Biology 319 Lecture 1 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards created from Biology 319 introductory lecture notes by Dr. Christopher Lee covering general anatomical concepts, imaging techniques, organ systems, homeostasis, and terminology.

Anatomy

Scientific discipline that investigates the body's structure, such as the size and shape of a bone.

Physiology

Scientific investigation of the processes or functions of living things.

Gross Anatomy

Structures examined without the aid of a microscope.

Regional Anatomy

Anatomical study where the body is examined area by area.

Systemic Anatomy

Anatomical study where the body is examined system by system.

Surface Anatomy

Study of external anatomical forms used to visualize deeper structures.

Cytology

The study of cellular anatomy.

Histology

The study of tissues.

X-ray

Technique using shortwave electromagnetic radiation that moves through the body to create a flat, 2D radiograph.

Ultrasound

Technique using high-frequency sound waves that pass into the body and bounce back to a receiver to create a sonogram.

Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Procedure utilizing ultrasound waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces that can pass in urine.

Great Saphenous Vein

The longest vein in the human body, running from the top of the foot to the upper thigh and groin area.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Imaging technique using a rotating X-ray tube and detectors to measure X-ray attenuation and generate cross-sectional tomographic slices.

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test

CT scan test used to measure calcium buildup around the heart as an indicator of vessel plaque.

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

Angiography technique using a injected radiopaque dye to produce high-contrast X-ray images (angiograms) of blood vessels.

Ischemia

The absence or lack of oxygen supply to tissue.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.

Four Hormones that Elevate Blood Sugar

Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Growth Hormone (GH), Cortisol, and Glucagon.

Cortisol

Stress hormone released from the adrenal cortex that, when chronically elevated, suppresses immune system function.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging method directing radio waves at a patient inside a large electromagnetic field, highly effective at detecting certain cancers.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Scan that detects radioactively labeled glucose usage by tissues to pinpoint metabolically active cells, especially in the brain.

Tooth Enamel

Hardest and most mineralized substance in the human body, composed of dense hydroxyapatite crystals.

Hydroxyapatite

The primary mineral crystal of teeth and bones, represented chemically as $\text{Ca}_{10}(\text{PO}_4)_6(\text{OH})_2$.

Abscess

A walled-off collection of pus containing dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and dead bacteria due to inflammation.

Pathology

The study of structural and functional changes caused by disease.

Four Primary Tissue Types

Epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues, all of which maintain a resting membrane potential (RMP).

Prefrontal Cortices

Brain structures responsible for cognition, reasoning, thinking, and processing cause and effect.

Four Major Excretory Organs

Kidneys, colon, liver, and skin (integument).

Edema

Swelling resulting from fluid accumulation in body tissues.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions of the body and the ability to use energy to perform vital functions.

Differentiation

The developmental change of a cell or tissue from a general structure to a specific structure.

Morphogenesis

The structural change in shape of tissues, organs, or an entire organism.

Homeostasis

The involuntary maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment within the body.

Set Point

The ideal normal physiological value around which body conditions fluctuate within a normal range.

Hypothalamus

Brain region responsible for regulating body temperature and satiety.

Parturition

Childbirth, which operates as a physiological positive-feedback mechanism.

Anatomical Position

Standard body alignment where the individual stands erect, facing forward, feet together, and palms facing forward.

Supine

Body position lying face upward.

Prone

Body position lying face downward.

Superior (Cephalic)

Directional term meaning above another structure or closer to the head.

Inferior (Caudal)

Directional term meaning below another structure or closer to the tail/feet.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment to the body than another structure.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment to the body than another structure.

Superficial

Directional term meaning toward or on the surface of the body.

Deep

Directional term meaning away from the surface of the body.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Anatomical plane dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Anatomical plane dividing the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) sections.

Sagittal Plane

Anatomical plane dividing the body vertically into right and left portions.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Subdivided fluid-filled space containing the cranial cavity and the vertebral canal.

Ventral Body Cavity

Major fluid-filled internal space containing the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

Serous Membranes

Double-layered membranes lining closed body cavities and covering organs, secreting lubricating serous fluid.

Visceral Serous Membrane

The inner layer of a serous membrane directly covering an internal organ.

Parietal Serous Membrane

The outer layer of a serous membrane lining the internal cavity wall.

Mesentery

Double-folded visceral peritoneum attaching abdominal organs to the posterior abdominopelvic wall, routing nerves and blood vessels.

Retroperitoneal

Describing organs situated behind the peritoneum with serous membrane coverage only on their anterior side, such as kidneys and the urinary bladder.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleural serous membranes surrounding the lungs.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardial serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneal serous membrane in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Micturition

The physiological act of urination.