An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, part 1

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the introduction to anatomy and physiology lecture notes, covering levels of organization, the specialties of A&P, and the eleven human organ systems.

Anatomy

The study of internal and external structures and the physical relationships among body parts, including specialties like gross, surface, regional, systemic, developmental, and microscopic anatomy.

Physiology

The study of how living organisms perform their vital functions, including specialties like cell, special, systemic, and pathological physiology.

Cytology

A specialty of microscopic anatomy focused on the study of cells.

Histology

A specialty of microscopic anatomy focused on the study of tissues.

Cellular Level

The level of organization involving individual units like heart muscle cells.

Tissue Level

The level of organization represented by groups of cells working together, such as cardiac muscle tissue.

Organ Level

The level of organization involving multiple tissues forming a structure like the heart.

Organ System Level

The level of organization where multiple organs work together, such as the cardiovascular system; there are $11$ organ systems in the body.

Integumentary System

Major organs include the skin, hair, sweat glands, and nails; functions include protecting against environmental hazards, regulating body temperature, and providing sensory information.

Nervous System

Major organs include the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and sense organs; functions include directing immediate responses to stimuli and coordinating organ system activities.

Skeletal System

Major organs include bones, cartilages, associated ligaments, and bone marrow; functions include providing support, storing calcium and minerals, and forming blood cells.

Endocrine System

Major organs include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, and gonads; functions include directing long-term changes, adjusting metabolic activity, and controlling development.

Muscular System

Major organs include skeletal muscles and associated tendons and aponeuroses; functions include movement, protection, support, and generating heat to maintain body temperature.

Cardiovascular System

Major organs include the heart, blood, and blood vessels; functions include distributing blood cells, water, nutrients, waste products, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and heat.

Lymphatic System

Major organs include the spleen, thymus, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and tonsils; functions include defending against infection and returning tissue fluids to the bloodstream.

Urinary System

Major organs include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra; functions include excreting waste, controlling water balance, and regulating blood ion concentrations and pH.

Respiratory System

Major organs include nasal cavities, sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli; functions include providing oxygen to the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide.

Alveoli

Specific sites in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Digestive System

Major organs include teeth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas; functions include processing food and absorbing nutrients like ions, sugars, and proteins.

Male Reproductive System

Major organs include testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, penis, and scrotum; functions include producing male sex cells (sperm) and hormones.

Female Reproductive System

Major organs include ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, labia, clitoris, and mammary glands; functions include producing female sex cells (oocytes), supporting embryo development, and providing milk.

Homeostasis

A state of internal balance in the body, which is regulated through both positive and negative feedback mechanisms.