Human Body Orientation

Vocabulary flashcards for Anatomy and Physiology based on lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the body's structures and the relationships between them; "How the body is put together"

Physiology

The study of the body's functions; "How the body works"

Complementarity

The principle that form affects function and function affects form.

Gross/Macroscopic Anatomy

Anatomy at the systemic, regional, or surface level.

Microscopic Anatomy

Anatomy at the cytology or histology level.

Developmental Anatomy

Anatomy at the embryology level.

Pathological Anatomy

The study of anatomical changes due to disease.

Radiographic Anatomy

The study of anatomy using imaging techniques.

Systemic Physiology

The study of the function of organ systems (e.g., renal physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology).

Integumentary System

External body covering that provides protection, vitamin D synthesis, sensation, and thermoregulation.

Skeletal System

Provides protection, support, framework, movement, blood cell formation, and mineral storage.

Muscular System

Enables manipulation of the environment, locomotion, facial expression, speech, and heat production.

Nervous System

Uses electrical impulses for quick control responses, enabling internal and external changes, senses, balance, consciousness, intelligence, and memory.

Endocrine System

Secretes hormones for slow, long-duration control responses, regulating growth, reproduction, and nutrient use.

Cardiovascular System

Transports blood carrying O2, CO2, nutrients, wastes, and hormones.

Lymphatic/Immune System

Involved in fluid conservation, debris disposal, and body defense (immunity).

Respiratory System

Supplies O2, removes CO2, maintains acid-base balance, and enables speech.

Digestive System

Performs digestion and elimination of waste.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous waste, regulates H2O and electrolyte levels, and maintains acid-base balance.

Male Reproductive System

Involved in sperm production and contributes to male sex characteristics.

Female Reproductive System

Involved in female sex characteristics, egg production, fertilization, implantation, embryonic and fetal development, birth, and newborn nourishment.

Maintaining Boundaries

Separating internal body fluids; plasma membrane (intracellular vs. extracellular fluid); integumentary system and digestive system (outside world vs. body).

Movement

Organism movement, organ movement, muscle fiber contractility, cellular motility, and intracellular movement.

Responsiveness

Excitability; response to touch, pain, chemicals, etc.

Digestion

Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical breakdown, chemical breakdown, absorption, and defecation.

Metabolism

Anabolism, catabolism, and cellular respiration (energy production); regulated by hormones.

Excretion

Waste removal (digestive, nitrogenous, CO2).

Reproduction

Cellular (mitosis) and organism reproduction (meiosis, gametogenesis, fertilization to childbirth).

Growth

Cellular, organ, and organism growth.

Nutrients

Macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).

Homeostasis

Stable internal environment; foundation of modern physiology.

Negative Feedback

Mechanisms that oppose the original state or effect; prevents severe body changes; most common type.

Positive Feedback

Mechanisms that enhance the original state or effect; conditions are amplified; cascade of events; rare and dangerous.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference point for anatomical description.

Anterior

Toward the front.

Posterior

Toward the back.

Superior

Above.

Inferior

Below.

Medial

Toward the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment.

Cephalic

Relating to the head.

Cervical

Relating to the neck.

Thoracic

Relating to the chest.

Abdominal

Relating to the abdomen.

Pelvic

Relating to the pelvis.

Coronal (frontal) Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal left and right parts.

Ventral Cavity

Includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains the pleural, pericardial cavities, and mediastinum.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Serosa

Serous membrane lining body cavities; doubled layer (parietal and visceral).

Pleural Cavity

Surrounds the lungs.

Pericardial Cavity

Surrounds the heart.

Peritoneal Cavity

In the abdominopelvic cavity.

RUQ

Right Upper Quadrant of the abdomen.

LUQ

Left Upper Quadrant of the abdomen.

RLQ

Right Lower Quadrant of the abdomen.

LLQ

Left Lower Quadrant of the abdomen.

Epigastric Region

The abdominal region superior to the umbilical region.

Umbilical Region

The region of the abdomen that surrounds the umbilicus (navel).

Hypogastric Region

The pubic region of the abdomen.