Module 1: The Human Body – Core Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Module 1: The Human Body, including structural organization, characteristics of life, homeostatic mechanisms, anatomical terminology, body planes, cavities, and serous membranes.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the body.

Physiology

The study of the processes and functions of the body.

Systemic anatomy

Approach that studies the body by individual organ systems.

Regional anatomy

Approach that studies the body by specific areas or regions.

Surface anatomy

Uses external landmarks to locate deeper structures.

Chemical level

Atoms combine to form molecules—the simplest level of organization.

Cell level

Molecules form organelles that make up cells, the fundamental units of life.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells and surrounding materials working together as tissues.

Organ level

Two or more tissue types combine to form a discrete structure (organ).

Organ system level

Organs that work together to perform major functions.

Organism level

The complete living being formed by all organ systems.

Organization (life characteristic)

All parts of an organism interact to perform specific functions.

Metabolism

All chemical and physical changes occurring in an organism.

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and react to stimuli to maintain the internal environment.

Growth

Increase in size of all or part of an organism.

Development

Changes an organism undergoes through time, including differentiation.

Reproduction

Formation of new cells or new organisms.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment.

Set point

The ideal normal value for a physiological variable (e.g., body temperature).

Normal range

Acceptable fluctuation around a set point.

Negative feedback

Control mechanism that turns off the original stimulus, keeping variables within a narrow range.

Positive feedback

Mechanism that enhances the original stimulus; rapid but potentially harmful if prolonged.

Anatomical position

Standing erect, face forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

Supine

Body position lying face up.

Prone

Body position lying face down.

Right

Toward the right side of the body in anatomical position.

Left

Toward the left side of the body in anatomical position.

Superior

Toward the head; above.

Inferior

Away from the head; below.

Cephalic

Toward the head (synonym of superior).

Caudal

Toward the tail/feet (synonym of inferior).

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Ventral

Toward the front (belly) side of the body.

Dorsal

Toward the back side of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Superficial

Toward or on the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the surface; internal.

Sagittal plane

Imaginary plane dividing the body into left and right parts.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Longitudinal section

Cut made along the long axis of an organ.

Cross (transverse) section

Cut made at a right angle to the long axis of an organ.

Oblique section

Cut made across the long axis at an angle other than 90°.

Thoracic cavity

Body cavity bounded by ribs and diaphragm; contains heart and lungs.

Abdominal cavity

Cavity between diaphragm and abdominal muscles; houses most digestive organs.

Pelvic cavity

Cavity enclosed by pelvic bones; contains bladder, reproductive organs, rectum.

Parietal membrane

Serous membrane lining the wall of a cavity.

Visceral membrane

Serous membrane in direct contact with internal organs.

Serous fluid

Lubricating fluid secreted by serous membranes to reduce friction.

Pericardial cavity

Serous cavity surrounding the heart.

Pleural cavity

Serous cavity surrounding each lung.

Peritoneal cavity

Serous cavity surrounding selected abdominal and pelvic organs.

Mesenteries

Folds of peritoneum that secure abdominal organs and convey vessels and nerves.

Retroperitoneal organs

Organs located behind the parietal peritoneum, such as kidneys and pancreas.