Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture Notes (Dr. Granger)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on anatomy, physiology, methods, and foundational concepts.

Na+/K+ pump

Primary active transport moving 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in using ATP to maintain resting membrane potential and cell volume.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside cells that contains Na+ and mediates many transport processes.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid inside cells, rich in K+ and essential for metabolic activities.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the energy currency of the cell used to power processes like the Na+/K+ pump.

ADP

Adenosine diphosphate; product formed when ATP releases energy.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and form of the body.

Physiology

The study of the functions and processes of the body's structures.

Histology

Microscopic anatomy; the study of tissues.

Gross anatomy

Anatomy visible to the naked eye without magnification.

Cytology

Study of cell structure and function.

Ultrastructure

Structure at the molecular level within cells.

Medical imaging

Techniques that allow viewing inside the body without surgery (e.g., X-ray, MRI, CT).

Comparative anatomy

Study of multiple species to identify evolutionary patterns.

Comparative physiology

Study of bodily function across species to inform human health and medicine.

Vestigial organ

An organ that has lost its original function through evolution but remains in the body.

Common ancestry

Evolutionary relationships among species that explain similarities and inform research use of animals.

Inductive method

Reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions or theories.

Deductive method

Formulating a testable hypothesis and evaluating predictions with evidence.

Scientific proof

In science, conclusions are supported when repeatedly tested and not falsified; knowledge is tentative.

Hierarchy of complexity

Organization from atoms and molecules up to organ systems and organisms.

Organization (life characteristic)

Living things show higher levels of organization than nonliving matter.

Cellular basis

Life is grounded in cells; organisms are built from one or more cells.

Metabolism

Internal chemical changes, including anabolism and catabolism.

Responsiveness and movement

Ability to sense and respond to environmental changes; movement is common in organisms.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Negative feedback

A regulatory mechanism that opposes a change to restore homeostasis.

Receptor

Structure that detects a change in the body.

Integrator (control center)

Process that interprets sensory information and directs a response.

Effector

Structure that executes the response to restore homeostasis.

Thermoregulation

Regulation of body temperature, with responses like vasodilation and sweating or vasoconstriction and shivering.

Exploratory surgery

Historically important method for examining internal anatomy; now less common.

Cadaver dissection

Internal examination of the body by cutting tissues to study anatomy.

Normal vs abnormal anatomy

Concepts distinguishing typical anatomy from variations or deformities.

Median nerve

Major nerve of the forearm/hand region involved in motor and sensory functions.