Human Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Flashcards for Anatomy and Physiology I

What is Anatomy?

The study of the structure (morphology, form) of body parts.

What is Physiology?

The study of the function of body parts.

Describe the anatomical position.

Face forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward, and body is erect.

List the structural levels of organization in order from least to most complex.

Subatomic particles, atom, molecules/compounds, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, human organism.

What are examples of macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Define organelle.

A small organ of a cell, which performs a particular function.

Define a tissue.

A group of similar cells that performs a specialized function.

Give examples of organs.

Skin, heart, brain.

Give examples of organ systems.

Integumentary, nervous, cardiovascular.

List the characteristics of life.

Movement, responsiveness, growth, reproduction, respiration, digestion, absorption, circulation, assimilation, excretion.

What is the difference between anaerobic and aerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration produces energy without using oxygen, while aerobic respiration uses oxygen.

What are the requirements of organisms for maintenance of life?

Nutrients, oxygen, water, heat, and pressure.

Define metabolism.

The body’s ability to break down and build up molecules/compounds for the body to use; the physical and chemical changes or reactions that occur within the body.

What is the difference between catabolism and anabolism?

Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules, while anabolism is the buildup of molecules.

Define homeostasis.

The tendency of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

What are the three components common to all homeostatic mechanisms?

Receptor, control center, effector.

Give an example of negative feedback.

Hormone release from endocrine system (insulin release), maintenance of body temperature, blood pressure regulation.

Give an example of positive feedback.

Blood clotting, uterine contraction during childbirth.

What are the two major portions of the human body?

Axial portion and appendicular portion.

List the major cavities of the human body.

Cranial cavity, vertebral canal, thoracic cavity, and abdominopelvic cavity.

What organs are found in the thoracic cavity?

Lungs, mediastinum, thymus, heart, esophagus, and trachea.

List the cavities in the head.

Oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, orbital cavities, and middle ear cavities.

What is a serous membrane?

A soft, thin, pliable layer of tissue that either covers a vital organ (visceral membrane) or lines a body cavity (parietal membrane).

What are the serous membranes of the lungs called?

Pleural membranes (visceral and parietal pleura).

What are the serous membranes of the heart called?

Pericardial membranes (visceral and parietal pericardium).

What are the serous membranes of the abdominal organs called?

Peritoneal membranes (visceral and parietal peritoneum).

Give the organs of the Integumentary system and their function(s).

Skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands; Function: protects tissues, regulates body temperature, supports sensory receptors, and aids in excretion

Give the organs of the Skeletal system and their function(s).

Bones, ligaments, cartilage; Function: Provides framework, protects soft tissues, provides attachment sites for sites for muscles, produce blood cells, store inorganic salts

Give the organs of the Muscular system and their function(s).

Muscles; Function: Cause movement, maintain posture, produce body heat

Give the organs of the Nervous system and their function(s).

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, sense organs; Function: Detects changes, receives and interpret sensory information, stimulate muscles and glands

Give the organs of the Endocrine system and their function(s).

Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pineal gland, and thymus gland; Function: Secretes chemical substances known as hormones which control metabolic activities of body structures

Give the organs of the Lymph system and their function(s).

Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen; Function: Return tissue fluid to the blood, carry certain absorbed food molecules, defend the body against infection

Give the organs of the Cardiovascular system and their function(s).

Heart, arteries, veins, capillaries; Function: Move blood through blood vessels and transport substances throughout the body

Give the organs of the Digestive system and their function(s).

Mouth, tongue, teeth, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small and large intestines; Function: Receive, breakdown, and absorb food; eliminate unabsorbed material

Give the organs of the Urinary system and their function(s).

Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra; Function: Remove wastes from blood, maintain water and electrolyte balance, store and transport urine

Give the organs of the Respiratory system and their function(s).

Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; Function: Intake and output of air, exchange of gases between air and blood

Give the organs of the Male Reproductive system and their function(s).

Scrotum, testes, epididymides, vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, urethra, penis; Function: Produce and maintain sperm cells, transfer sperm cells into female reproductive tract

Give the organs of the Female Reproductive system and their function(s).

Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, clitoris, vulva; Function: Produce and maintain eggs, receive and transport sperm cells, support development of an embryo and function in birth process