Introduction to the Human Body Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards generated from the Introduction to the Human Body lecture covering fundamental concepts, homeostasis, levels of anatomy, body planes, cavities, and organ systems.

Anatomy

Science of the structure of an organism and the relationship of its parts.

Physiology

Science of the function of an organism and the relationship of its parts.

Complementarity of Structure and Function

Unifying concept stating that form is closely related to function, as anatomical structures are designed to perform specific functions due to their unique size, shape, form, or body location.

Anabolism

Metabolic reaction where smaller, simpler molecules are combined into larger, more complex substances; this process consumes energy.

Catabolic Reaction

Metabolic reaction where larger, more complex substances are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules; this process releases energy.

Metabolism

Sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place continuously and simultaneously in the body.

Homeostasis

Ability to maintain or restore an environment at a certain level; state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Set Point

Value around which a normal physiological range fluctuates in homeostasis.

Normal Range

Restricted set of values required for optimum physiological function.

Stimulus

Any factor which causes a change from normal conditions.

Sensor

Specific receptors that detect and react to any changes from normal physiological state.

Integrating (Control) Center

Component of a homeostatic mechanism that compares a value to its normal range to determine the need to initiate a specific action.

Effector

Component of a homeostatic control mechanism that causes a change in order to return a variable to its normal range.

Negative Feedback Control System

Common homeostatic system that produces an effect opposite to the change that activated it, producing inhibitory and stabilizing effects.

Positive Feedback Control System

Feedback mechanism that amplifies or reinforces an occurring change to bring specific body functions to swift completion, producing destabilizing effects.

Microanatomy

Study of body structures at a smaller scale, observable only with the use of a microscope or other magnification devices (includes cytology and histology).

Gross Anatomy

Study of the larger structures of the body that are visible without the aid of magnification.

Regional Anatomy

Study of the interrelationships of all of the structures in a specific body region.

Systemic Anatomy

Study of the structures that make up a discrete body system.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Plane running lengthwise (side to side) that divides the body or body part into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane

Plane running through the middle from front to back that divides the body or body part into right and left portions.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Crosswise plane that divides the body or body part into upper and lower parts.

Serous Membrane

Thin membrane that covers cavity walls and organs in anterior cavities, forming fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction during movement.

Pleura

Specific serous membrane that surrounds the lungs.

Pericardium

Specific serous membrane that surrounds the heart.

Peritoneum

Specific serous membrane that surrounds organs in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Integumentary System

Organ system that encloses internal body structures and serves as the site of many sensory receptors.

Skeletal System

Organ system that supports the body and enables movement alongside the muscular system.

Muscular System

Organ system that enables movement with the skeletal system and helps maintain body temperature.

Nervous System

Organ system that detects and processes sensory information and activates bodily responses.

Endocrine System

Organ system that secretes hormones and regulates bodily processes.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system that delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues and equalizes body temperature.

Lymphatic System

Organ system that returns fluid to blood and defends against pathogens.

Respiratory System

Organ system that removes carbon dioxide from the body and delivers oxygen to blood.

Digestive System

Organ system that processes food for use by the body and removes wastes from undigested food.

Urinary System

Organ system that controls water balance in the body and removes and excretes wastes from blood.

Male Reproductive System

Organ system that produces sex hormones and gametes, and delivers gametes to female.

Female Reproductive System

Organ system that produces sex hormones and gametes, supports embryo/fetus until birth, and produces milk for infant.