Overview of Human Body Systems

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to the human body systems, including anatomical positions, planes, terms, skeletal structures, and various system functions.

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference point, standing upright with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right parts.

Coronal Plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Superior

Toward the head.

Inferior

Away from the head.

Anterior

Toward the front.

Posterior

Toward the back.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the surface of the body.

Cranium

Protects the brain and forms the structure of the head.

Frontal Bone

Forehead bone that forms the front part of the skull.

Parietal Bone

Upper sides of the skull that form the top and sides of the cranium.

Maxillae

Upper jawbone that forms part of the roof of the mouth.

Mandible

Lower jawbone that allows for chewing.

Cervical Vertabrae

7 vertebrae in the neck

Thoracic vertebrae

12 vertebrae mid-back attached to ribs

Lumbar vertebrae

5 large vertebrae in the lower back

Sacrum

Consist of 5 fused vertebrae

Coccyx

3-5 fused vertebrae

Vertebral Column

Consists of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae.

Humerus

Upper arm bone that articulates with the scapula.

Ribs and sternum

Protect thoracic cavity organs; sternum connects to ribs

Radians

Forearm bones; lateral

Ulna

Forearm bones; medial

Hand bones

Carpals(8); metacarpals(5); phalanges(14)

Pelvis

Supports body weight and produces reproductive organs

Femur

Largest bone; connects hip to knee

Tibia

Shin bones; larger and weight bearing

Foot bones

Tarsals(7); Metatarsals(5); phalanges(14)

Patella

Kneecap that protects the knee joint.

Fibula

Smaller lateral bone of the lower leg.

Articulation

A joint where two bones meet.

Joint

Where two bones meet

Immovable Joints

Joints that do not allow movement, such as skull sutures.

Movable Joints

Freely movable joints allowing extensive movement, such as the shoulder and knee.

Ligaments

Connective tissues connecting bones, providing joint stability

Open fracture

Bone breaks and pierces skin

Closed fractures

Nine breaks but remains under skin

Treatment for osteoporosis

calcium and vitamin D, wight bearing exercise

Osteoarthritis

Joint pain and stiffness due to cartilage breakdown.

Treatment for osteoarthritis

Pain relief, physical therapy, joint replacement

Osteoporosis

Bone density loss leading to weak bones.

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Insulin

Hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Salivary Enzymes

Enzymes in saliva that begin the chemical breakdown of food.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate energy through glucose metabolism.

Biceps brachii

flexes the elbow

Triceps brachii

Extends the elbow

Trapezius

Moves the scapula

Deltoid

Extends sem abduction

right atrium

Receives deoxygenated blood; via vena cava

right ventricle

Pumos blood to lungs

Arteries

Carry rich oxygen blood from heart

Capillaries

Site of gas and nutrient exchange

Veins

Carry oxygen poor blood back to the heart

Atherosclerosis

Plaque buildup causing narrowed arteries

Hypertension

High blood pressure affecting organs

Myocardial infarction

Heart attack due to blood flow blockage

nasal cavity

Filters, warms air

Pharynx

Passageway for air

Larynx

Produce sound

Pneumonia

Infection caused fluid in lungs

Tonsils

Trap pathogens

Lymph nodes

Filter harmful substances

Spleen

Filters blood

Pitituary

Growth hormone regulates growth

Thyroid

Hydroid contains metabolism

Pancreas

Insulin regulates blood sugar

Crohn’s disease

Autoimmune cause; treated with medications

Appendicitis

Infection leading to surgical removal