Anatomy & Physiology Module 1: Lesson 1

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of anatomy, physiology, levels of organization, the 11 organ systems, characteristics of life, homeostasis, and anatomical terminology.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the body; focuses on "what is it?" and where parts are located.

Physiology

The study of the processes and functions of the body; focuses on "how does it work?"

Chemical Level

The level of organization that involves how atoms interact and combine into molecules, such as Water ($H_2O$), Oxygen ($O_2$), and Glucose.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of organisms and the smallest living unit.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and the material surrounding them.

Organ

Composed of two or more tissue types that together perform one or more common functions.

Organ System

A group of organs classified as a unit because of a common function or set of functions.

Organism

A complex of organ systems that are mutually dependent upon one another; a complete living individual.

Integumentary System

Protects the body from injury, infection, and helps regulate body temperature; includes skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands.

Skeletal System

Supports the body, protects internal organs, and works with muscles to produce movement; includes bones, cartilage, ligaments, and joints.

Muscular System

Allows movement, maintains posture, and produces heat; includes skeletal muscles and tendons.

Nervous System

Controls and coordinates body activities and responds to changes in the body and its environment; includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Endocrine System

Regulates body functions by releasing hormones into the bloodstream; includes the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and pancreas.

Cardiovascular System

Pumps blood, delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells, and removes waste products; includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels.

Lymphatic System

Returns fluid to the blood, fights infection, and helps maintain fluid balance; includes lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, and thymus.

Respiratory System

Brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide; includes the nose, trachea, lungs, and bronchi.

Digestive System

Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste; includes the mouth, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

Urinary System

Removes waste from the blood and regulates fluid and electrolyte balance; includes the kidneys and ureters.

Reproductive System

Responsible for reproduction and production of sex hormones.

Organization

An essential characteristic of life referring to a specific relationship of the many individual parts of an organism working together.

Metabolism

The ability to use energy to perform vital functions such as growth, movement, and reproduction.

Responsiveness

The ability of an organism to sense changes in the environment and make adjustments that help maintain its life.

Growth

Refers to an increase in size of all or part of the organism.

Development

Includes the changes an organism undergoes through time, including physical, mental, and emotional changes as it matures.

Reproduction

The formation of new cells (for growth and repair) or new organisms (offspring).

Homeostasis

The condition in which body functions, body fluids, and other internal factors are maintained within a range of values suitable to support life.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that regulates most body systems by making any deviation from the set point smaller or resisting it to restore balance.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that occurs when the initial stimulus further stimulates the response, enhancing the change until a goal is reached (e.g., childbirth).

Anatomical Position

A standard reference position where a person is standing upright, face forward, upper limbs at sides, and palms facing forward.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head or upper part of a structure; above.

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the feet or lower part of a structure; below.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Superficial (External)

Toward or on the surface of the body.

Deep (Internal)

Away from the surface of the body; internal.

Sagittal Plane

Runs vertically through the body and separates it into right and left parts.

Median Plane

A sagittal plane that passes through the midline of the body, dividing it into equal right and left halves.

Transverse / Horizontal Plane

Runs parallel to the surface of the ground, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Frontal / Coronal Plane

Runs vertically from right to left and divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Longitudinal Section

A cut along the length of the organ.

Transverse / Cross Section

A cut completely through an organ, similar to cutting a hot dog into round pieces.

Oblique Section

A cut made diagonally across the long axis.

Thoracic Cavity

The cavity surrounded by the rib cage and separated from the abdominal cavity by the muscular diaphragm.

Abdominal Cavity

The cavity bounded primarily by abdominal muscles containing the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.

Pelvic Cavity

A small space enclosed by the bones of the pelvis containing the urinary bladder, part of the large intestine, and internal reproductive organs.

Visceral Membrane

Serous membranes that are in contact with the organs.

Parietal Membrane

Serous membranes that are in contact with the walls of the cavity.