Anatomy Basics

Define anatomy.

The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms.

Define physiology.

The study of how the human body works.

What is a cell?

The smallest unit that can live independently and makes up all living organisms and body tissues.

What is a tissue?

A group of cells with similar structure working together to perform a specific function.

What is an organ?

A collection of tissues that form a functional unit to perform a particular function.

What is an organ system?

A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function or set of functions.

Define homeostasis.

A self-regulating process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment.

What is positive feedback in homeostasis?

A response that amplifies a change, moving the system further from its set point.

What is negative feedback in homeostasis?

A response that counteracts a change, bringing the system back to its set point.

What is the anatomical position?

Standing upright, arms at the sides, feet flat, body facing forward.

What does anterior/ventral mean?

Toward the front of the body.

What does posterior/dorsal mean?

Toward the back of the body.

What does superior mean?

Toward the head or above another structure.

What does inferior mean?

Toward the feet or below another structure.

What does medial mean?

Toward the midline of the body.

What does lateral mean?

Away from the midline of the body.

What does proximal mean?

Closer to the point of origin or trunk of the body.

What does distal mean?

Farther from the point of origin or trunk of the body.

What does superficial mean?

Toward the surface of the body.

What does deep mean?

Away from the surface of the body.

What is the sagittal plane?

Divides the body into left and right portions.

What is the coronal (frontal) plane?

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

What is the transverse plane?

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.