Honors A&P - Study Guide for Midterm Exam

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts from the study of anatomy and physiology, focusing on foundational subjects, histology, integumentary, and skeletal systems.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and parts of the body.

Physiology

The study of how the body functions.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchy of biological organization, from atoms to organisms.

Atoms and Molecules

The basic building blocks of matter and the combinations that form compounds.

Organelles

Tiny structures within cells that perform specific functions.

Cells

The basic unit of life.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more tissue types that perform specific functions.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Organism

The complete living individual composed of many organ systems.

Integumentary System

The body system that includes skin, hair, nails, and glands, providing protection and regulation.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain stable internal conditions.

Negative Feedback

Mechanism that reverses a change to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that amplifies a change in the body.

Anatomical Position

Standard position of the body used as a reference in anatomy.

Directional Terms

Terms used to explain the location of body parts in relation to each other.

Superior

Above or higher in position.

Inferior

Below or lower in position.

Anterior

Front of the body.

Posterior

Back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of a body part.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Deep

Further from the surface of the body.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right parts.

Frontal Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Dorsal Cavity

Contains the brain and spinal cord.

Ventral Cavity

Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

RUQ

Right Upper Quadrant; contains the liver and gallbladder.

RLQ

Right Lower Quadrant; contains the appendix.

LUQ

Left Upper Quadrant; contains the stomach and spleen.

LLQ

Left Lower Quadrant; contains intestines.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers body surfaces and lines cavities; characterized by tightly packed cells.

Connective Tissue

Supports, protects, and connects different tissues and organs.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth types.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits electrical impulses and supports neuronal function.

Skeletal System

Provides structure, support, and protection, and is involved in movement.

Functions of Bone

Support, movement, protection, mineral storage, and blood cell formation.

Long Bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide, such as the femur.

Short Bones

Bones that are roughly cube-shaped, such as carpals.

Flat Bones

Thin and flattened bones, such as the sternum.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes, such as vertebrae.

Sesamoid Bones

Bones embedded within tendons, such as the patella.

Bone Structure

Includes the diaphysis, epiphyses, periosteum, and medullary cavity.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for building new bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells that break down bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Osteogenic Cells

Stem cells that have the potential to develop into bone cells.

Bone Extracellular Matrix

The non-cellular component of bone that provides structure and support.

Ossification

The process of bone formation.

Endochondral Ossification

Process of forming bone from cartilage.

Bone Remodeling

Continuous process of bone formation and destruction.

PTH

Parathyroid hormone; increases blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin

Hormone that decreases blood calcium levels.

Axial Skeleton

Consists of the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes the limbs and the girdles (hips, shoulders).

Bone Markings

Anatomical features on bones that can indicate functions.

Processes

Projections on bones for muscle attachment.

Articulations

Joints formed between two or more bones.

Openings

Holes or depressions in bones for nerves and vessels.

Eccrine Glands

Glands that produce sweat and help cool the body.

Apocrine Glands

Glands that become active at puberty and contribute to body odor.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce oil to lubricate skin and hair.

Melanin

Pigment responsible for skin color, produced by melanocytes.

First-degree Burns

Burns affecting only the epidermis.

Second-degree Burns

Burns affecting the epidermis and part of the dermis, may cause blisters.

Third-degree Burns

Full thickness burns that affect all layers of the skin.

Mineral Reservoir

Function of bones to store minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature.

Vitamin D Synthesis

The process by which the body produces Vitamin D through skin exposure to sunlight.

Nails

Protective coverings on the tips of the fingers and toes.

Contractility

The ability of muscle tissue to contract and produce movement.

Neurons

Cells that transmit electrical impulses in the nervous system.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect and assist neurons.

Myelin Sheath

Layer of insulation around nerves that speeds up electrical impulses.

Avascular

Lacking blood vessels, as seen in epithelial tissues.

Polarity

The presence of distinct apical and basal surfaces in epithelial tissues.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue that transports nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue that stores energy in the form of fat.

Cartilage

Connective tissue that provides support and flexibility.

Bone Matrix

The hard, mineralized structural framework of bone.

Clinical Exam Regions

Specific areas of the abdomen used to localize pain or conditions.

CT Scan

Imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

MRI

Imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to produce soft tissue images.

X-Ray

Radiographic imaging primarily used to visualize bones.

Ultrasound

Imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues.

PET Scan

Imaging technique that assesses metabolic activity using radioactive tracers.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels to decrease blood flow.

Extracellular Matrix

Substance in which cells are embedded; important in connective tissues.

Ground Substance

Component of the extracellular matrix that provides support to the cells.

Collagen Fibers

Strong fibers that provide tensile strength to connective tissues.

Elastin Fibers

Flexible fibers that allow tissues to stretch and return to their original shape.

Reticular Fibers

Delicate fibers that form a network supporting smaller structures.

Stratum Basale

Deepest layer of the epidermis responsible for generating new skin cells.

Stratum Corneum

Outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead cells.