Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that maintain homeostasis through responses.

Homeostasis

Stable internal environment despite external changes.

Cranial Cavity

Space housing the brain within the skull.

Vertebral Cavity

Canal containing the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest area containing lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Region containing abdominal and pelvic organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Hollow space within the pelvis.

Superior

Above or higher in position.

Inferior

Below or lower in position.

Anterior

Front side of the body.

Posterior

Back side of the body.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

Frontal Plane

Divides body into anterior and posterior parts.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides body into equal left and right halves.

Transverse Plane

Divides body into superior and inferior parts.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

Connective Tissue

Supports, binds, and protects other tissues.

Nervous Tissue

Transmits impulses for communication.

Muscular Tissue

Facilitates movement through contraction.

Stratified Tissue

Multiple layers of cells.

Simple Tissue

Single layer of cells.

Squamous Cells

Flat, scale-like epithelial cells.

Columnar Cells

Tall, column-like epithelial cells.

Cuboidal Cells

Cube-shaped epithelial cells.

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin.

Dermis

Inner layer of skin containing connective tissue.

Sebaceous Gland

Produces oil to lubricate skin.

Arrector Pili Muscle

Muscle causing hair to stand up.

Sweat Gland

Produces sweat for thermoregulation.

Melanin

Pigment responsible for skin color.

Cranium

Skull protecting the brain.

Mandible

Lower jawbone in the skull.

Ribs

Bones protecting thoracic cavity organs.

Axial Skeleton

Includes skull, vertebrae, and rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes limbs and pelvic girdle.

Sarcomere

Basic unit of muscle contraction.

Flexion

Decreasing the angle between body parts.

Extension

Increasing the angle between body parts.

Rotation

Movement around an axis.

Neurons

Cells transmitting nerve impulses.

Cerebrum

Largest brain region for higher functions.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls autonomic functions like breathing.

Motor Neurons

Transmit signals to muscles.

Sensory Neurons

Transmit sensory information to the brain.

Sympathetic Division

Prepares body for 'fight or flight.'

Parasympathetic Division

Restores body to calm state.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary body functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements.

Lacrimal Glands

Produce tears to lubricate the eye.

Cornea

Transparent front part of the eye.

Pupil

Opening in the center of the iris.

Iris

Colored part of the eye controlling pupil size.

Cochlea

Inner ear structure for hearing.

Tympanic Membrane

Eardrum transmitting sound vibrations.

Eustachian Tube

Equalizes pressure in the ear.

Papillae

Taste buds on the tongue.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature and hormones.

Pituitary Gland

Master gland controlling other endocrine glands.

Adrenal Gland

Produces hormones for stress response.

Thyroid Gland

Regulates metabolism and growth.

Blood Components

Cells, plasma, and platelets in blood.

Blood Pressure

Force exerted by circulating blood.

Blood Flow

Movement of blood through vessels.

Aneurysm

Abnormal blood vessel bulge.

Stroke

Interruption of blood supply to the brain.

Atherosclerosis

Hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup.

Residual Volume

Air remaining in lungs after exhalation.

Tidal Volume

Amount of air inhaled or exhaled in one breath.

Vital Capacity

Maximum amount of air exhaled after deep inhalation.

Nephrons

Functional units of the kidney.

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm cell development.

Fertilization

Union of sperm and egg to form zygote.