Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts from the Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology lecture.

Anatomy

Study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts.

Physiology

Study of how the body and its parts work or function.

Gross Anatomy

Study of large structures that are easily observable.

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of structures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived from early-stage embryos, often used in medical research.

Genetic Testing

Analyzing DNA to identify genetic disorders or mutations.

Prenatal Screening

Testing used to assess the health of a fetus before birth.

Informed Choices

Decisions made based on relevant information and evidence.

Atoms

Basic units of matter that combine to form molecules.

Cells

Basic structural and functional units of life.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Organs

Structures composed of two or more tissue types that perform a specific function.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Organism

A living entity that can function independently.

Integumentary System

System that forms external body covering and protects deeper tissues.

Skeletal System

System consisting of bones, cartilages, and joints; provides support and protection.

Muscular System

System that enables movement through the contraction of skeletal muscles.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system that responds to stimuli and coordinates activities.

Endocrine System

System that secretes hormones to regulate body functions.

Cardiovascular System

System that includes the heart and blood vessels; responsible for transporting blood.

Lymphatic System

System that returns leaked fluids to the bloodstream and supports immunity.

Respiratory System

System responsible for gas exchange; supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

System that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients into the blood.

Urinary System

System that eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates water balance.

Reproductive System

System responsible for the production of offspring.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions necessary for normal functioning.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that control homeostasis through responses to changes.

Negative Feedback

Mechanism that reduces the effect of the original stimulus.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that enhances the effect of the original stimulus.

Metabolism

Chemical reactions within the body that maintain life.

Nutrients

Chemicals necessary for energy and cellular building functions.

Oxygen

Element required for metabolic processes.

Water

Most abundant chemical in the body, essential for homeostasis.

Atmospheric Pressure

Pressure that must be appropriate for gas exchange.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord.

Ventral Body Cavity

Cavity that houses organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic areas.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Cavity inferior to the diaphragm that holds abdominal and pelvic organs.

Organ Systems in Mammals

The various systems in the body that perform specific life functions.

Survival Needs

Essential factors the body requires to sustain life.

Cranial Cavity

Subdivided dorsal cavity that houses the brain.

Spinal Cavity

Subdivided dorsal cavity that houses the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Cavity that contains the heart and lungs.

Abdominal Cavity

Superior part of the abdominopelvic cavity containing digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Inferior part of the abdominopelvic cavity containing reproductive organs.

Receptor

Component of homeostasis that detects changes in the environment.

Control Center

Component that determines the appropriate response to stimuli.

Effector

Component that acts to produce the response to a stimulus.

Stimulus

Change in the environment that elicits a response.

Afferent Pathway

Pathway that conveys information to the control center.

Efferent Pathway

Pathway that conveys information from the control center to effectors.

Skeletal Muscles

Muscles that contract to produce movement.

Gases

Substances like oxygen and carbon dioxide involved in respiration.

Lymph Nodes

Small glands that filter lymph and are involved in immune response.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose in the body.

Insulin

Hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels.

Nutrient Absorption

Process of taking in nutrients from food post-digestion.

Maintaining Boundaries

Separation of internal and external environments of the body.

Responsiveness

Ability of the body to respond to stimuli.

Excretion

Elimination of waste products from the body.

Growth

Increase in size or number of cells in the body.

Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of pH levels in the body.

Vitamin D

Nutrient produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight.

Thermoregulation

Regulation of body temperature.