(6) Anatomy & Physiology terms

acetabulum

(AS-uh-TAB-yuh-lum) the pelvic socket into which the ball at the proximal end of the femur fits to form the hip joint.

acromioclavicular joint

(ah-KRO-me-o-klav-IK-yuh-ler) the joint where the acromion and the clavicle meet.

acromion process

(ah-KRO-me-on) the highest portion of the shoulder.

alveoli

(al-VE-o-li) the microscopic sacs of the lungs where gas exchange with the bloodstream takes place.

anatomy

the study of body structure.

aorta

(ay-OR-tah) the largest artery in the body. It transports blood from the left ventricle to begin systemic circulation.

appendix

a small tube located near the junction of the small and large intestines in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, the function of which is not well understood. Its inflammation, called appendicitis, is a common cause of abdominal pain.

arteriole

(ar-TE-re-ol) the smallest kind of artery.

artery

any blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart.

atria

(AY-tree-ah) the two upper chambers of the heart. There is a right atrium (which receives unoxygenated blood returning from the body) and a left atrium (which receives oxygenated blood returning from the lungs). Singular atrium.

automaticity

(AW-to-muh-TISS-it-e) the ability of the heart to generate and conduct electrical impulses on its own.

autonomic nervous system

(AW-to-NOM-ik) the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary motor functions.

bladder

the round, saclike organ of the renal system used as a reservoir for urine.

blood pressure

the pressure caused by blood exerting force against the walls of blood vessels. Usually arterial blood pressure (the pressure in an artery) is measured.

brachial artery

artery of the upper arm; the site of the pulse checked during infant CPR.

bronchi

(BRONG-ki) the two large sets of branches that come off the trachea and enter the lungs. There are right and left bronchi. Singular bronchus.

buffer system

a system that helps manage the pH of the body to maintain it at a normal level.

calcaneus

(kal-KAY-ne-us) the heel bone.

capillary

(KAP-i-lair-e) a thin-walled, microscopic blood vessel where the oxygen/carbon dioxide and nutrient/waste exchange with the body’s cells takes place.

cardiac conduction system

a system of specialized muscle tissues that conducts electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat.

cardiac muscle

specialized involuntary muscle found only in the heart.

cardiovascular system

(KAR-de-o-VAS-kyu-ler) the system made up of the heart (cardio) and the blood vessels (vascular). Sometimes called the circulatory system.

carotid arteries

(kah-ROT-id) the large neck arteries, one on each side of the neck, that carry blood from the heart to the head.

carpals

(KAR-pulz) the wrist bones.

central nervous system (CNS)

the brain and spinal cord.

central pulses

the carotid and femoral pulses, which can be felt in the central part of the body.

clavicle

(KLAV-i-kul) the collarbone.

coronary arteries

(KOR-o-nar-e) blood vessels that supply the muscle of the heart (myocardium).

cranium

the top, back, and sides of the skull.

cricoid cartilage

(KRIK-oid) the ring-shaped structure that forms the lower portion of the larynx.

dermis

(DER-mis) the inner (second) layer of skin, rich in blood vessels and nerves, found beneath the epidermis.

diaphragm

(DI-uh-fram) the muscular structure that divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity; a major muscle of respiration.

diastolic blood pressure

(di-as-TOL-ik) the pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle is refilling.

digestive system

system by which food travels through the body and is digested, or broken down, into absorbable forms.

dorsalis pedis artery

(dor-SAL-is PEED-is) artery supplying the foot, lateral to the large tendon of the big toe.

endocrine system

system of glands that produce chemicals called hormones that help to regulate many body activities and functions.

epidermis

(ep-i-DER-mis) the outer layer of skin.

epiglottis

(EP-i-GLOT-is) a leaf-shaped structure that prevents food and foreign matter from entering the trachea.

epinephrine

(EP-uh-NEF-rin) a hormone produced by the body. As a medication, it dilates respiratory passages and is used to relieve severe allergic reactions.

exhalation

(EX-huh-LAY-shun) a passive process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size and air to flow out of the lungs.

femoral artery

(FEM-o-ral) the major artery supplying the leg.

femur

(FEE-mer) the large bone of the thigh.

fibula

(FIB-yuh-luh) the lateral and smaller bone of the lower leg.

gallbladder

a sac on the underside of the liver that stores bile produced by the liver.

humerus

(HYU-mer-us) the bone of the upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow.

