Chapter 1 Notes - The Study of Human Anatomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 1 notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structural basis of the body; form and organization of its parts; form follows function.

Physiology

The study of the functional relevance of a structure; how a body part works.

Gross Anatomy

Anatomy visible to the naked eye, typically studied by dissection (Cadaver Academy).

Surface Anatomy

External features visible on the body's surface (e.g., nails, cuticles).

Radiological Anatomy

Anatomy revealed by imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRI.

Systemic Anatomy

Organization of the body by organ systems, examining one system at a time.

Regional Anatomy

Organization by body region; study all structures within that region.

Histology

Microscopic anatomy; study of tissues under the microscope.

Inspection

Method of anatomical study—observing surface appearance.

Palpation

Feeling structures with the hands to assess texture, size, and condition.

Auscultation

Listening to body sounds to assess normal or abnormal conditions.

Percussion

Tapping to hear underlying structure sounds for diagnosis.

Dissection

Cutting and separating tissue to reveal anatomy.

Invasive

Inserted into the body (e.g., needle puncture for samples or injections).

Noninvasive

No penetration of the body (e.g., radiographs).

Radiography

X-ray imaging; use of X-ray photographs (radiographs).

Angiography

Imaging of blood vessels.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

Cross‑sectional X-ray imaging; detailed internal views in slices.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging using magnets; excellent soft tissue contrast without ionizing radiation; longer procedure.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Nuclear medicine imaging using gamma rays to show metabolic activity; detects active cell division.

Nuclear Medicine

Imaging using radioactive isotopes to visualize physiology and metabolism.

Sonography (Ultrasound)

Imaging by reflected ultrasound waves; real-time assessment.

Echocardiography

Ultrasound imaging of the heart and its beating.

Horseshoe Kidney

Renal variant where both kidneys fuse to form a single U‑shaped kidney.

Aortic Branch Variation

Anatomical variation such as the aorta giving two branches instead of three.

Integumentary System

Principal organs: skin, hair, nails, cutaneous glands; Functions: protection, water retention, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis, cutaneous sensation, nonverbal communication.

Skeletal System

Principal organs: bones, cartilages, ligaments; Functions: support, movement, protection of viscera, blood formation, mineral storage, electrolyte/acid-base balance.

Muscular System

Principal organs: skeletal muscles; Functions: movement, stability, communication, control of openings, heat production.

Nervous System

Principal organs: brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia; Functions: rapid internal communication, coordination, motor control, sensation.

Endocrine System

Principal organs: pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, ovaries; Functions: hormone production and internal chemical coordination.

Circulatory System

Principal organs: heart, blood vessels; Functions: distribution of nutrients, oxygen, wastes, hormones, electrolytes, heat; immune defense; fluid and acid-base balance.

Lymphatic System

Principal organs: lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, spleen, tonsils; Functions: drain excess tissue fluid, detect pathogens, immune cell production, disease defense.

Respiratory System

Principal organs: nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; Functions: oxygen intake, carbon dioxide removal, acid-base balance, speech.

Digestive System

Principal organs: teeth, tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas; Functions: nutrient breakdown and absorption.

Urinary System

Principal organs: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra; Functions: waste elimination, regulation of blood volume/pressure, fluid/electrolyte/acid-base balance, detoxification.

Reproductive System (Male)

Principal organs: testes, epididymides, spermatic ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate, glands, penis; Functions: production and delivery of sperm; sex hormone secretion.

Reproductive System (Female)

Principal organs: ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands; Functions: egg production; fertilization site; fetal development; birth; lactation; sex hormone secretion.

Cytoplasm

Region inside the cell between the plasma membrane and the nucleus; contains cytosol and organelles; site of metabolic activity.

Cytoskeleton

Protein filament network that maintains cell shape and organizes cell components.

Organelles

Specialized structures within the cytoplasm that perform specific cellular functions.