Anatomy / physiology

Anatomy

The branch of science that studies the structure of the body.

Physiology

The branch of science that describes how the body functions.

Homeostasis

The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment in response to a changing environment.

Integumentary system

The organ system consisting of skin, hair, and nails; helps regulate body temperature and contains structures necessary for sensation.

Skeletal system

The basic framework of the body consisting of bones, joints, and cartilage; protects and supports body organs.

Muscular system

The organ system that is responsible for movement and maintaining posture through muscles attached to the skeletal system.

Cardiac muscle

A type of muscle found in the heart that contracts to pump blood throughout the body.

Nervous system

The system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs; responsible for receiving, interpreting, and transmitting information.

Endocrine system

A system that contains glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Circulatory system

The system that consists of the heart and blood vessels; responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body.

Lymphatic system

A system that consists of lymph nodes, vessels, and other organs; vital for fluid balance and immune defense.

Immune system

An elaborate defense system that protects the body from pathogens, allergens, and cancer cells.

Respiratory system

The system including the lungs and structures that conduct air to and from the lungs for gas exchange.

Digestive system

The system comprised of organs that break down food for absorption and eliminate waste.

Urinary system

The system including the kidneys and other structures that excrete waste products from the body through urine.

Reproductive system

The system made up of organs enabling reproduction.

Superior

Positioned above another structure.

Inferior

Positioned below another structure.

Anterior

Located towards the front of the body.

Posterior

Located towards the back of the body.

Medial

Positioned toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Positioned away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Frontal plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) segments.

Transverse plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions.

Dorsal cavity

The cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord.

Ventral cavity

The cavity that contains thoracic and abdominal organs.

Quadrants

Four divisions of the abdominal cavity: right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower.

Regions

Nine specific areas of the abdominal cavity used for diagnostic purposes.

Word root

The core part of a word that holds the basic meaning.

Suffix

A word part added at the end of a word root to modify its meaning.

Prefix

A word part added at the beginning of a word root to modify its meaning.

Combining vowel

A vowel, often 'o', used in medical terms to ease pronunciation.