Chapter 1: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 1 notes.

Homeostasis

A state of internal balance maintained by the coordinated actions of receptors, a control center, and effectors to keep conditions within a narrow optimal range.

Negative feedback

A regulatory mechanism that counteracts a stimulus to restore normal conditions; the most common form of homeostatic control.

Positive feedback

A regulatory mechanism that reinforces the stimulus, often producing a rapid change (e.g., blood clotting, childbirth).

Receptor

A component that senses a stimulus and sends information to the control center.

Control center

An integrator that processes information from receptors and coordinates an appropriate response.

Effector

A cell or organ that carries out the response to restore homeostasis.

Anatomical position

The standard reference position: standing upright with feet together and palms facing forward (supine and prone are lying positions).

Supine

Lying face up.

Prone

Lying face down.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body; also called ventral.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body; also called dorsal.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part; above.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part; below.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the sides.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin; away from the trunk.

Superficial

Near the body surface.

Deep

Away from the surface; toward the interior.

Frontal plane (coronal plane)

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right portions; midsagittal plane divides into equal halves.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions; also called a cross section.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

Four regions (right/left upper and right/left lower) used to locate organs or pain in the abdomen.

Abdominopelvic regions

Nine regions (e.g., hypochondriac, lumbar, iliac, umbilical, epigastric, hypogastric) used for precise localization of internal organs.

Serous membranes

Thin membranes that secrete serous fluid to moisten and reduce friction; consist of parietal and visceral layers.

Parietal serous membrane

Lines the inner surface of a body wall or cavity.

Visceral serous membrane

Covers the surfaces of visceral organs.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane lining the peritoneal cavity; includes visceral and parietal peritoneum.

Peritoneal cavity

Potential space between visceral and parietal peritoneum containing peritoneal fluid; some organs lie retroperitoneally.

Pleural cavities

Two cavities surrounding the lungs, each lined by the pleura (visceral and parietal).

Pericardial cavity

Cavity around the heart within the mediastinum, lined by the pericardium (visceral and parietal) with pericardial fluid.

Thoracic cavity

Chest cavity containing the heart and lungs (includes pericardial and pleural cavities).

Abdominal cavity

Upper portion of the abdominopelvic cavity; contains many digestive organs.

Pelvic cavity

Inferior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity; contains urinary and reproductive organs.

Organ systems

The 11 body systems: Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive.

Levels of organization (chemical level)

Atoms form molecules; molecular shapes determine function.

Cellular level

Bodies made up of cells—the smallest living units; molecules interact to form cell structures and functions.

Tissue level

Tissues are groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organs (organ level)

Two or more tissues working together to perform specific functions.

Organ system level

Organs interacting to perform dedicated physiological functions.

Organism level

All organ systems functioning together to sustain life.

Cytology

Study of the internal structure of individual cells.

Histology

Study of tissues and their organization.

Anatomy

Science of the structure of the body and the relationships between parts.

Physiology

Science of the function of living organisms and their parts.

Metabolism

Sum of all chemical operations in the body that provide energy and support life processes.

Respiration

Absorption, transport, and use of oxygen by cells.

Digestion

Breaking down of complex foods into simpler compounds for absorption.

Excretion

Elimination of waste products produced by metabolic activities.