Human Body Orientation and Physiology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to human body orientation, anatomy, and physiology.

Gross Anatomy

The study of large body structures visible to the naked eye, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures too small to be seen by the naked eye, including cytology and histology.

Pathological Anatomy

The study of structural changes caused by disease.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A control mechanism that reduces the effect of the original stimulus, returning the variable to its ideal value.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A control mechanism that enhances the original stimulus for a stronger response, moving away from the original value.

Anatomical Position

A standard position of the body where the person stands erect with feet slightly apart, palms facing forward.

Serous Membrane

A thin, double-layered membrane that covers the walls of the ventral body cavity and the outer surfaces of the organs it contains.

Intracellular Fluid

The fluid found inside cells, separated from extracellular fluid by the plasma membrane.

Dorsal Body Cavity

The cavity that protects the delicate nervous system organs, composed of the cranial and vertebral cavities.

Ventral Body Cavity

The cavity that houses the internal organs, including the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur within the body; includes catabolism and anabolism.

Developmental Anatomy

The study of structural changes throughout the life span, including embryology.

Efferent Pathway

The pathway through which the control center's output is sent to the effector.

Afferent Pathway

The pathway through which information is sent to the control center from receptors.