The Human Body: An Orientation - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key anatomy and physiology terms from Chapter 1: The Human Body: An Orientation.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts; observation to see sizes and relationships.

Gross anatomy

Large structures that are easily observable.

Microscopic anatomy

Structures too small to be seen with the naked eye; cells and tissues viewed under a microscope.

Digestive system

Breaks food down into absorbable nutrients that enter the blood for distribution to body cells; indigestible material is eliminated as feces.

Levels of structural organization

Six levels: atoms, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Integumentary system

Forms the external body covering; protects deeper tissue, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses sensory receptors and glands.

Skeletal system

Protects and supports body organs; provides a framework for movement; blood cells form within bones; stores minerals.

Muscular system

Allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion, and facial expression; maintains posture; produces heat.

Nervous system

Fast-acting control system; responds to internal and external changes by activating muscles and glands.

Endocrine system

Glands secrete hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and nutrient use by body cells.

Cardiovascular system

Transports blood, delivering oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and wastes; the heart pumps blood.

Lymphatic system

Picks up fluid leaked from blood vessels and returns it to blood; houses white blood cells involved in immunity.

Respiratory system

Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide; gas exchange occurs in the lungs.

Urinary system

Eliminates nitrogen-containing wastes and regulates water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

Male reproductive system

Produces sperm and male hormones; ducts and glands aid in delivery of viable sperm to the female.

Female reproductive system

Produces eggs and female hormones; mammary glands nourish the newborn; uterus supports fetal development.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions; a dynamic state of balance necessary for life.

Receptor

Senses changes in the environment and sends information to the control center.

Control center

Determines set point, analyzes information, and decides on the appropriate response.

Effector

Receives directions from the control center and provides a response to reverse or enhance a change.

Negative feedback

Most homeostatic control mechanisms; shuts off original stimulus or reduces its intensity (thermostat-like).

Positive feedback

Amplifies the original stimulus to push the variable farther; occurs in blood clotting and childbirth.

Anatomical position

Standard body position: standing erect, feet parallel, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

Superior (cranial/cephalic)

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward or at the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward or at the backside of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Proximal

Close to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Sagittal plane

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

Median (midsagittal) plane

Divides the body into equal left and right parts.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (cross) plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Dorsal body cavity

Cranial and spinal cavities; protects the brain and spinal cord.

Ventral body cavity

Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities; separated by the diaphragm.

Thoracic cavity

Houses the heart and lungs; includes the mediastinum; protected by the rib cage.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Contains abdominal and pelvic organs; separated by the diaphragm.

Quadrants of the abdomen

Four: right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower quadrants.

Nine abdominal regions

Nine regions: epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric; right and left hypochondriac, right and left lumbar, right and left iliac regions.

Homeostatic control components

Receptor, control center, and effector form a feedback loop.