Directional terms: distal, lateral, proximal, medial, superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, deep, superficial • Body systems / organs • Body cavities / quadrants • Anatomical position: purpose, definition • Body planes • Homeostasis: positive vs negative feedback loops • Mechanisms of homeostasis • Structural organization of the human body (the “triangle”) • Cells: structures and functions • Osmosis vs diffusion and examples • Tissues (especially epithelial): types, locations, characteristics, functions • Integument: structures, layers, accessory structures
Distal
Farther from the point of attachment or origin.
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body.
Proximal
Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
Medial
Toward the midline of the body.
Superior
Above or higher in position.
Inferior
Below or lower in position.
Anterior
Toward the front of the body.
Posterior
Toward the back of the body.
Deep
Away from the surface of the body.
Superficial
Toward or on the surface of the body.
Integumentary System
Skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands.
Respiratory System
Lungs, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm.
Cardiovascular System
Heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries).
Nervous System
Brain, spinal cord, nerves.
Endocrine System
Glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal), pancreas, ovaries, testes.
Renal (Urinary) System
Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
Immune System
Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, spleen, thymus, bone marrow.
Gastrointestinal (GI) System
Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder.
Reproductive System
Testes, prostate, penis in males; Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina in females.
Musculoskeletal System
Bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments.
Dorsal Body Cavity
Contains the brain and spinal cord.
Cranial Cavity
Contains the brain.
Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity
Contains the spinal cord.
Ventral Body Cavity
Contains organs like the heart and lungs.
Thoracic Cavity
Contains the heart and lungs.
Abdominopelvic Cavity
Subdivided into abdominal and pelvic cavities.
Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
Contains the liver, gallbladder, right kidney.
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
Contains the stomach, spleen, left kidney.
Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
Contains the appendix, portions of intestines.
Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Contains portions of intestines, left ovary.
Anatomical Position
Standard reference posture: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides palms facing forward
Sagittal Plane
Divides the body into left and right parts.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
Transverse Plane
Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.
Positive Feedback Loop
Enhances or amplifies changes in the body (e.g., childbirth).
Negative Feedback Loop
Counteracts changes to maintain stability in the body (e.g., temperature regulation).
Feedback Mechanisms
Processes that help maintain homeostasis through positive and negative feedback.
Chemical Level
Simplest level of organization involving atoms and molecules.
Cellular Level
Basic unit of life; made of molecules.
Tissue Level
Groups of similar cells performing a common function.
Organ Level
Structures composed of different tissues working together.
Organ System Level
Groups of organs that perform related functions.
Organismal Level
Complete living being, all organ systems combined.
Cell Membrane
Protects the cell and controls what enters and leaves.
Nucleus
Contains genetic material and controls cellular activities.
Mitochondria
Produces energy (ATP) for the cell.
Ribosomes
Synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.
Epithelial Tissue
Covers surfaces and lines cavities; responsible for protection, absorption, and secretion.
Simple Squamous Epithelium
Single layer of flat cells, allows diffusion and filtration.
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
Single layer of cube-shaped cells, functions in secretion and absorption.
Simple Columnar Epithelium
Single layer of tall cells, often with microvilli, functions in absorption and secretion.
Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium
Single layer that appears stratified, functions in secretion and movement of mucus.
Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Multiple layers of flat cells, protects against abrasion.
Transitional Epithelium
Multiple layers that can stretch, found in urinary bladder.
Exocrine Glands
Secrete substances onto body surfaces or into cavities.
Endocrine Glands
Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Integumentary System
Skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.
Epidermis
Outermost layer of skin made of stratified squamous epithelial cells.
Dermis
Middle layer of skin made of dense connective tissue.
Hypodermis
Deepest layer of skin, composed of loose connective and adipose tissue.
Nail Structure
Includes nail plate, bed, cuticle, matrix, and lunula.
Sweat Glands
Eccrine and apocrine glands, help regulate body temperature.
Sebaceous Glands
Secrete sebum to lubricate the skin and hair.
Homeostasis
Process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment.
Osmosis
Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low to high solute concentration.
Diffusion
Movement of particles from high to low concentration.
Perfume Example
Diffusion occurs when perfume molecules spread in air.
Cell Membrane Transport
Process of regulating substances entering and exiting cells.
Cellular Respiration
Process by which cells produce ATP from nutrients.
Regeneration of Epithelial Tissue
High capacity for regeneration due to frequent cell division.
Protection (Epithelial Function)
Shields underlying tissues from mechanical and chemical damage.