Chapter 1 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Notes

Anatomy

The study of the form of the human body.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the human body.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur within the body.

Reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions for the body.

Gross Anatomy

The study of body structures that can be observed with the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that are too small to be seen without magnification.

Cytology

The study of individual cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference in anatomy.

Anterior

Refers to the front of the body.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the body.

Superior

Refers to a position above or higher than another part of the body.

Inferior

Refers to a position below or lower than another part of the body.

Proximal

Refers to a position closer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

Refers to a position farther from the trunk of the body.

Medial

Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body.

Superficial

Refers to a position closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Refers to a position farther away from the surface of the body.

Axial Region

Includes the head, neck, and trunk of the body.

Appendicular Region

Includes the upper and lower limbs of the body.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right parts.

Frontal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Posterior Body Cavity

Contains the cranial and vertebral cavities.

Cranial Cavity

The cavity that houses the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

The cavity that houses the spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

The fluid found in the posterior body cavity that protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Anterior Body Cavity

Contains the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity.

Thoracic Cavity

The cavity superior to the diaphragm containing pleural and pericardial cavities.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The cavity inferior to the diaphragm containing abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Pleural Cavities

The cavities that contain the lungs.

Pericardial Cavity

The cavity that contains the heart.

Mediastinum

The space between the lungs that contains the heart and great vessels.

Abdominal Cavity

The cavity that contains digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

The cavity that contains reproductive organs.

Peritoneal Cavity

The cavity that surrounds the abdominal organs.

Serous Membranes

Double-layered membranes that line body cavities and secrete serous fluid.

Serous Fluid

A lubricating fluid found in serous membranes that reduces friction.