Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terminology, characteristics of life, requirements of organisms, homeostasis, and structural membrane terms from Chapter 1.

Anatomy definition

Study of structure

Physiology definition

Study of function

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A noninvasive medical imaging procedure requiring injection of dye that produces computerized images from different angles.

Ultrasonography

A noninvasive medical imaging procedure using high-frequency sound waves that is relatively quick and inexpensive.

Movement

a change in position or motion.

Responsiveness

a reaction to a change.

Growth

an increase in body size without a change in shape

Respiration

the process of obtaining oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and releasing energy from foods.

Reproduction

the production of new organisms and new cells

Absorption

the passage of substances through membranes and into body fluids

Circulation

the movement of substances in body fluids

Assimilation

the process of changing absorbed substances into chemically different forms to match the majority substance

Excretion

the removal of wastes produced by metabolic reactions

Digestion

the breakdown of food substances into simpler forms that are usable

Water

The most abundant substance in the body, required for metabolic processes, transport of substances, and regulation of body temperature.

Food

Substance that provides necessary nutrients, supplies energy, and supplies raw materials to organisms.

Oxygen

A gas constituting one-fifth of air that is used to release energy from nutrients.

Heat

A form of energy that partly controls the rate of metabolic reactions.

Atmospheric Pressure

The force on an object by the air, which is important for breathing.

Hydrostatic Pressure

type of pressure exerted by liquid that keeps blood flowing.

Homeostasis

The body's maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Receptors

Structures in homeostatic mechanisms that provide information about stimuli.

Control Center

A component of a homeostatic mechanism that indicates a set point and tells what a particular value should be.

Effectors

Components of homeostatic mechanisms (muscles or glands) that elicit responses that change conditions in the internal environment.

Visceral Layer

A membrane layer that covers an organ.

Parietal Layer

A membrane layer that lines a cavity or body wall.

Anatomical Position

Standard body posture defined as standing erect, facing forward, upper limbs at the sides, with palms facing forward.