Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology - Chapter 1: The Human Organism

Flashcards based on Chapter 1 of Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology (13th Edition), covering anatomical terminology, structural organization, body cavities, imaging techniques, and homeostasis.

What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy is the scientific discipline that investigates the body's structure, while physiology is the scientific investigation of the processes or functions of living things.

What are cytology and histology?

Cytology is the study of cellular anatomy, while histology is the study of tissues.

What is a major limitation of radiographs (x-rays)?

A major limitation of radiographs is that they give only flat, two-dimensional (2-D) images.

When was ultrasound developed and what technology was it derived from?

Ultrasound was first developed in the early 1950s from World War II sonar technology.

How does Computed Tomography (CT) construct an image?

A low-intensity x-ray tube is rotated through a 360-degree arc around the patient, and a computer analyzes the images to construct a slice or 3-D image.

Why is the alignment of hydrogen atom protons particularly important in MRI scans?

Because of the large amount of water in the human body, the alignment of hydrogen atom protons is most important in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

How does Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detect metabolically active cells?

Active cells take up radioactively labeled glucose; as the radioactivity decays, emitted positrons collide with electrons to emit gamma rays that are detected to pinpoint metabolically active cells.

What are the six structural levels of organization in the human body from simplest to most complex?

Chemical level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, and organismal level.

What are the primary functions of the integumentary system?

It provides protection, regulates temperature, prevents water loss, and helps produce vitamin D.

What are the primary functions of the respiratory system?

It exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and air and regulates blood pH.

How are differentiation and morphogenesis distinguished under the characteristic of development?

Differentiation is the change from general to specific, whereas morphogenesis is the change in shape of tissues and organs.

How are set point and normal range defined in the context of homeostasis?

A set point is the physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates, and a normal range is the restricted set of values that is optimally healthful and stable.

What are the three main components of a feedback loop?

The receptor (monitors the value of a variable by detecting a stimulus), the control center (establishes the set point and receives input), and the effector (generates the response to change the variable's value).

How does a negative-feedback mechanism regulate a variable in the body?

It counteracts a change in a variable by decreasing the change to help maintain homeostasis by returning to the set point.

What are three normal physiological examples of positive feedback in the body?

Childbirth, lactation, and blood clotting.

What is the standard anatomical position?

Body erect, face forward, feet together, and palms face forward.

What do the directional terms proximal and distal mean?

Proximal means closer to the point of attachment to the body than another structure, while distal means farther from the point of attachment to the body than another structure.

What is the difference between a sagittal plane and a frontal (coronal) plane?

A sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions, whereas a frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

What structures are contained within the medial mediastinum of the thoracic cavity?

The heart, some major blood vessels, thymus, trachea, and esophagus.

What is the difference between visceral and parietal serous membranes?

The visceral serous membrane forms the inner wall covering the organs, while the parietal serous membrane forms the outer wall lining the cavity.

What are the clinical terms for inflammation of the pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum?

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, and peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum.