An Orientation to the Human Body - Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms covering subdivisions of anatomy and physiology, levels of organization, homeostatic control mechanisms, directional terms, and body planes based on Lecture 1.

Gross anatomy

The study of body parts visible to the eye.

Regional anatomy

The study of structures within regions of the body such as muscle, bones, and blood vessels.

Systemic anatomy

The study of structures within different systems of the body.

Surface anatomy

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface.

Cytology

The study of cellular structures.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Cell

The most basic unit of life.

Tissue

Groups of similar cells that have a common function.

Organ

A discrete structure composed of at least two types of tissues that perform a specific function.

Organ system

Organs that work together to accomplish a common purpose.

Physiology

The function of different body parts.

Cellular physiology

The study of functions that happen inside a cell which are responsible for keeping it alive.

Exercise physiology

The study of how the human body reacts and adapts to physical activity.

Systemic physiology

Looks closely at how different organ systems inside of the human body process and work together.

Homeostasis

The tendency towards a stable internal environment despite continuous perturbations.

Receptor

A component of a homeostatic control mechanism that receives stimuli and then transfers it to the control center.

Control center

A component of a homeostatic control mechanism that processes information and generates a response command.

Effector

A component of a homeostatic control mechanism that carries out the command to elicit change.

Negative feedback

A response mechanism that reduces the effect of a stimulus, such as balancing out body temperature, blood sugar levels, or breathing rate.

Positive feedback

A response mechanism that increases a response, such as labor contractions and blood clotting.

Anatomical position

The universal reference point where the body is erect, feet are slightly apart, upper limbs are at sides, palms and head face forward, and thumbs point out.

Ventral

An embryonic directional term meaning anterior.

Dorsal

An embryonic directional term meaning posterior.

Caudal

An embryonic directional term meaning inferior.

Cephalic / Rostral

An embryonic directional term meaning superior.

Frontal plane

Body plane that divides the body into front and back positions.

Transverse plane

Body plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Sagittal plane

Body plane that divides the body vertically into right and left positions.

Oblique plane

Body plane that divides the body at an angle.