Week 1: Introduction and Organization of the Human Body Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductory concepts, body systems, cavities, regions, anatomical terminology, and homeostasis from Week 1.

Anatomy

The study of body structures.

Physiology

The study of body functions.

Gross Anatomy

Study of body structures visible without a microscope.

Cytology

Microscopic study of cells.

Histology

Microscopic study of tissues.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of structural changes over time, including embryology.

Metabolism

All chemical processes occurring within the body.

Integumentary System

Skin, hair, and nails; protects deep tissues and makes vitamin D.

Respiratory System

Lungs and airways; supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Gastrointestinal System

Digestive organs; breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels; pumps and transports blood.

Neurological System

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; fast-acting body control system.

Muscular System

Muscles and tendons; produces movement, posture, and heat.

Skeletal System

Bones and joints; provides support, protection, and blood cell formation.

Endocrine System

Hormone-secreting glands that regulate growth and metabolism.

Immune/Lymphatic System

Lymphatic organs; drains fluid and defends against disease.

Reproductive System

Organs involved in producing offspring.

Anatomical Position

Standard posture: standing upright, facing forward, palms forward.

Bilateral Symmetry

Mirror-image arrangement of right and left sides of the body exterior.

Ventral Body Cavity

Front cavity housing thoracic and abdominopelvic organs.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Back cavity housing the brain and spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest cavity above the diaphragm housing lungs and heart.

Pleural Cavities

Paired chest cavities housing the lungs.

thoracic cavity

Central chest cavity housing the heart, trachea, and esophagus.

Pericardial Cavity

Fluid-filled space enclosing the heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Lower trunk cavity below the diaphragm containing digestive and pelvic organs.

Abdominal Cavity

Upper abdominal area containing stomach, liver, spleen, and intestines.

Pelvic Cavity

Lower pelvic area containing bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Cranial Cavity

Skull cavity containing the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

Spinal cavity containing the spinal cord.

Axial Portion

Central body region: head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Portion

Limb body region: arms and legs.

Abdominopelvic Regions

9 specific areas dividing the abdomen and pelvis.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

4 broad areas dividing the abdomen (RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ).

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Quadrant containing liver, gallbladder, and right kidney.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Quadrant containing stomach, spleen, and left kidney.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Quadrant containing cecum, appendix, and right ovary.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Quadrant containing descending colon, sigmoid colon, and ovary.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior (Caudal)

Away from the head or toward the lower part of the body.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward or at the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward or at the back of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the limb attachment or body origin.

Distal

Farther from the limb attachment or body origin.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Superficial (External)

Toward or on the body surface.

Deep (Internal)

Away from the body surface; further inside.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical cut dividing the body into front and back parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Horizontal cut dividing the body into top and bottom parts.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical cut dividing the body into right and left parts.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal body environment.

Receptor (Sensor)

Detects changes and sends input to the control center.

Control Center

Processes information, sets target ranges, and directs responses.

Effector

Executes the command from the control center to adjust a variable.

Negative Feedback System

Control mechanism that reduces or shuts off the original stimulus.

Positive Feedback System

Control mechanism that enhances or amplifies the original stimulus.