Chapter 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts, levels of organization, homeostatic mechanisms, organ systems, and anatomical terminology.

Anatomy

Derived from the Greek word for 'cutting up'; the field of study examining body structures.

Physiology

Derived from the Greek word for 'relationship to nature'; the field of study examining the functions of body parts.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up atoms.

Atom

Tiny particles that make up chemicals, such as hydrogen and carbon.

Molecule

Particles consisting of two or more atoms joined together, such as water and glucose.

Macromolecule

Large particles formed by joined molecules, such as DNA and proteins.

Organelle

A functional part within a cell, such as a mitochondrion or lysosome.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living things.

Tissue

A layer or mass of cells with a specific function, such as adipose or epithelial tissue.

Organ

A structure composed of a group of different tissues performing a specific function, such as the heart, kidney, or stomach.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform a common function, such as the digestive system.

Organism

An individual living entity composed of interacting organ systems.

Levels of Organization

The structural hierarchy of matter, ranging from subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, to an organism.

Gradients and permeability

substances move from high to low, down their concentration gradients, across permeable membranes.

Cellular differentiation

Specialization of cells due to gene expression

Cell membrane mechanisms

determine entry of substances, responds to signal

Cell- to-cell communication

via membrane receptors

Feedback loops

Homeostatic mechanisms for stability

Balance

replacement of lost substances, elimination of excesses

Energy processes

keeps cells active

The characteristics and maintenance of life

body functions and structures are working in a way to maintain life, except for reproduction which perpetuates the species

Growth

increase in cell number and size and increase in body size

Reproduction

production of new cells and organisms

responsiveness

Reaction to a change inside or outside the body

Movement

Change in body position or locations; motion of internal organs

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in a living system: energy and nutrient cycling

Respiration

The metabolic process of acquiring energy, typically carried out by taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into usable nutrients for absorption into the blood.

Circulation

The process of moving chemicals and cells through body fluids.

Excretion

The process of removing waste products from the body.

Water

most abundant substance in the body

:environment for metabolic processes (intra and extracellular fluid)

:required for transport of substances

:regulation of body temperature

Oxygen

releases energy from food

Carbon dioxide

Waste product of food breakdown

Food

provides necessary nutrients to supply energy

Heat

Form of energy

Temperature controls reaction rates in the body

Pressure

Force applied to something

Atmospheric pressure

important for breathing

Hydrostatic Pressure

keeps blood flowing

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant, stable internal environment within the body.

Homeostatic Mechanism Components

A homeostatic control system consisting of a stimulus, receptors, a control center with a set point, effectors, and a corrective response.

Negative Feedback Loop

A homeostatic mechanism where a deviation from a set point is detected and corrected by effectors, reducing effector activity as conditions return to normal.

Positive Feedback Loop

A mechanism in which a deviation from the set point drives conditions farther away from normal, producing short-lived unstable conditions.

Human body consists of how many portions

Two

Axial Portion

The portion of the human body that includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Portion

The portion of the human body that includes the upper and lower limbs.

Major body cavities of the axial portion

include the cranial cavity, vertebral cavity, thoracic cavity, and abdominopelvic cavity.

Receptors

Structures that detect changes in the internal environment and send input to a control center.

Control Center

Component of a homeostatic loop that maintains a set point and compares incoming internal change to that set point.

Effectors

Muscles or glands that carry out responses to return internal conditions toward normal.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.

Mediastinum

The region in the thoracic cavity between the lungs, containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and thymus gland.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that directly covers an organ.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines the wall of a cavity.

Integumentary System

Organ system comprising skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands; protects tissues, regulates body temperature, and supports sensory receptors.

Skeletal System

Organ system comprising bones, ligaments, and cartilages; provides framework, protects soft tissues, attaches muscles, produces blood cells, and stores inorganic salts.

Muscular System

Organ system comprising muscles; causes movements, maintains posture, and produces body heat.

Nervous System

Organ system comprising the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs; detects changes, interprets sensory information, and stimulates muscles and glands.

Endocrine System

Organ system comprising hormone-secreting glands; controls metabolic activities of body structures.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system comprising the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins; moves blood through blood vessels and transports substances throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

Organ system comprising lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen; returns tissue fluid to blood, carries absorbed food molecules, and defends against infection.

Digestive System

Organ system comprising the mouth, tongue, teeth, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines; receives, breaks down, and absorbs food, and eliminates waste.

Respiratory System

Organ system comprising the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs; handles air intake and output, and exchanges gases between air and blood.

Urinary System

Organ system comprising kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra; removes wastes from blood, maintains water and electrolyte balance, and stores and eliminates urine.

Anatomical Position

Standard body reference position: standing erect, face forward, upper limbs at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Superior

Directional term meaning above another part.

Inferior

Directional term meaning below another part.

Anterior

Directional term meaning toward the front.

Posterior

Directional term meaning toward the back.

Medial

Directional term meaning closer to the midline.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline.

Bilateral

Term describing paired structures, with one located on each side of the midline.

Ipsilateral

Term describing structures located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Term describing structures located on the opposite side of the body.

Proximal

Directional term describing a part closer to a point of attachment to the trunk than another body part.

Distal

Directional term describing a part farther from a point of attachment to the trunk.

Superficial

Directional term meaning near the surface.

Deep

Directional term describing more internal parts.

Sagittal Plane

A body section or plane along the median plane, dividing the body into right and left portions.

Frontal Plane

A body section or plane (coronal plane) dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse Plane

A body section or plane (horizontal plane) dividing the body into superior and inferior portions.

Body Planes

Planes that divide the body into sections: sagittal plane (median), transverse or horizontal plane, and frontal or coronal plane.

Cross Section

A cut straight across a cylindrical body structure.

Oblique Section

An angular cut made through a cylindrical body structure.

Longitudinal Section

A lengthwise cut made through a cylindrical body structure.

Cylindrical Organ Sections

Sectional cuts of cylindrical organs or bones shown as (a) cross section, (b) oblique section, and (c) longitudinal section.

Epigastric Region

The upper middle portion of the abdominal region.

Hypochondriac Region

Abdominal region situated on either the right or left side of the epigastric region.

Umbilical Region

The central portion of the abdominal region.

Lateral (Lumbar) Region

Abdominal region situated on either the right or left side of the umbilical region.

Pubic (Hypogastric) Region

The lower middle portion of the abdominal region.

Inguinal Region

Abdominal region situated on either the right or left side of the pubic region.

Anatomical Body Regions

Anatomical terminology used to describe body regions on the anterior and posterior surfaces.