Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy

study of the parts of living things. shows how the body is built and how its parts are arranged

physiology

is the study of how living things work

homeostasis

is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment

negative feedback

is a process in the body that helps keep things stable (sweating)

structural hierarchy

cells, tissue, organs, organ system, organism

digestive system

is a group of organs that work together to break down the food you eat into nutrients your body can use for energy, growth, and repair.

accessory organs

organs that assist the main organs in a system but are not part of the main pathway (salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas)

chemical digestion

is the process by which your body uses enzymes to break down large, complex food molecules (enzymes)

mechanical digestion

Mechanical digestion is how your body physically breaks down food—like chewing and stomach churning

respiratory system

the group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe

circulatory system

the body's network responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body

heart

central pump of your circulatory system, tirelessly circulating blood throughout your body to supply tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients

bloods vessels

are the network of tubes that carry blood throughout your body

immune system

body's defense network that protects you from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It also helps heal injuries and fights off diseases

pathogen

is any microorganism—such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite—that can cause disease in its host

white blood cells