An Introduction to the Human Body Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Human Body, including anatomy, physiology, organizational levels, organ systems, characteristics of life, homeostasis, anatomical terminology, body cavities, and medical imaging.

Anatomy

The study of the form of living things.

Gross anatomy

The science of macroscopic anatomy; studying large body structures visible with the naked eye.

Surface anatomy

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface.

Regional anatomy

Anatomical study that considers specific regions of the body (such as head or extremities) and all the systems in that particular region.

Systemic anatomy

Anatomical study that gives attention to all the structures of a particular system in the body regardless of location.

Microscopic anatomy

Anatomical study concerned with structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Cytology

The study of cells, their components, and their functions.

Histology

The study of tissues and their functions.

Physiology

The study of the function of the parts that make up living things.

Chemical level

The least complex level of structural organization, composed of atoms arranged to form molecules and compounds.

Cellular level

The structural building block level of all plants and animals, formed by interactions between molecules and compounds.

Tissue level

Specialized groups of cells and cell products that work together to perform one or more specific functions.

Organ level

Consists of two or more tissues working in combination to perform several functions.

Organ System level

Level of organization where organs interact to perform vital life functions of the body.

Integumentary system

Organ system composed of skin, hair, and nails that provides external support, protection, and temperature regulation.

Skeletal system

Organ system composed of bones that provides internal support, flexible framework for movement, forms blood cells, and stores minerals.

Muscular system

Organ system composed of muscles attached to the skeleton that provides locomotion, support, and body heat production.

Respiratory system

Organ system composed of the lungs, trachea, larynx, and nasal passages that manages the exchange of respiratory gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Nervous system

Organ system composed of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves that directs immediate response to stimuli by coordinating organ system activities.

Circulatory system

Organ system composed of heart and blood vessels that internally transports nutrients and oxygen while carrying wastes and carbon dioxide away.

Lymphatic/Immune system

Organ system composed of lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow, and tonsils that provides disease protection, transports lymph, and absorbs fats.

Endocrine system

Organ system composed of hormone-secreting glands that direct long-term changes in the activities of other organ systems.

Urinary system

Organ system composed of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra that filters blood, eliminates excess water and nitrogenous wastes, and controls pH and electrolyte balance.

Digestive system

Organ system composed of salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and gallbladder responsible for food intake, breakdown, nutrient absorption, and feces elimination.

Reproductive system

Organ system responsible for the production of sperm and egg, secretion of sex hormones, and copulation.

Organism

A living being that has a cellular structure and can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life; the most complex level of organization.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions occurring in a cell or organism, including both anabolic and catabolic reactions.

Anabolic reaction

A metabolic reaction where smaller, simpler molecules are combined to create a larger, more complex substance, requiring energy input (endergonic).

Catabolic reaction

A metabolic reaction where larger, more complex substances are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules, releasing energy (exergonic).

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

A key chemical compound used to store and release energy in living systems.

Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function to perform specific tasks.

Macronutrients

Nutrients that the human body needs a large supply of.

Micronutrients

Nutrients that the human body needs very small amounts of.

Hyperthermia

A condition in which the body is overheated for a prolonged period of time, which can lead to heat stroke and death.

Hypothermia

A condition in which the body is too cold, which can lead to shock and death.

Homeostasis

A state of equilibrium or balance; maintaining dynamic constancy of internal conditions within narrow limits despite changes in external conditions.

Receptor

A homeostatic control component that detects changes in either the internal or external environment, or stimulus.

Control center

A homeostatic control component that receives and processes information supplied by the receptor and sends out commands.

Effector

A homeostatic control component that responds to commands from the control center by opposing or enhancing the stimulus.

Negative feedback mechanism

A control mechanism that shuts off or reduces the original stimulus to stabilize a situation and maintain homeostasis.

Positive feedback mechanism

A control mechanism that intensifies, enhances, or accelerates the original stimulus to complete a process.

Superior (cranial)

Directional term meaning above; toward the head end or upper part of the structure or body.

Inferior (caudal)

Directional term meaning below; away from the head end or toward the lower part of the structure or body.

Anterior (ventral)

Directional term meaning toward or at the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Directional term meaning toward or at the back of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Any plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Viscera

The internal organs of the body contained collectively within the ventral body cavity.

Meninges

Serous membranes that line the dorsal body cavity.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique where a machine generates multiple rotating X-rays or 'slices' to create detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissue masses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique using electromagnets and radio waves to scan body tissues without exposing patients to large radiation doses.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

An imaging technique using a short-lived radioactive contrast to display physiological activity in areas with high metabolic rates.

Ultrasonography

The least invasive medical imaging technique, which uses high-frequency sound waves to generate an image.