Vital Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering vital vocabulary terms related to anatomy and physiology.

Abdomen

The body cavity that contains many of the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.

Acetabulum

The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.

Adrenal Glands

Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.

Adrenergic

Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline; also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.

Aerobic Metabolism

Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.

Agonal Gasps

Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.

Alpha-Adrenergic Receptors

Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.

Alveoli

The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

Anaerobic Metabolism

Metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.

Anatomic Position

The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.

Anatomy

The study of the physical structure of the body and its components.

Aorta

The main artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.

Appendicular Skeleton

The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.

Appendix

A small, tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Arterioles

The smallest branches of arteries lead.ing to the vast network of capillaries.

Articular Cartilage

A pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.

Atrium

One of the two upper chambers of the heart.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Axons

Extensions of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the den-drites (receivers) of another neuron.

Ball-and-Socket Joint

A joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.

Beta-Adrenergic Receptors

Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, an increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation.