Week 1 Anatomy & Physiology - Flashcards

Flashcards cover Week 1 topics: anatomy vs physiology, levels of organization, life processes, homeostasis and feedback, body cavities and membranes, and abdominal quadrants/regions.

What is anatomy?

The study of the structure/m morphology of the human body and its parts (derived from Greek for 'cutting up').

What is physiology?

The study of the functions of the human body and its parts (derived from Greek related to nature).

What are the levels of organization in the human body from smallest to largest?

Subatomic particles → atoms → molecules → macromolecules → organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism.

What is an organelle?

A functional part of a cell (e.g., mitochondrion, lysosome).

What is a cell?

The basic unit of structure and function in living things.

What is tissue?

A layer or mass of cells with a specific function (e.g., adipose tissue, epithelial tissue).

What is an organ?

A group of different tissues with a function (e.g., heart, kidney, stomach).

What is an organ system?

A group of organs with a common function (e.g., the digestive system).

What is an organism?

A living being composed of interacting organ systems (e.g., a human).

What is homeostasis?

Maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body.

What are the core themes in anatomy and physiology mentioned?

The cell as the basic unit of life; the internal environment; and homeostasis.

What are the five primary characteristics of life listed?

Growth, reproduction, responsiveness, movement, and metabolism (including energy production and nutrient cycling).

What environmental factors are required by life?

Water, food, oxygen, heat, and pressure.

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Pressure exerted by a fluid that helps keep blood flowing.

What is a stimulus in homeostasis?

A change that is detected by receptors.

What are receptors and effectors?

Receptors detect changes; effectors (muscles or glands) respond to restore balance.

What is the control center in homeostasis?

Typically the brain, which interprets signals and coordinates a response.

What is negative feedback?

A loop that moves the system toward the set point by opposing the initial change.

What is an example of negative feedback?

Regulation of blood glucose toward the set point after a rise in glucose.

What is positive feedback?

A feedback loop that amplifies a process, usually for a quick, final outcome (not toward homeostasis). Example: labor contractions.

What are the major body cavities?

Abdominopelvic cavity (abdominal + pelvic); Thoracic cavity (lungs + heart); Pericardial cavity (around the heart); Cranial cavity (brain); Vertebral canal (spinal cord).

What are serous membranes?

Double-layered membranes that surround organs and secrete serous fluid to reduce friction.

What are the two layers of serous membranes?

Visceral layer (covers the organ) and parietal layer (covers the cavity wall).

Which serous membranes surround specific organs?

Pleura around the lungs; Pericardium around the heart; Peritoneum around abdominal organs.

What is serous fluid for?

To prevent friction as organs shift or move.

What are the small cavities of the head?

Oral cavity, nasal cavity, orbital cavity, and middle ear cavity.

What are the four abdominal quadrants?

Right upper quadrant, Left upper quadrant, Right lower quadrant, Left lower quadrant.

What are the nine abdominal regions?

Right hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left hypochondriac; Right lumbar, Umbilical, Left lumbar; Right iliac (inguinal), Hypogastric (pubic), Left iliac (inguinal).