Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering vocabulary from the Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology lecture.

Anatomy

The study of the structure/morphology of the human body and its parts; derived from Greek for “a cutting up”.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body and its parts; derived from Greek for “relationship to nature”.

Atom

Tiny particles that make up chemicals (hydrogen, carbon).

Molecule

Particles consisting of atoms joined together (water, glucose).

Macromolecule

Large particles consisting of molecules (DNA, protein).

Organelle

Functional part of a cell (mitochondrion, lysosome).

Cell

Basic unit of structure and functions (muscle, nerve, or blood cell).

Tissue

Layer or mass of cells with specific function (adipose or epithelial tissue).

Organ

Group of different tissues with a function (heart, kidney, stomach).

Organ System

Group of organs with common function (digestive system).

Organism

Composed of interacting organ systems (human).

Ultrasound

High-frequency sound waves that provide images of soft internal structures; used to obtain sonogram of fetus in the uterus.

Magnetic Resonance Scan (MR)

Magnetic field changes alignment and spin of certain types of atoms; provides high-resolution images of internal structures, such as the brain.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of constant internal environment.

Growth

Increase in cell number and size and increase in body size.

Reproduction

Production of new cells and organisms.

Responsiveness

Reaction to a change inside or outside of the body.

Movement

Change in body position or location; motion of internal organs.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in a living system: Energy production and nutrient cycling.

Respiration

Making energy. Most organisms do it by taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide.

Digestion

Breaking down food into usable nutrients for absorption into the blood.

Circulation

Moving chemicals and cells through the body fluids.

Excretion

Removing waste products.

Homeostatic Mechanisms

Self-regulating systems that monitor aspects of the internal environment and correct them as needed.

Receptor

Detects and provides information about the stimuli.

Control Center

Decision-maker that maintains the set point.

Effector

Muscle or gland that responds to the control center, and causes the necessary change in the internal environment.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, facing forward, upper limbs at the sides, palms facing forward.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back.

Medial

Toward the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Bilateral

Paired structures; on both sides.

Ipsilateral

Same side.

Contralateral

Opposite sides.

Proximal

Close to point of attachment to trunk.

Distal

Farther from point of attachment to trunk.

Superficial

Close to body surface.

Deep

More internal.

Sagittal section

Longitudinal cut that divides body into left and right portions.

Mid-sagittal/Median section

Divides body into equal left and right portions.

Parasagittal section

Sagittal section lateral to midline; divides body into unequal left and right portions.

Transverse or Horizontal section

Divides body into superior and inferior portions.

Coronal or Frontal section

Longitudinal cut that divides body into anterior and posterior portions.

Cross section

A cut across the structure.

Oblique section

An angular cut.

Longitudinal section

A lengthwise cut.

Abdominal Quadrants

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

Abdominal Regions

Epigastric, Hypochondriac, Umbilical, Lateral (lumbar), Pubic (hypogastric), Inguinal (iliac).