Chapter 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from Unit One, Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of the form and organization (morphology) of body parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions of body parts and how they work.

Levels of Organization

A hierarchical sequence from subatomic particles to the organism: subatomic particles → atoms → molecules → macromolecules → organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living organisms; contains organelles and genetic material.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissues that performs a particular function.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform related functions.

Organism

An individual living thing whose organ systems function together.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in cells that provide energy and build or break down substances.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment essential for survival.

Receptors

Sensors that monitor specific conditions in the internal environment and notify the control center.

Control Center

Part of a homeostatic mechanism that processes information and sets the set point (e.g., hypothalamus for temperature).

Effectors

Muscles or glands that respond to signals to restore homeostasis.

Negative Feedback

A response that counteracts a deviation from the set point, restoring conditions toward normal.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies changes; often short-lived, e.g., blood clotting or childbirth.

Homeostatic Mechanism

A system consisting of receptors, a control center with a set point, and effectors that maintain a stable internal environment.

Body Cavities

Axial body cavities include cranial, vertebral (spinal), thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities; separated by the diaphragm.

Cranial Cavity

The space that houses the brain.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

The space that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The chest cavity that houses lungs and heart; separated from the abdominopelvic cavity by the diaphragm.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The combined abdominal and pelvic cavities containing most abdominal organs.

Visceral vs Parietal Membranes

Serous membranes that line cavities (parietal) and cover organs (visceral) and secrete serous fluid.

Pleura

Serous membranes surrounding the lungs; parietal pleura lines the cavity, visceral pleura covers the lungs.

Pericardium

Serous membranes surrounding the heart; parietal pericardium lines the heart cavity, visceral pericardium covers the heart.

Peritoneum

Serous membranes of the abdominopelvic cavity; parietal lines the wall, visceral covers organs.

Integumentary System

The skin and its accessory organs; protects, regulates temperature, senses, and synthesizes products.

Skeletal System

Bones, ligaments, and cartilage; provides framework, protection, attachment for muscles, blood cell production, mineral storage.

Muscular System

Muscles that produce movement, maintain posture, and generate heat.

Nervous System

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs that use electrochemical signals to coordinate body activities.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones, coordinating slower but longer-lasting regulatory effects.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and vessels that transport blood, gases, nutrients, hormones, and wastes.

Lymphatic System

Vessels, nodes, thymus, and spleen that transport lymph and defend against infections; part of immune function.

Digestive System

Digestive tract and organs that break down food and absorb nutrients.

Respiratory System

Organs that take in air and exchange gases between air and blood.

Urinary System

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; remove wastes and regulate water and electrolyte balance.

Reproductive System

Organs that produce offspring; male and female structures that generate gametes and support development.

Life-Span Changes

Aging and associated changes from cellular to whole-body levels; signs include graying hair and wrinkles.

Anatomical Position

Stand upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms forward; reference position for describing body parts.

Superior

A part above another or toward the head.

Inferior

A part below another or toward the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the side.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body.

Proximal

Near the trunk or near a reference point.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or reference point.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Deep

More internal; farther from the surface.

Cross Section

A cut across the structure, often used to view internal relationships.

Median (Midsagittal) Plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into right and left portions that are not equal.

Transverse Plane

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

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Nine Abdominal Regions

Division of the abdomen into epigastric, right/left hypochondriac, umbilical, right/left lumbar, right/left iliac, and hypogastric regions.

Abdominal Quadrants

Division of the abdomen into RUQ, RLQ, LUQ, and LLQ.

Viscera

Internal organs within the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Planum Temporale

A recently identified brain area that enables locating sounds in space.

Ultrasonography

Imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce sectional images of the body.

Hematoma

A local collection of blood outside blood vessels, often due to bleeding from injury.