Week 1 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (copy)

Chemical Level

The level of body organization that includes atoms and molecules, the smallest units of matter that participate in chemical reactions.

Cellular Level

The basic structural and functional units of an organism.

Tissue Level

Groups of similarly specialized cells and the substances surrounding them that perform certain special functions.

Organ Level

Structures composed of two or more different tissues that have specific functions.

System Level

A collection of related organs that have a common function.

Organismal Level

A collection of structurally and functionally integrated systems; any living individual.

Integumentary System

The system that includes skin and associated structures such as hair, nails, sweat glands, and oil glands; functions to protect the body and regulate temperature.

Skeletal System

Composed of bones, joints, and associated cartilages; supports and protects the body and aids in movement.

Muscular System

Composed of skeletal muscles; produces body movements and generates heat.

Nervous System

Composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and special sense organs; regulates body activities through action potentials.

Cardiovascular System

Composed of blood, heart, and blood vessels; transports nutrients and oxygen to cells and removes wastes.

Lymphatic System

Composed of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and tonsils; aids in immune response and returns fluid to blood.

Respiratory System

Composed of lungs and air passageways; functions in gas exchange and voice production.

Digestive System

Composed of gastrointestinal organs and accessory organs; functions in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.

Urinary System

Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; maintains homeostasis of body fluids.

Endocrine System

Composed of glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands; regulates body activities by releasing hormones.

Reproductive System

Composed of gonads and associated organs; functions in the production and transport of gametes.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur in the body, including catabolism and anabolism.

Homeostasis

The condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment produced by regulatory processes.

Feedback System

A cycle of events where the body is monitored and re-monitored, involving receptors, control centers, and effectors.

Negative Feedback

A feedback system that reverses a change in a controlled condition.

Positive Feedback

A feedback system that strengthens or reinforces a change in a controlled condition.

Body Fluids

Dilute, watery solutions containing dissolved chemicals inside or outside of the cell.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid within cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells, including interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and lymph.

Anatomical Position

A standardized method of observing the body, with the body upright, facing forward, and limbs at the sides.

Prone Position

The body is lying face down.

Supine Position

The body is lying face up.

Superior

A directional term meaning above or toward the head.

Inferior

A directional term meaning below or toward the feet.

Anterior

A directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior

A directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Lateral

A directional term meaning farther from the midline of the body.

Distal

A directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Sagittal Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body into left and right parts.

Frontal Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Cranial Cavity

The space formed by the cranial bones that protects the brain.

Vertebral Canal

The space formed by the vertebral column that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The cavity formed by the ribs and diaphragm that contains the lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The cavity extending from the diaphragm to the groin, containing abdominal and pelvic organs.

Serous Membrane

A thin slippery membrane that covers the viscera and lines body cavities.

Pleura

The serous membrane of the pleural cavities surrounding the lungs.

Pericardium

The serous membrane of the pericardial cavity surrounding the heart.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane of the abdominal cavity.

Abdominopelvic Regions

Used to describe the location of abdominal and pelvic organs.