physiology

Goals of studying physiology

Understanding how the body responds to stimuli.

Anatomy and physiology

Interdependent fields where changes in one affect the other.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment within the body.

Receptor

Monitors variable values by detecting stimuli.

Control center

Establishes set points and receives input from receptors.

Effector

Generates responses that can change variable values.

Serous membranes

Cover organs and line body cavities.

Pericardium

Serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Pleura

Serous membrane surrounding the lungs.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane surrounding abdominal organs.

Retroperitoneal

Organs located behind the peritoneum.

Inflammation of serous membranes

Conditions like pericarditis, pleurisy, and peritonitis.

Anatomical imaging

Techniques like X-ray, ultrasound, CT, DSA, MRI, and PET for visualizing body structures.

Tissue level

Group of similar cells and surrounding materials; includes four tissue types.

Characteristics of life

Organization, metabolism, responsiveness, growth, development, differentiation, morphogenesis, and reproduction.

Positive feedback

Mechanism that can lead away from homeostasis; examples include childbirth and blood clotting.

Anatomical position

Standard position of the body; face forward, feet together, palms facing forward.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right sections.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior sections.

Dorsal body cavity

Contains the cranial cavity and vertebral canal.

Ventral body cavity

Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Anatomy

Scientific study of body structures and their relationships.

Physiology

Study of body functions and processes.

Axial parts

Includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular parts

Includes arms, legs, and appendages.

Regional anatomy

Study of the body by specific areas.

Systemic anatomy

Study of the body by systems.

Gross anatomy

Study of body structures visible to the naked eye.

Surface anatomy

Study of external body features.

Developmental anatomy

Study of structural changes from conception to adulthood.

Embryology

Study of embryo and fetal development.

Cytology

Study of cells and their functions.

Histology

Microscopic study of tissues and cells.

Muscle tissue

Includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle types.

Nervous tissue

Composed of neurons and glial support cells.

Epithelial tissue

Covers surfaces and forms glands; can be cuboidal, squamous, or columnar.

Connective tissue

Supports and binds other tissues; includes loose, dense, and specialized types.