Human Body Identity, Regional Terms, and Body Systems Review

Practice flashcards covering anatomical terminology, common human features, and human body systems based on lecture transcript notes.

What does the directional term 'Anterior' mean, and what is its alternative ventral term?

Anterior ("after") refers to the front of the body, and its ventral equivalent is Ventral ("belly").

How are 'Superior' and 'Inferior' defined in anatomical directional terminology?

Superior ("above") or Cephalic means higher, whereas Inferior ("below") or Caudal means lower.

What is the distinction between superficial and deep body locations?

Superficial ("above") means more external on the surface of the body (outer skin), while deep means more internal (internal organs).

How are proximal and distal defined regarding limbs?

Proximal indicates a location on a limb that is nearer to the attachment point, whereas distal indicates a location farther from the attachment point.

How do medial and lateral describe position relative to the body's midline?

Medial ("middle" or Mesial) means toward the middle or midline (line of symmetry), while lateral ("side") means toward the side.

What is the difference between parietal and visceral membranes?

Parietal refers to lining a cavity, whereas visceral refers to surrounding an organ.

What percentage of genetic difference accounts for individual unique identities among humans?

Humans can be told apart by the $<0.1\%$ that is different about us.

What are the four main tissue types common to all humans?

Connective, epithelial, muscle, and nervous.

How many total chromosomes and chromosome pairs do humans have?

Humans have $46$ total chromosomes, structured as $23$ pairs ($23$ from each parent).

Why does the number of bones roughly decrease with age from the mature count of $206$?

The number of bones roughly decreases with age as the bones fuse together.

How many ribs do humans typically have, and what variation occurs in roughly $\frac{1}{20}$ people?

Humans typically have $24$ ribs ($12$ pairs), but roughly $\frac{1}{20}$ people have $13$ pairs.

What molecule serves as the identity molecule for all humans?

DNA serves as the identity molecule for all humans (unlike some organisms that use RNA).

What are the organs and functions of the urinary system ("place for pee")?

Kidneys filter blood & make pee, ureters transport pee, the bladder holds pee, and the urethra releases pee.

What are the components and functions of the nervous system ("full of nerves")?

The brain acts as the control center, the spinal cord is the information highway, peripheral nerves carry signals to and from limbs, and eyes, ears, taste buds, etc. collect sensory info and send it to the brain.

What are the functions of the thymus, tonsils, appendix, spleen, and skin in the immune system?

The thymus promotes production of WBCs, tonsils trap pathogens, the appendix stores good bacteria, the spleen filters blood, and the skin prevents pathogens entering the body.

What is the literal translation and function of lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes ("water knots") filter lymph fluid.

What are the functions of the esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum in the digestive system?

The esophagus ("eater within"- food tube) pushes food down, the small intestine absorbs nutrients, the large intestine absorbs water, and the rectum holds poo.

What are the roles of the liver and gall bladder as accessory organs in digestion?

The liver makes bile for the small intestine, and the gall bladder stores bile and releases it into the small intestine.

What is the function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?

The epiglottis ("tongue on top") prevents food from entering the air tube.

What are alveoli and what occurs at their location?

Alveoli ("hollow") are the site of gas exchange with blood in the lungs.

What are the functions of atria, ventricles, arteries, and veins in the cardiovascular system ("heart & little vessels")?

Atria ("entrance halls") receive blood, ventricles ("bellies") pump out blood, arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins bring blood to the heart.

What are capillaries and what function do they perform?

Capillaries ("hair like") are the sites of exchange with tissues.

How are the roles of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, and adrenal glands described in the endocrine system ("secrete within")?

The hypothalamus is the "top boss", pituitary is the "VP", pineal gland regulates the sleep/wake cycle, and adrenal glands ("near kidneys") govern fight or flight responses.

What are the roles of the pancreas, thyroid, and thymus in the endocrine system?

The pancreas produces insulin, the thyroid handles metabolic hormones, and the thymus develops immune function.