Anatomy and Physiology: Key Terms and Body Systems

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Axial skeleton

Bones of the skull, spinal column and the thorax

Appendicular skeleton

the extremities and the points where they connect to the axial skeleton

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Contains the liver, gallbladder, and part of the colon.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Contains the stomach, spleen, and part of the colon.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Contains the cecum, appendix, and ascending colon.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Contains the descending and sigmoid colon.

Retroperitoneal organs

Located behind the abdominal cavity. The kidney and the pancreas

Organs located retroperitoneally

Kidneys and pancreas.

Abdomen

Contains major digestive and excretory organs.

Thorax

Contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels.

Pelvis

Contains reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum.

Cranial cavity

Contains the brain.

Spinal cavity

Contains the spinal cord.

Pleural cavity

Contains each lung.

Abdominal cavity

Contains most digestive organs.

Pelvic cavity

Contains bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Homeostasis example

Maintaining normal body temperature despite environmental changes.

Diffusion

Passive movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration.

Perfusion

Adequate circulation of blood to tissues.

Hypoperfusion

Inadequate tissue perfusion; also called shock.

Metabolism

The process by which cells convert nutrients into energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy source for cells.

Aerobic metabolism

Energy production using oxygen.

Anaerobic metabolism

Energy production without oxygen, producing lactic acid.

Lactic acid

Acid produced during anaerobic metabolism.

Life support chain

Respiratory and circulatory systems provide oxygen and nutrients while removing waste.

Primary functions of the skeletal system

Provides support, protects organs, allows movement, stores calcium, and produces blood cells.

Number of bones in the adult skeleton

206.

Axial skeleton

Forms the body's central axis and includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Appendicular skeleton

Includes the upper and lower extremities and the shoulder and pelvic girdles.

Primary function of red bone marrow

Produces red blood cells.

Joint

A location where two bones meet.

Ligament

Fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone.

Tendon

Fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Cartilage

Flexible tissue that cushions the ends of bones at joints.

Synovial membrane

Inner lining of the joint capsule that produces synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid

Lubricates joints and allows bones to move smoothly.

Joint capsule

Fibrous sac that surrounds and stabilizes a joint.

Articular cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones that reduces friction.

Ball-and-socket joint

Allows movement in many directions including rotation; examples include the shoulder and hip.

Hinge joint

Allows flexion and extension; examples include the elbow and knee.

Symphysis

A slightly movable joint connected by cartilage.

Function of ligaments

Stabilize joints by connecting bone to bone.

Function of tendons

Transmit muscle force to bones to create movement.

Function of cartilage

Absorbs shock and reduces friction in joints.

Skull

Protects the brain and supports the face.

Total bones in the skull

28 bones.

Cranium

Portion of the skull that protects the brain.

Facial bones

14 bones that form the structure of the face.

Frontal bone

Forms the forehead.

Temporal bones

Located on the lateral sides of the skull.

Parietal bones

Located on the upper sides of the skull.

Occipital bone

Forms the back of the skull.

Ethmoid bone

Contributes to the nasal cavity and eye sockets.

Sphenoid bone

Forms part of the base of the skull.

Foramen magnum

Large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

Maxillae

The upper, nonmovable jaw bones.

Mandible

The lower, movable jaw bone.

Zygomas

Cheekbones.

Orbit

Bony socket that contains the eye.

Vertebral column

Protects the spinal cord and supports the body.

Total vertebrae

33 vertebrae.

Cervical spine

7 vertebrae in the neck.

Thoracic spine

12 vertebrae that articulate with the ribs.

Lumbar spine

5 vertebrae in the lower back.

Sacrum

5 fused vertebrae that connect the spine to the pelvis.

Coccyx

4 fused vertebrae that form the tailbone.

Intervertebral discs

Shock-absorbing cushions between vertebrae.

Thorax

Protects the heart, lungs, and great vessels.

Sternum

Consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Manubrium

Upper portion of the sternum.

Body of the sternum

Middle and largest portion of the sternum.

Xiphoid process

Inferior tip of the sternum.

Number of rib pairs

12 pairs.

Shoulder girdle

Formed by the clavicle, scapula, and humerus.

Clavicle

Collarbone connecting the sternum to the shoulder.

Scapula

Shoulder blade.

Humerus

Single bone of the upper arm.

Radius

Forearm bone on the thumb side.

Ulna

Forearm bone on the little finger side.

Carpals

Wrist bones.

Metacarpals

Bones of the hand.

Phalanges

Bones of the fingers and toes.

Pelvic girdle

Composed of the two hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx.

Coxa

Hip bone formed by the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Ilium

Largest portion of the hip bone.

Ischium

Inferior and posterior part of the hip bone; supports weight when sitting.

Pubis

Anterior portion of the pelvis.

Pubic symphysis

Cartilage joint connecting the left and right pubic bones.

Acetabulum

Hip socket where the femoral head articulates.

Femur

Longest and strongest bone in the body.

Femoral head

Proximal end of the femur that fits into the acetabulum.

Greater trochanter

Large lateral projection on the femur where muscles attach.

Lesser trochanter

Smaller medial projection on the femur for muscle attachment.

Patella

Kneecap.

Tibia

Larger, medial bone of the lower leg; weight-bearing bone.

Fibula

Smaller, lateral bone of the lower leg.

Talus

Ankle bone that articulates with the tibia and fibula.

Tarsals

Bones of the ankle.