Anatomy & Physiology I - Chapter 1: Introduction & Human body orientation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 1 notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships; form.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the body.

Structural organization

The hierarchical organization of the body from chemical level to organismal level (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system, organismal).

Chemical level

Atoms and molecules—the smallest units of organization in the body.

Cellular level

Cells and their subcellular components.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells performing a common function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

System

A group of organs that work together to perform a broader function.

Organismal level

The entire living human; all body systems together.

Anatomical position

The standard body posture used as a reference: body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of a structure.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the side.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or trunk.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or trunk.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the surface; more internal.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Sagittal plane

Plane that divides the body into left and right parts; midsagittal plane divides equally.

Frontal (Coronal) plane

Plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) plane

Plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Dorsal cavity

Back body cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord.

Ventral cavity

Front body cavity that houses the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic cavity

Chest cavity containing the heart and lungs.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Cavity containing abdominal and pelvic organs.

Pleural cavities

Fluid-filled spaces around the lungs.

Pericardial cavity

Fluid-filled space around the heart.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering abdominal organs.

Parietal layer

Outer layer of a serous membrane lining a cavity.

Visceral layer

Inner layer that covers an organ.

Serous fluid

Fluid between parietal and visceral layers to reduce friction.

Pleura

Serous membranes surrounding the lungs.

Pericardium

Serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane surrounding many abdominal organs.

Right upper quadrant (RUQ)

Abdominopelvic quadrant; around liver and gallbladder.

Left upper quadrant (LUQ)

Abdominopelvic quadrant; around stomach and spleen.

Right lower quadrant (RLQ)

Abdominopelvic quadrant; around cecum and appendix.

Left lower quadrant (LLQ)

Abdominopelvic quadrant; around sigmoid colon.

Epigastric region

Upper central region of the abdomen.

Right hypochondriac region

Upper right lateral abdominal region.

Left hypochondriac region

Upper left lateral abdominal region.

Right lumbar region

Middle right lateral abdominal region.

Umbilical region

Central region around the navel.

Left lumbar region

Middle left lateral abdominal region.

Right iliac (inguinal) region

Lower right lateral abdominal region.

Left iliac (inguinal) region

Lower left lateral abdominal region.

Hypogastric (pubic) region

Lower central region below the umbilicus.

Integumentary system

Skin and its derivatives; encloses body and protects it.

Skeletal system

Bones and joints; supports and protects the body.

Muscular system

Muscles; enables movement and heat production.

Nervous system

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; controls body activities.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily processes.

Cardiovascular system

Heart and vessels; transports blood and nutrients.

Lymphatic system

Returns fluids to blood and defends against pathogens.

Respiratory system

Lungs and airways; gas exchange (O2 and CO2).

Digestive system

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary system

Regulates water balance and removes wastes.

Reproductive system

Produces sex cells and hormones; supports reproduction.

Basic life function: Maintaining boundaries

Keeping the inside of the body distinct from the outside.

Basic life function: Movement

The ability to move at the body level or within the body.

Basic life function: Responsiveness

Sensing and responding to internal and external stimuli.

Basic life function: Digestion

Breaking down food into nutrients that the body can use.

Basic life function: Metabolism

All chemical reactions in the body; includes anabolic and catabolic reactions.

Basic life function: Excretion

Elimination of wastes from the body.

Basic life function: Reproduction

Production of offspring for continuation of the species.

Basic life function: Growth

Increase in size of a body part or the organism.

Anabolism

Building up smaller molecules into larger ones.

Catabolism

Breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones.

Nutrients

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals—sources of energy and building blocks.

Water

Most critical nutrient; essential for all body processes.

Oxygen

Gas required for cellular respiration and energy production.

Normal body temperature

Approximately 98.6°F (37°C) to maintain enzyme activity.

Atmospheric pressure

Needed for breathing and gas exchange; near 1 atm at sea level.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite outside changes.

Receptor

Sensor that monitors changes in a controlled condition.

Control center

Brain or other integrating center that analyzes information and determines a response.

Effector

Muscles or glands that carry out the response to restore homeostasis.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that counteracts a change to return to homeostasis.

Positive feedback

A mechanism that amplifies a change away from homeostasis; usually temporary.

Labor (positive feedback example)

Oxytocin-induced uterine contractions that reinforce cervical stretch.

Blood clotting (positive feedback example)

Clot formation where platelets reinforce the site of vessel injury.

Nasal passage

Airway in the respiratory system where air is warmed, filtered, and moistened.

Anatomic regions: Cranial and Cephalic

Relating to or near the head/cranium.

Cervical

Neck region; part of the body's axial region.