Introduction to the Body

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts in anatomy and physiology, including definitions, levels of organization, homeostasis, and physiological functions.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of an organism and the relationship of its parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.

Pathology

The scientific study of disease, using principles of anatomy and physiology to determine the nature of particular diseases.

Gross levels

Levels of organization observable without a microscope.

Microscopic levels

Levels of organization that require a microscope to observe.

Atom

The smallest unit of a chemical element.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together.

Vesicles

Small structures within a cell that transport materials.

Neuron

A nerve cell that carries messages throughout the body.

Chemical level

The organization of atoms and molecules.

Organ system level

A level of organization in which various organs work together.

Organism level

The most complex level of organization that represents a living individual.

Reproductive

Related to the organs and structures involved in producing offspring.

Organelle levels

The organization of various functional structures within a cell.

Cellular level

The basic structural unit of life.

Group of neurons

A collection of nerve cells that work together.

Integumentary

Relating to the outer covering of the body, including skin.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells that perform a common function.

Skeletal

Relating to the bones that form the structure of the body.

Muscular

Relating to the muscles that enable movement.

Organ level

A structure composed of two or more types of tissues performing specific functions.

Brain

The organ of the body that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, vision, breathing, and more.

Cardiovascular

Relating to the heart and blood vessels.

Endocrine

Relating to glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Urinary

Related to the organs involved in the elimination of waste products.

Digestive

Relating to the organs involved in the processing of food.

Respiratory

Relating to the organs involved in breathing.

Lymphatic/Immune

Related to the system that defends the body against infections.

Nervous

Relating to the network of nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the body.

Microscopic & Gross Level

The different scales used to observe levels of organization in biology.

Levels of Organization

A hierarchical structure describing how biological systems are organized.

Atoms

The fundamental units of matter.

Molecules

Aggregates of two or more atoms.

Cells

Basic units of life that make up all living organisms.

Tissues

Groups of cells with a common structure and function.

Organs

Structures composed of different types of tissues working together.

Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Anatomical Position

A standard position for the body used as a reference in anatomy.

Supine

The body position lying face upward.

Prone

The body position lying face downward.

Bilateral Symmetry

The property where the left and right sides of the body mirror each other.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of the body.

Anterior

Front or in front of; synonymous with ventral in humans.

Posterior

Back or in back of; synonymous with dorsal in humans.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline or toward the side of the body.

Proximal

Nearer to the trunk or point of origin of a structure.

Distal

Farthest from the trunk or point of origin of a structure.

Superficial

Nearer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther away from the surface of the body.

Sagittal Plane

A lengthwise plane dividing the body into right and left sections.

Midsagittal Plane

The sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Frontal Plane

A lengthwise plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane dividing the body into upper and lower sections.

Dorsal cavity

The body cavity located at the back of the body.

Cranial cavity

The space inside the skull that contains the brain.

Spinal cavity

The space within the spinal column.

Ventral cavity

The body cavity located at the front of the body.

Thoracic cavity

The chamber of the body protected by the rib cage, containing the lungs and heart.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity.

Pleural cavities

Cavities that house the lungs.

Abdominal cavity

The cavity containing the digestive organs.

Pelvic cavity

The cavity that contains the reproductive organs and urinary bladder.

Abdominopelvic cavity

A combined term for the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Negative feedback loops

Processes that counteract changes to maintain homeostasis.

Positive feedback loops

Processes that amplify changes instead of counteracting them.

Sensor

A component that detects changes in the environment.

Control center

Part of the body that processes information and sends signals for response.

Effector

A structure that executes the responses necessary to restore homeostasis.

Normal body temperature

The range of temperature required for survival, typically around 98.6°F.

Stretch receptors

Sensors that detect distension or stretching in a structure.

Thermostat

A device that regulates temperature by activating heating or cooling systems.

Normal fluctuations

Variations in physiological processes related to age and health.

Survival

The state of continuing to live or exist.

Maintenance

The act of keeping something in proper condition.

Restoration

The process of bringing something back to its original state.

Relative constancy

A principle that suggests certain conditions remain stable within a system.

Age-related efficiency

Changes in the effectiveness of physiological functions as one ages.

Young adulthood peak efficiency

The period when the body's functions are at their highest performance.

Diminishing efficiency

The gradual decline in physiological performance over time.

Biological systems

Organized structures made of living organisms and their components.

Organizational complexity

The stratification of biological elements from simple to more complex structures.

Functional relationship

Interactions that dictate how anatomical structures operate together.

Components

Individual parts that make up a system.

Structural units

The smaller entities that collectively form a larger structure.

Directional terms

Descriptive language used in anatomy to denote positions and directions.

Reference point

A specific position or location used for comparisons in anatomical terminology.

Cardinal planes

Imaginary planes that divide the body into sections for study.

Functional anatomy

The study of how anatomical structures perform their roles.

Physiological processes

Biological activities that maintain life functions.

Cellular functions

The specific tasks performed by cells in living organisms.

Interdependence

The reliance of different systems or components on one another.

Integration

The coordination of different body functions to maintain homeostasis.

Physiological feedback

The response of the body to changes in conditions.

Environmental factors

External conditions that influence biological processes.

Response mechanisms

Ways in which the body reacts to internal and external stimuli.

Homeostatic imbalance

When physiological equilibrium is disrupted.

Organism

An individual living entity that can function independently and carry out life processes.