hypoperfusion

inability of the body to adequately circulate blood to the body’s cells to supply them with oxygen and nutrients; a life-threatening condition. Also called shock.

ilium

(IL-e-um) the superior and widest portion of the pelvis.

inhalation

(IN-huh-LAY-shun) an active process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm contract, expanding the size of the chest cavity and causing air to flow into the lungs.

insulin

(IN-suh-lin) a hormone produced by the pancreas or taken as a medication by many diabetics.

involuntary muscle

muscle that responds automatically to brain signals but cannot be consciously controlled.

ischium

(ISH-e-um) the lower, posterior portions of the pelvis.

joint

the point where two bones come together.

kidneys

organs of the renal system used to filter blood and regulate fluid levels in the body.

large intestine

the muscular tube that removes water from waste products received from the small intestine and moves anything not absorbed by the body toward excretion from the body.

larynx

(LAIR-inks) the voice box.

ligament

tissue that connects bone to bone.

liver

the largest organ of the body, which produces bile to assist in breakdown of fats and assists in the metabolism of various substances in the body.

lungs

the organs where exchange of atmospheric oxygen and waste carbon dioxide takes place.

lymphatic system

the system composed of organs, tissues, and vessels that helps to maintain the fluid balance of the body and contributes to the body’s immune system.

malleolus

(mal-E-o-lus) protrusion on the side of the ankle.

mandible

(MAN-di-bul) the lower jawbone.

manubrium

(man-OO-bre-um) the superior portion of the sternum.

maxillae

(mak-SIL-e) the two fused bones forming the upper jaw.

metacarpals

(MET-uh-KAR-pulz) the hand bones.

metatarsals

(MET-uh-TAR-sulz) the foot bones.

muscle

tissue that can contract to allow movement of a body part.

musculoskeletal system

(MUS-kyu-lo-SKEL-e-tal) the system of bones and skeletal muscles that support and protect the body and permit movement.

nasal bones

the nose bones.

nasopharynx

(NAY-zo-FAIR-inks) the area directly posterior to the nose.

nervous system

the system of brain, spinal cord, and nerves that governs sensation, movement, and thought.

orbits

the bony structures around the eyes; the eye sockets.

oropharynx

(OR-o-FAIR-inks) the area directly posterior to the mouth.

ovaries

egg-producing organs within the female reproductive system.

pancreas

a gland located behind the stomach that produces insulin and juices that assist in digestion of food in the duodenum of the small intestine.

patella

(pah-TEL-uh) the kneecap.

pelvis

the basin-shaped bony structure that supports the spine and is the point of proximal attachment for the lower extremities.

penis

the organ of male reproduction responsible for sexual intercourse and the transfer of sperm.

perfusion

the supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from the cells and tissues of the body as a result of the flow of blood through the capillaries.

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

the nerves that enter and leave the spinal cord and travel between the brain and organs without passing through the spinal cord.

peripheral pulses

the radial, brachial, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses, which can be felt at peripheral (outlying) points of the body.

phalanges

(fuh-LAN-jiz) the toe bones and finger bones.

pharynx

(FAIR-inks) the area directly posterior to the mouth and nose.

physiology

the study of body function.

plasma

(PLAZ-mah) the fluid portion of the blood.

platelets

components of the blood; membrane-enclosed fragments of specialized cells.

posterior tibial artery

(TIB-ee-ul) artery supplying the foot, behind the medial ankle.

pubis

(PYOO-bis) the medial anterior portion of the pelvis.

pulmonary arteries

(PUL-mo-nar-e) the vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.

pulmonary veins

the vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

pulse

the rhythmic beats caused as waves of blood move through and expand the arteries.

radial artery

artery of the lower arm; the artery felt when taking the pulse at the thumb side of the wrist.

radius

(RAY-de-us) the lateral bone of the forearm.

red blood cells

components of the blood. They carry oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from the cells.

renal system

the body system that regulates fluid balance and the filtration of blood. Also called the urinary system.

reproductive system

the body system that is responsible for human reproduction.

respiration

the process of moving oxygen and carbon dioxide between circulating blood and the cells.

respiratory system

(RES-pir-ah-tor-e) the system of nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and muscles that brings oxygen into the body and expels carbon dioxide.

scapula

(SKAP-yuh-luh) the shoulder blade.

shock

See hypoperfusion.

skeleton

the bones of the body.