A&P Exam Final Review

Flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts from the A&P Exam final review.

Anatomical Position

The position of the body when standing upright with feet together, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Prone Position

A position where a person is lying face down.

Distal

Further away from a point of attachment.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Coronal Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

A plane that divides the body into upper and lower parts.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity containing the heart and major vessels.

Pleural Cavity

The cavity that surrounds the lungs.

Visceral Pleura

The membrane that covers the surface of the lungs.

Pleural Effusion

Fluid that accumulates in the pleural space.

Pericardiocentesis

A procedure to drain fluid from the pericardial sac around the heart.

RLQ

Right Lower Quadrant; commonly associated with the appendix region.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment.

Serous Membrane

Membranes that line cavities closed to the outside world.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane associated with abdominal organs.

Pericardium

Membrane surrounding the heart.

Viscera

Internal organs housed within the body.

Third Spacing

Fluid shift into nonfunctional spaces in the body.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that lines organs and body surfaces.

Simple Epithelium

A type of epithelium consisting of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

A type of epithelium consisting of multiple layers of cells.

Cuboidal Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of cube-shaped cells.

Columnar Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of tall, column-like cells.

Microvilli

Small projections that increase surface area for absorption.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that move materials across cell surfaces.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products into ducts.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Connective Tissue (CT)

A tissue type that provides support, binds other tissues together, and stores fat.

Collagen Fibers

Strong, flexible fibers found in connective tissue.

Elastic Fibers

Fibers that allow tissues to stretch and recoil.

Reticular Fibers

Fibers that form a supportive network in connective tissue.

Chondrocytes

Cells that produce cartilage.

Hyaline Cartilage

A type of cartilage that is smooth and glassy in appearance.

Fibrocartilage

A type of cartilage that provides support and absorbs shock.

Elastic Cartilage

A type of cartilage that is flexible and found in the ear.

Tight Junctions

Connections between cells that prevent leakage of materials.

Gap Junctions

Connections that allow communication between adjacent cells.

Neurons

Cells that transmit nerve impulses.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the nervous system.

Myelin

A fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers.

Dendrites

Extensions of a neuron that receive signals.

Axons

Extensions of a neuron that transmit signals away from the cell body.

Epithelial Membranes

Membranes composed of epithelial tissue and underlying connective tissue.

Mucous Membranes

Membranes that line body cavities open to the exterior.

Serous Membranes

Membranes that line closed body cavities and cover organs.

Chemical Reactions

Processes that change the structure and function of molecules in the body.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Negative Feedback

A process that reverses a change to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A process that enhances a change.

Feedback Loop

A cycle where a change produces a response that affects the initial change.

Receptor

Cells or structures that detect changes in the environment.

Effector

Cells or organs that cause a response in a feedback loop.

Control Center

The part of a feedback loop that evaluates information and sends commands.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found within cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside of cells.

Fluid Balance

The maintenance of appropriate levels of body fluids.

Ascites

Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Synovial Membranes

Membranes that line joint cavities.

Striated Muscle

A type of muscle tissue that has a striped appearance.

Smooth Muscle

Muscle that is involuntary and non-striated.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated muscle found only in the heart.

Contractility

The ability of muscle tissue to shorten and generate force.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to other parts of the body.

Action Potential

A change in electrical potential that propagates along nerve axons.

Nerve Impulses

Signals transmitted along neurons.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle that connects to bones.

Regeneration

The process of renewal or repair of tissues.

Fibrosis

Formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in healing.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A disturbance in the body's stability.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection.

Immune System

The body's defense system against pathogens.

Organ System

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Anatomical Terminology

Specific terms used to describe parts of the body in relation to each other.

Directional Terms

Terms that describe the position of one part of the body in relation to another.

Body Planes

Imaginary lines that divide the body into sections.

Medical Terminology

Language used to describe the human body and its functions.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts.

Developmental Biology

The study of how organisms grow and develop.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Tissue Repair

The process of healing damaged tissue.

Embryology

The study of development from fertilization to birth.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes within living organisms.

Physiological Systems

Systems in the body that maintain homeostasis.

Genetic Control

Regulation of biological functions based on genetic information.

Diagnostic Techniques

Methods used to identify diseases or conditions in the body.

Clinical Assessment

The systematic evaluation of a patient's health status.

Prognosis

The predicted outcome of a disease.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect body functions.