Introductory Anatomy & Physiology – Chapter 1 Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy & physiology concepts discussed in the Chapter 1 lecture: homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, metabolic processes, organization levels, organic vs. inorganic compounds, major biomolecules, anatomical terminology, and basic physiology principles.

Anatomy

The scientific study of body structure and the relationships among body parts.

Physiology

The science of how body parts function and work together.

Complementarity of Structure and Function

Principle that what a structure can do depends on its specific form.

Homeostasis

The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Stressors (Stimuli)

Events or conditions that disrupt homeostasis and trigger regulatory mechanisms.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism that counteracts the original change to restore balance (e.g., sweating to cool the body).

Positive Feedback

A control mechanism that amplifies the original stimulus (e.g., uterine contractions during childbirth).

Sensor (Receptor)

Structure that detects a change in the internal or external environment.

Control Center

Processes information from sensors and determines the response (e.g., hypothalamus for temperature control).

Metabolism

All chemical reactions occurring in the body, including energy-producing and energy-using processes.

Anabolism

The ‘building-up’ phase of metabolism that synthesizes larger molecules from smaller ones using energy.

Catabolism

The ‘breaking-down’ phase of metabolism that decomposes molecules to release energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy-carrying molecule produced during cellular respiration.

Cellular Respiration

Catabolic process that breaks down glucose to produce ATP, water, and carbon dioxide.

Levels of Organization

Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism.

Inorganic Compounds

Small, simple substances that generally lack carbon (e.g., water, salts, acids, bases).

Organic Compounds

Larger, complex molecules that always contain carbon (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).

Carbohydrates

Sugars and starches; primary energy source for cells.

Lipids

Fats and related molecules that store energy and form cell membranes.

Proteins

Complex organic compounds made of amino acids; essential for structure and function.

Nucleic Acids

DNA and RNA; molecules that store and transmit genetic information.

Anatomical Position

Standard body stance: standing erect, feet forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that acts as a control center for many homeostatic processes, including temperature regulation.