Chapter 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

A comprehensive collection of vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 1 covering definitions of anatomy, physiology, organization levels, essential life processes, homeostasis, feedback loops, directional terms, planes, cavities, membranes, and medical imaging techniques.

Human Anatomy

The study of body structure, derived from a Greek word meaning 'to cut'.

Human Physiology

The science of body functions and how the body works, including the study of homeostasis.

Atoms

The smallest units of matter that participate in chemical reactions.

Molecules

Structures consisting of two or more atoms joined together.

Cells

The basic structural and functional units of an organism.

Tissues

Groups of cells and the material surrounding them that work together to perform a particular function, categorized into $4$ basic types: epithelium, connective tissue, muscle, and nerves.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more different types of tissues that have specific functions and recognizable shapes.

Organ System

A group consisting of related organs with a common function, with $11$ total systems in the human body.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes in the body, including catabolic (breaking down) and anabolic (building up) chemical processes.

Responsiveness

The body's ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

Movement

Any motion, including the movement of tiny subcellular structures or movement inside cells or organs.

Growth

An increase in body size due to an increase in existing cells, the number of cells, or both.

Differentiation

The development of a cell from an unspecialized to a specialized state.

Reproduction

The formation of new cells for growth, repair, or replacement, or the production of a new individual.

Homeostasis

A condition of dynamic equilibrium (balance) in the body's internal environment meant to keep functions within a narrow range compatible with life.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Body fluid located inside cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Body fluid located outside cells.

Interstitial Fluid

Extracellular fluid located between cells and tissues.

Blood Plasma

Extracellular fluid located within blood vessels.

Lymph

Extracellular fluid located within lymphatic vessels.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Extracellular fluid located in the brain and spinal cord.

Synovial Fluid

Extracellular fluid located in joints.

Aqueous Humor

Extracellular fluid located in the eyes.

Receptor

A body structure that monitors changes in a controlled condition and sends input to a control center.

Control Center

A component (usually the brain) that sets the range of values to be maintained, evaluates input received from receptors, and generates output commands.

Effector

A body structure that receives output from the control center and produces a response or effect that changes the controlled condition.

Negative Feedback System

A feedback mechanism that reverses a change in a controlled condition, such as blood pressure regulation.

Positive Feedback System

A feedback mechanism that strengthens or reinforces a change in a controlled condition, such as normal childbirth.

Anatomical Position

A standard position where the subject stands erect facing the observer with head level, eyes facing forward, feet flat on the floor directed forward, and arms at sides with palms forward.

Superior

Directional term meaning above, top, or toward the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning below, bottom, or away from the head.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Intermediate

Directional term meaning between a medial and a lateral structure.

Proximal

Directional term meaning nearest to the origination of a structure.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the origination of a structure.

Superficial

Directional term meaning towards the surface of the body.

Deep

Directional term meaning towards the core of the body.

Visceral

Descriptive term pertaining to a covering over an organ.

Parietal

Descriptive term pertaining to a covering against a cavity wall.

Sagittal Planes

Imaginary vertical planes that divide the body into right and left sides.

Midsagittal Plane

A single plane that divides the body into two equal, mirror-image halves.

Parasagittal Planes

An infinite number of planes to the right and left of the midsagittal plane that divide the body into unequal halves.

Frontal (Coronal) Planes

Planes that divide the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Planes

Horizontal or cross-sectional planes that divide the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Oblique Planes

Planes that pass through the body or an organ at an angle other than a right angle.

Cranial Cavity

Body cavity formed by the cranial bones that contains and protects the brain.

Vertebral Canal

Body cavity formed by the bones of the vertebral column that contains the spinal cord.

Meninges

Layers of protective tissue that line the cranial cavity and vertebral canal.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest cavity formed by the sternum, ribs, and thoracic portion of the bony vertebral column.

Mediastinum

Central cavity region located within the thoracic cavity between the lungs.

Pleural Cavities

Two fluid-filled spaces within the thoracic cavity that each surround a lung.

Pericardial Cavity

Fluid-filled space surrounding the heart, located within the middle part of the mediastinum.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Body cavity extending from the diaphragm to the groin, encircled by the abdominal wall and pelvic bones and muscles.

Serous Membranes

Thin, slippery, double-layered membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities that adhere to organs and line cavity walls to reduce friction.

Pleura

The serous membrane that covers the lungs (visceral pleura) and lines the walls of the pleural cavity (parietal pleura).

Pericardium

The serous membrane that covers the heart (visceral pericardium) and lines the pericardial cavity walls (parietal pericardium).

Peritoneum

The serous membrane that covers the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum) and lines the abdominal cavity walls (parietal peritoneum).

Radiography

Medical imaging technique using X-rays to produce images of interior body structures, where hollow structures appear black or gray and dense structures like bone block rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Safe medical imaging procedure using a powerful magnetic field to align protons in body fluid to differentiate normal and abnormal tissues.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Medical imaging technique using a computer to organize X-rays into a 3D image to visualize soft tissues in detail.

Ultrasound Scanning

Noninvasive and painless medical imaging technique (sonography) using high-frequency sound waves, commonly used to monitor fetal development.