Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 1 Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from Chapter 1 of Anatomy and Physiology lecture notes.

Gross Anatomy

The study of the larger structures of the body visible without magnification.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that can be observed only with a microscope or other magnification device.

Cytology

The study of cells, a branch of microscopic anatomy.

Histology

The study of tissues, a branch of microscopic anatomy.

Regional Anatomy

The study of the interrelationships of all structures in a specific body region.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of the structures that make up a discrete body system (organs working together).

Physiology

The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways they work together to support the functions of life.

Homeostasis

The body’s tendency toward maintaining relatively stable internal conditions.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Tissue

A group of many similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

An anatomically distinct structure of the body composed of two or more tissue types.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet physiological needs of the body.

Organization

The compartmentalization of the human body into distinct internal compartments.

Metabolism

The process of consuming energy and molecules in food, converting it into fuel, and building/maintaining body structures.

Anabolism

The process whereby smaller, simpler molecules are combined into larger, more complex substances.

Catabolism

The process by which larger, more complex substances are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules, releasing energy.

Responsiveness

The ability of an organism to adjust to changes in its internal and external environments.

Development

All of the changes the body goes through in life, including differentiation, growth, and repair.

Growth

The increase in body size through increasing the number of existing cells or the amount of non-cellular material.

Reproduction

The formation of a new organism from parent organisms.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the mixture of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere; keeps gases within the body dissolved.

Receptor

Monitors the internal and external environments and responds to stimuli.

Control Center

Determines the set point at which a variable is to be maintained, receives input from receptors, and determines the appropriate response.

Effector

Receives output from the control center and provides the means to respond (reduces or enhances the stimulus).

Negative Feedback

A response that reduces or shuts off the original stimulus, causing the variable to change in the opposite direction of the initial change.

Positive Feedback

A response that enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, often exhibiting a cascade effect.

Anatomical Position

The body standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart and parallel, toes forward, upper limbs out to the side, and palms facing forward.

Anterior

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.

Superior

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper.

Inferior

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper.

Lateral

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body.

Medial

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body.

Proximal

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Distal

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Superficial

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides.

Frontal Plane

Divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (rear) portions.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body or an organ horizontally into upper and lower portions.

Serous Membrane

A thin membrane that covers the walls and organs in the thoracic & abdominopelvic cavities.

Pleura

The serous membrane that surrounds the LUNGS in the PLEURA cavity.

Pericardium

The serous membrane that surrounds the HEART in the PERICARDIAL cavity.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane that surrounds several ORGANS in the ABDOMINOPELVIC cavity.