Anatomy Chapter 1 Test Terms

Human Anatomy & Physiology

The study of the structure and functions of the human body.

Anatomical position

The position the body is in for scientific study, standing erect or lying flat with arms at the side and palms facing forward.

Intercellular fluid

Fluids and other substances found in between cells.

Intracellular fluid

Fluids and substances found within a cell.

Homeostasis

Having a stable or normal internal environment.

Receptors

Ends of nerves that detect information about specific conditions in the internal environment.

Effector

An organ or structure that causes responses that alter conditions in the internal environment.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that take place in the body at a given time.

Vascular

Having blood vessels within the tissue.

Avascular

Not having blood vessels within the tissue.

Aerobic reactions

Reactions that take place using oxygen.

Anaerobic reactions

Reactions that take place without using oxygen.

-ase

A suffix that refers to an enzyme.

-ose

A suffix that refers to a sugar.

-itis

A suffix that refers to inflammation.

-cyte

A suffix that refers to a cell.

Chondrocyte

A cartilage cell.

Osteocyte

A bone cell.

Adipocyte

A fat cell.

Erythocyte

A red blood cell.

Leukocyte

A white blood cell.

Thrombocyte

A platelet.

Organelles

Small structures inside a cell that carry out specific functions to keep the cell in homeostasis.

Cell

The most basic unit of structure and function of all organisms.

Tissue

A group of cells similar in structure and function.

Organ

Structures within the body consisting of a group of tissues with a specialized function.

Sudoriferous gland

Scientific name for sweat gland.

Sebaceous gland

Scientific name for oil gland.

Articulation (joint)

Anywhere two or more bones come together, usually allowing for movement.

Ligament

A type of connective tissue that connects one bone with other bones forming an articulation

Tendon

A type of connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.

Hematopoiesis

The production of blood cells from driving stem cells in red bone marrow.

Endocrine gland

A type of gland that secretes its substance directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine gland

A type of gland that secretes its substance through a duct to the surface of a structure or body.

Superior

A body part that is above another part.

Inferior

A body part that is below another part.

Anterior (ventral)

Front.

Posterior (dorsal)

Back.

Medial

Refers to how close a body part is to the midline.

Lateral

Toward the side, away from the midline.

Bilateral

Paired structures, one on each side of the midline.

Ipsilateral

Structures on the same side.

Contralateral

Structures on opposite sides.

Proximal

Describes a body part that is closer to a point of attachment to the trunk than another body part.

Distal

A body part that is farther from a point of attachment to the trunk than another body part.

Superficial

Situated near the surface.

Peripheral

Outward or near the surface; describes blood vessels or nerves.

Deep

Describes parts that are more internal than superficial parts.

Sagittal

Lengthwise plane that divides the body into left and right portions.

Median (midsagittal)

A plane that passes along the midline and divides the body into equal parts.

Parasagittal

A sagittal section lateral to midline.

Transverse

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Frontal (coronal)

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.