Introduction to Human Anatomy Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering human anatomy foundations, organ systems, terminology, and homeostasis based on lecture notes.

What is the definition of human anatomy?

The study of the structure of a human body, including organ systems, organs, tissues, and cells.

Why is the study of human anatomy important in medicine?

It provides the basic knowledge/foundation of medicine, introduces medical terminology, and aids in assessing, diagnosing, and tracking patient health.

Define Physiology.

The study of how the body and its parts work or function.

What is the focus of Pathology?

The study of the causes and nature of diseases.

What is Immunology?

The study of the body’s own defense mechanism against infections.

What is Cadaveric or Gross anatomy?

The study of large structures observable using unaided or naked eyes, typically studied on preserved bodies.

Distinguish between Regional and Systemic anatomy.

Regional anatomy studies the body in parts (e.g., upper limb, thorax), while systemic anatomy studies the body by systems (e.g., skeletal, respiratory).

What is Histology?

The study of very small structures that can only be viewed with a microscope, also known as microscopic anatomy.

What does Embryology entail?

The study of prenatal development over $9$ months, including gamete formation, fertilization, zygote formation, and fetal development.

List the non-invasive methods included in Radiological anatomy.

X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan (computer tomography), and Ultrasound.

Define Comparative anatomy.

The study of the anatomy of other animals (primates) to explain changes in form, structure, and function.

What is the focus of Surface (topographic) anatomy?

The study of deeper parts of the body in relation to the skin surface.

List the six levels of structural organization in the human body from simplest to most complex.

$1.$ Chemical level (atoms/molecules), $2.$ Cellular level, $3.$ Tissue level, $4.$ Organ level, $5.$ Organ system level, $6.$ Organismal level.

What are the four basic tissues in the human body?

Epithelial, Connective, Nerve, and Muscle tissues.

What is the function of Myofibroblasts?

They secrete collagen proteins to maintain the structural framework of tissues and are dominant in areas undergoing repair.

Distinguish between the three types of multicellular muscles.

Skeletal muscles (attached to bones for movement), Cardiac muscles (attached to the heart to propel blood), and Smooth muscles (attached to visceral organs to propel substances).

What are the three main layers of the skin?

$1.$ Epidermis (epithelial tissue), $2.$ Dermis (dense irregular connective tissue), and $3.$ Hypodermis (loose connective and adipose tissue).

Which skin layer is absent in 'thin skin'?

Stratum lucidum.

How many bones are in the skeletal system and what are their primary minerals stored?

There are $206$ bones; they store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

Distinguish between Locomotion and Movement in the muscular system.

Locomotion involves a change in position and location of the organism, while Movement involves no change in the organism's overall position (e.g., peristalsis).

What structures comprise the Lower Respiratory System?

Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, and Alveoli.

How is fluid balanced in the Lymphatic System?

$90\%$ of interstitial fluid empties back into the venules, while the remaining $10\%$ is carried back by lymphatic vessels.

What is the difference between Exocrine and Endocrine glands?

Exocrine glands retain ducts and secrete to the surface epithelium; endocrine glands lose ducts and secrete directly into blood capillaries.

What are the five survival needs of the human body?

$1.$ Nutrients, $2.$ Oxygen, $3.$ Water ($60$ to $80\%$ of body weight), $4.$ Stable body temperature ($36.1$ to $37.2\,^{\circ}C$), and $5.$ Atmospheric pressure ($760\,mm\,Hg$).

Define Homeostasis.

A self-regulating process of maintaining a stable internal environment in a dynamic state of equilibrium.

How does a Negative Feedback mechanism function?

It shuts off the original stimulus or reduces its intensity to return the body to its set point.

In which two processes does the human body use Positive Feedback mechanisms?

Blood clotting and child birth (labor).

Describe the Anatomical Position.

A person standing straight, eyes looking forward, arms by the side, palms facing forward, and feet together.

Define the Median Sagittal Plane.

A vertical plane passing through the center of the body, dividing it into two equal right and left halves.

Define the Coronal Plane.

An imaginary vertical plane at a right angle to the median sagittal plane, dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Distinguish between Ipsilateral and Contralateral.

Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body; contralateral means on the opposite side of the body.

What is the difference between Flexion and Extension?

Flexion is a decrease in the angle between articulating bones; extension is an increase in the angle.

Define Abduction and Adduction.

Abduction is the movement of a bone away from the midline; adduction is the movement toward the midline.

What is Opposition in anatomical terms?

When the tip of the thumb touches the tips of any of the fingers.

Define Supination and Pronation of the forearm.

Supination is rotation so the palm faces upward; pronation is rotation so the palm faces downward.

What is Mesenchyme?

Un-differentiated embryonic tissue formed by elongated mesenchymal cells.

What characterizes Deep Fascia?

A membranous layer of non-elastic (non-stretchable) connective tissue that holds muscles together and gives shape to body parts.

What are Dartos muscles?

Smooth muscle fibers found in the superficial fascia of the scrotum, areola, and nipple.