Anatomy and Physiology: The Human Body Orientation

Flashcards covering introductory anatomy and physiology concepts, including structural levels, homeostasis, body planes, directional terms, and regional anatomy based on the lecture notes.

How is anatomy defined in the lecture notes?

The study of structure and form, derived from a Greek word meaning to dissect.

What is the definition of physiology?

The study of the function of the body parts.

What are the six levels of structural organization from simplest to most complex?

Chemical level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, and organism level.

How is the cellular level defined?

Cells, which are the smallest living structures and the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.

What occurs at the tissue level of organization?

Groups of similar cells perform common functions, including epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

Define the organ level of structural organization.

Two or more tissue types work together to perform a specific, complex function.

What is microscopic anatomy and what are its two main branches mentioned?

The study of structures that cannot be seen with the eye and require a microscope. Its branches include Cytology (the study of cells) and Histology (the study of tissues).

What does pathologic anatomy examine?

Anatomical changes resulting from disease, involving both gross and microscopic structures.

Define cardiovascular physiology.

The study that examines the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

What is homeostasis?

The ability of an organism to maintain a consistent internal environment or “steady state” in response to changing internal or external conditions.

What are the three components of a homeostatic control mechanism loop?

The receptor (detects stimulus), the control center (interprets input and initiates changes), and the effector (brings about change to alter stimulus).

How does negative feedback differ from positive feedback?

Negative feedback reduces or shuts off the original stimulus (e.g., body temp, blood pressure), while positive feedback enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus (e.g., childbirth, breastfeeding).

Describe the anatomic position.

Standing upright with feet parallel and flat on the floor, upper limbs at the sides, palms facing anteriorly (toward the front), head level, and eyes looking forward.

What is a midsaggital plane?

A vertical plane that divides the body or organ into equal left and right halves.

What is a transverse plane?

A horizontal or cross-sectional plane that divides the body or organ into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.

Define the directional terms 'Rostral' and 'Caudal'.

Rostral means toward the nose or mouth; Caudal means toward the rear or tail end.

What is the difference between 'Ipsilateral' and 'Contralateral'?

Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body; Contralateral means on the opposite side of the body.

Define 'Proximal' and 'Distal' in relation to body appendages.

Proximal means closer to the point of attachment to the trunk; Distal means farther away from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Match the regional terms 'Axillary', 'Brachial', and 'Antecubital' to their common descriptions.

Axillary: Armpit; Brachial: Arm (upper limb between shoulder and elbow); Antecubital: Region anterior to the elbow.

What are the common names for the 'Crural', 'Sural', and 'Calcaneal' regions?

Crural: Leg (between knee and ankle); Sural: Calf; Calcaneal: Heel of the foot.

Define the 'Perineal' region.

The diamond-shaped region between the thighs containing the anus and external reproductive organs.

What are the contents of the Mediastinum?

The heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels that connect to the heart.

Describe the two layers of serous membranes.

The Parietal layer lines the internal surface of the body wall, and the Visceral layer covers the external surface of organs (viscera).

What are the three specific serous membranes and the organs/cavities they are associated with?

Pericardium (heart), Pleura (lungs), and Peritoneum (abdominopelvic cavity).

List the nine abdominopelvic regions.

Right hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left hypochondriac, Right lumbar, Umbilical, Left lumbar, Right iliac, Hypogastric, and Left iliac region.

How are the four abdominopelvic quadrants labeled?

Right upper quadrant (RUQ), Left upper quadrant (LUQ), Right lower quadrant (RLQ), and Left lower quadrant (LLQ).