BIOL 213: Chapter 1 - The Sciences of Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary practice flashcards for BIOL 213 covering key definitions, body organization levels, organ systems, anatomical language, body cavities, and homeostatic feedback mechanisms.

Anatomy

The science that studies the form and structure of the body, including its organs, tissues, and cells.

Physiology

The science that focuses on the function of the body parts and the mechanisms by which they work.

Microscopic Anatomy

The branch of anatomy that examines structures that cannot be seen by the unaided eye, such as cells and tissues under a microscope.

Gross Anatomy

The branch of anatomy that investigates structures visible to the unaided eye, such as organ systems and body organs.

Pathophysiology

The study of functional changes or abnormal processes associated with disease or injury.

Chemical Level

The simplest level of structural organization, consisting of atoms, molecules, macromolecules (such as DNA), and organelles.

Cellular Level

The level of body organization consisting of cells, which are the smallest living units of structure and function in the body.

Tissue Level

The level of body organization composed of groups of similar cells that perform common, specialized functions.

Organ Level

The level of body organization containing two or more tissue types that work together to perform specific, complex functions.

Organ System Level

The level of organization containing related organs that work together to coordinate and achieve common body functions.

Organismal Level

The highest level of structural organization, where all body systems function interdependently in a single living individual.

Integumentary System

The body system that provides protection, prevents water loss and gain, synthesizes vitamin D, releases secretions, regulates body temperature, and houses sensory receptors.

Skeletal System

The body system that provides support and protection, serves as the site of hematopoiesis (blood cell production), stores calcium and phosphorus, and provides sites for ligament and muscle attachments.

Muscular System

The body system that produces body movement and generates heat when muscles contract.

Nervous System

A regulatory body system that responds to sensory stimuli, controls muscles and some glands, and is responsible for consciousness, intelligence, and memory.

Endocrine System

The body system consisting of glands and cell clusters that secrete hormones to regulate growth, metabolism, homeostasis, digestive processes, and reproductive functions.

Cardiovascular System

The body system consisting of the heart and blood vessels that moves blood to distribute hormones, nutrients, and gases, and pick up waste products.

Lymphatic System

The body system that transports and filters lymph (interstitial fluid collected in lymph vessels) and participates in immune responses.

Respiratory System

The body system responsible for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between blood and air in the lungs.

Urinary System

The body system that filters the blood to remove waste products and biologically active molecules, concentrates waste as urine, and expels urine from the body.

Digestive System

The body system that mechanically and chemically digests food, absorbs nutrients, and expels waste products.

Coronal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body or organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body or organ into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.

Midsagittal Plane

A vertical plane passing along the midline that divides the body or organ into equal left and right halves.

Oblique Plane

A plane that passes through the body or organ at an angle.

Anterior

Directional term meaning in front of or toward the front surface of the body.

Posterior

Directional term meaning in back of or toward the back surface of the body.

Superior

Directional term meaning closer to the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Directional term meaning closer to the feet or lower part of a structure.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther away from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable, consistent internal environment around a set point, such as maintaining body temperature at $37\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Receptor

The homeostatic control component (such as sensory neurons in skin) that detects a stimulus or change in a regulated variable.

Control Center

The homeostatic structure (usually the brain or endocrine gland) that integrates sensory input and initiates output change through an effector.

Effector

The homeostatic structure (such as a muscle or gland) that brings about a response or change to alter the stimulus.

Negative Feedback

A homeostatic control mechanism where the action moves the regulated variable in the opposite direction of the stimulus to return it to the normal set point.

Positive Feedback

A homeostatic control mechanism where the stimulus is reinforced or amplified in the same direction until a specific climax or event occurs.

Parietal Serous Membrane

The outer layer of a serous membrane lining the internal surface of a body cavity wall.

Visceral Serous Membrane

The inner layer of a serous membrane covering the external surface of organs within a body cavity.

Hypo-

A prefix meaning below or under.

Abdominopelvic Regions

A division of the abdominopelvic cavity into nine distinct compartments: epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric, right and left hypochondriac, right and left lumbar, and right and left iliac regions.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

A division of the abdominopelvic cavity into four compartments formed by intersecting lines at the umbilicus: Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ), Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ), Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), and Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ).