A&P 1 — Week 1 Study Guide Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Regional vs. Systemic Anatomy, Size and Scale, Structural Organization, Body Systems, Anatomical Terminology, Directional Terms, Body Planes, Cavities, and Medical Imaging.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the body, focusing on what body parts are and what they look like.

Physiology

The study of how body structures function or work, focusing on chemistry and physics.

Homeostasis

A major goal of physiology involving the maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that require magnification to be seen.

Cytology

A microscopic study specifically involving cells.

Histology

A microscopic study specifically involving tissues.

Gross Anatomy

Also called macroscopic anatomy; the study of body structures that can be examined without magnification.

Regional Anatomy

The study of the interrelationships of all structures within one specific body region, organized spatially.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of structures that make up a specific body system or function, organized by what the system does.

Mitochondrion size

Approximately 4 \times 0.8 \times \text{
}m; categorized as an organelle smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Lysosome size

Approximately 1 \times \text{
}m, categorized as an organelle.

E. coli bacterium size

Approximately 3 \times 0.6 \times \text{
}m, categorized as smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Tissue

A group of many similar cells or related cell types.

Organ

An anatomically distinct structure containing 2 or more tissue types that performs 1 or more physiological functions.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform functions.

Organism

The highest level of structural organization, representing the entire person.

Leg (Anatomical)

Specifically refers to the distal portion of the lower limb; also called the Crus.

Inguinal

Anatomical term for the groin.

Gluteal

Anatomical term for the buttock.

Patella / Patellar

Anatomical term for the kneecap.

Femoral

Anatomical term for the thigh.

Popliteus / Popliteal

Anatomical term for the back of the knee.

Crus / Crural

Anatomical term for the leg.

Tarsus / Tarsal

Anatomical term for the ankle.

Calcaneus / Calcaneal

Anatomical term for the heel.

Planta / Plantar

Anatomical term for the sole of the foot.

Prone

Body positioning where the person is lying face down.

Supine

Body positioning where the person is lying face up (on their spine).

Anterior / Ventral

Directional term meaning the front of the body.

Posterior / Dorsal

Directional term meaning the back of the body.

Superior / Cranial

Directional term meaning above or higher on the body, toward the head.

Inferior / Caudal

Directional term meaning below or lower on the body, toward the feet.

Lateral

Directional term meaning toward the side of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the middle or midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning near the point of attachment or the trunk.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment or the trunk.

Superficial

Directional term meaning closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Directional term meaning farther away from the surface of the body.

Body Plane

An imaginary 2D surface that passes through the body along which a cut, section, or image is made.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body vertically into right and left portions.

Midsagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that goes right down the middle, creating equal right and left portions.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that creates unequal right and left portions.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body or an organ horizontally into upper and lower regions.

Serous Membranes

Also called serosa; double-layered membranes that line body cavities.

Parietal Layer

The layer of a serous membrane that anchors to the cavity wall.

Visceral Layer

The layer of a serous membrane that is directly exposed to and covers the organs.

Pericardium

The serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Pleurae

The serous membranes surrounding the lungs.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane surrounding the digestive organs.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Contains the cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord).

Ventral Body Cavity

Contains the thoracic cavity (heart/lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive/reproductive organs).

RUQ (Right Upper Quadrant)

Contains the right lobe of the liver.

LUQ (Left Upper Quadrant)

Contains the left lobe of the liver and the stomach.

Medical Imaging

A non-invasive way to study tissues, organs, and structures anatomically or physiologically.

Mammography

A specialized X-ray used diagnostically with breast tissue to produce a mammogram.

Fluoroscopy

A type of medical imaging providing a live image of internal structures, helpful for catheter or pacemaker placement.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique that uses a CAT scanner to compile multiple 2D X-ray slices into 3D insight.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to provide high-resolution images of hard and soft tissue without radiation.

Ultrasound

Also called sonography; real-time imaging safe during pregnancy used to visualize blood flow and organs.