretion

Glandular secretion where the entire cell is released and becomes a dead cell product.

Epidermis

The outer, thinner layer of skin composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The inner, thicker layer of skin composed of connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers.

Subcutaneous layer (hypodermis)

The layer located beneath the dermis composed primarily of adipose tissue for insulation and fat storage.

Structures of the Skin

Sectional view illustrating the layers of skin and subcutaneous tissue, including epidermal ridges, dermal papillae, hair follicles, glands, and cutaneous blood vessels.

Keratinocytes

Epidermal cells that produce keratin, providing strength and protection to skin tissue.

Melanocytes

Epidermal cells in the stratum basale that produce melanin to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Langerhans cells

Epidermal cells that function in immune defense.

Merkel cells

Epidermal cells involved in tactile sensory perception.

Stratum corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of approximately $20$ layers of dead keratinized cells.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis characterized by continuous cell division to produce all other layers.

Eumelanin

A type of melanin pigment that produces brown to black colors.

Pheomelanin

A type of melanin pigment that produces yellow to red colors.

Vitiligo

A disorder causing patches of depigmentation in the skin, likely autoimmune in nature.

Albinism

A condition characterized by a complete absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Sebaceous glands

Oil-producing glands connected to hair follicles that secrete sebum to prevent dehydration.

Eccrine sweat glands

Sweat glands not attached to hair follicles that open directly to the skin surface to assist in body cooling.

Apocrine sweat glands

Sweat glands located in the axilla, groin, areolae, and male facial hair regions that produce secretions associated with odor.

Ceruminous glands

Modified sweat glands in the ear canal that produce earwax.

Lanugo

Fine, soft hair covering the fetus.

Vellus hairs

Short, fine, pale hairs barely visible on the human body.

Terminal hairs

Long, coarse, heavily pigmented hairs found on body regions such as the scalp and eyebrows.

Eponychium

The cuticle area of the skin bordering the base of the nail.

Hyponychium

The nail bed located beneath the free edge of the nail.