EMT ch 6

Superficial Landmarks

Visible body landmarks used to identify underlying structures during patient assessment.

Skeleton

Gives the body form through bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

Skeletal System Functions

Protects organs, allows movement, and provides body shape.

Musculoskeletal System Function

Contraction and relaxation of muscles allow body movement.

Respiratory System

Structures involved in breathing including nose, mouth, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Function of Respiratory System

Provide oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide.

Circulatory System

Arrangement of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins that transports blood.

Nervous System

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves that control body activities.

Skin Layers

Epidermis (outer) and Dermis (inner).

Functions of Skin

Protection, temperature regulation, and sensation.

Digestive System Components

GI tract, mouth, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum, anus.

Lymphatic System

Spleen, lymph nodes, lymph, lymph vessels, thymus; supports immune and circulatory systems.

Endocrine System

Complex hormone control and communication system.

Urinary System

Controls elimination of waste filtered by kidneys.

Genital System

Controls reproductive processes.

pH > 7

Alkaline (basic).

pH < 7

Acidic.

pH = 7

Neutral.

Pathophysiology

Study of how disease affects normal body function.

Respiratory Compromise

Inability of the body to move gas effectively.

Shock

Inadequate tissue perfusion causing organ dysfunction.

Perfusion

Delivery of oxygenated blood to tissues.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of lungs.

Respiration

Gas exchange between air and blood.

Systole

Contraction phase of the heart.

Diastole

Relaxation phase of the heart.

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into left and right.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Divides body into front and back.

Transverse Plane

Divides body into upper and lower portions.

abdomen

Body cavity containing major digestive and excretory organs.

acetabulum

Depression in pelvis where femoral head fits.

adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Energy-storage nucleotide used in metabolism.

adrenal glands

Endocrine glands on kidneys that release adrenaline.

adrenergic

Pertaining to norepinephrine-releasing nerves or receptors.

aerobic metabolism

Metabolism requiring oxygen.

agonal gasps

Slow gasping breaths often seen in cardiac arrest.

alpha-adrenergic receptors

Receptors causing vasoconstriction when stimulated.

alveoli

Air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.

anaerobic metabolism

Metabolism without oxygen; produces lactic acid.

anatomic position

Standing facing forward, arms at side, palms forward.

anatomy

Study of body structure.

aorta

Main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the heart.

appendicular skeleton

Arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.

appendix

Small tubular structure attached to cecum.

arterioles

Smallest branches of arteries.

articular cartilage

Cartilage covering ends of bones in synovial joints.

atrium

Upper chamber of the heart.

autonomic nervous system

Involuntary nervous system controlling digestion and sweating.

axial skeleton

Skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

axons

Neuron extensions carrying impulses away from cell body.

ball-and-socket joint

Joint allowing rotation and bending.

beta-adrenergic receptors

Receptors increasing heart rate, force, and bronchodilation.

biceps

Large muscle on front of upper arm.

bile ducts

Ducts carrying bile between liver and intestine.

blood pressure (BP)

Force of blood against artery walls.

brachial artery

Major artery supplying the arm.

brain

Control center of body and consciousness.

brainstem

Controls vital life functions such as breathing.

calcaneus

Heel bone.

capillary vessels

Tiny vessels where exchange occurs.

cardiac muscle

Heart muscle.

cardiac output (CO)

Blood circulated by heart per minute.

carotid artery

Major artery supplying head and brain.

carpals

Wrist bones.

cartilage

Smooth connective tissue cushioning bones.

cecum

First part of large intestine.

cellular metabolism

Chemical reactions providing cellular energy.

central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord.

cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid surrounding brain and spinal cord.

cerebrum

Largest brain region controlling thought, movement, emotions.

cervical spine

First seven vertebrae in neck.

chordae tendineae

Fibrous bands attaching heart valves.

chyme

Partially digested food leaving stomach.

circulatory system

System transporting blood, oxygen, nutrients, and wastes.

clavicle

Collarbone.

coccyx

Tailbone.

coxae

Hip bones.

cranium

Skull portion enclosing brain.

cricoid cartilage

Lower cartilage of larynx.

cricothyroid membrane

Membrane connecting thyroid and cricoid cartilage.

dead space

Airway area where gas exchange does not occur.

dermis

Inner layer of skin.

diaphragm

Main breathing muscle.

diffusion

Movement from higher concentration to lower concentration.

digestion

Process of breaking down food for cells.

dorsalis pedis artery

Artery on top of foot.

endocrine system

System producing hormones.

enzymes

Substances speeding chemical reactions.

epidermis

Outer skin layer.

epiglottis

Valve preventing food entering trachea.

epinephrine

Adrenaline; increases heart rate and blood pressure.

esophagus

Tube carrying food to stomach.

expiratory reserve volume

Additional air exhaled after normal exhalation.

extension

Straightening of a joint.

fallopian tubes

Tubes connecting ovaries and uterus.

femoral artery

Major artery of thigh.

femoral head

Upper end of femur fitting into hip socket.

femur

Thigh bone.

fibula

Smaller lower leg bone.