HLSC101 General Anatomy - Midterm Review

Vocabulary review flashcards covering essential concepts, anatomical structures, tissues, systems, and physiological principles for the HLSC101 General Anatomy midterm examination.

Homeostasis

The physiological process of maintaining a stable internal environment through regulatory control mechanisms, including negative and positive feedback.

Anatomical Position

The standardized body orientation used as a reference point for describing directional terms and anatomical regions of the body.

Buffer

A chemical substance or mechanism that helps regulate and stabilize pH by resisting drastic changes when acids or bases are introduced.

Cation

A positively charged ion, distinguished from a negatively charged anion.

Anion

A negatively charged ion, distinguished from a positively charged cation.

Isotonic

A solution tonicity in which the solute concentration is equal to that of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water via osmosis.

Hypotonic

A solution tonicity with a lower solute concentration than the cell, causing water to move into the cell via osmosis.

Hypertonic

A solution tonicity with a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing water to move out of the cell via osmosis.

Goblet Cells

Specialized epithelial cells responsible for secreting mucus, found in specific tissue types alongside structures like cilia and microvilli.

Epidermis

The superficial region of the skin characterized by specific epithelial cell types, organized layers, and pigments.

Dermis

The middle layer of the skin located beneath the epidermis and above the hypodermis, featuring unique organization, cells, and structures.

Hypodermis

The deep subcutaneous layer of the skin located below the dermis, characterized by distinct connective and adipose structures.

Compact Bone

Dense, highly organized bone tissue that forms the sturdy outer layer of bones, distinct from spongy bone.

Spongy Bone

Porous bone tissue characterized by a lattice-like trabecular organization, differentiated from compact bone.

Synovial Joint

A freely movable joint characterized by unique features such as a joint cavity, synovial fluid, and distinctive ranges of motion.

Sarcomere

The fundamental contractile unit of skeletal muscle tissue, containing specialized organized protein filaments and structural zones.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The primary division of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord, housing specific neuroglia, nuclei, and tracts.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The division of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, composed of peripheral nerves, ganglions, and distinct neuroglia.

Ganglion

An organized cluster of neuron cell bodies located within the peripheral nervous system.

Nucleus (Nervous System)

An organized cluster of neuron cell bodies located within the central nervous system.

Nerve

A bundle of neuronal axons located in the peripheral nervous system that innervates specific effector targets.

Tract

A bundle of neuronal axons located within the central nervous system connecting different functional regions.

Precentral Gyrus

The primary motor region of the cerebral cortex located in the central nervous system responsible for initiating voluntary movement.

Postcentral Gyrus

The primary somatosensory region of the cerebral cortex located in the central nervous system responsible for processing sensory input.

Meninges

The protective connective tissue membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord within the central nervous system.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

The clear fluid created within the brain ventricles that circulates throughout the cavities of the central nervous system and subarachnoid space.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The involuntary motor division of the nervous system that regulates visceral targets, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Somatic Motor System

The voluntary motor division of the nervous system responsible for innervating skeletal muscles.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for fight-or-flight responses, characterized by specific sites of anatomical origin and bodily effects.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest-and-digest actions and maintaining homeostasis during resting states.

Neural Tube

The embryonic precursor structure to the central nervous system whose developmental defects can result in congenital abnormalities.

Papillae

Specialized surface projections, such as those on the tongue, that possess specific locations and sensory or mechanical functions.