Chapter 1: A First Look at Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering introductory concepts of human anatomy and physiology, structural levels of organization, organ systems, directional terminology, anatomical planes, and body cavities.

What is the definition of anatomy?

Anatomy is the study of structure.

What does the word anatomy mean and where is it derived from?

It is derived from Greek and means "to cut up" or "to cut open."

What do anatomists examine?

Anatomists examine the relationships among parts of the body along with the structure of individual organs.

What are the two major categories of anatomy?

Microscopic anatomy and gross anatomy.

What is microscopic anatomy?

The study of structures that are too small to be seen with the unaided eye.

What are the two subdisciplines of microscopic anatomy?

Cytology (the study of cells) and histology (the study of tissues).

What is gross anatomy?

The study of structures that can be seen with the unaided eye.

What is regional anatomy?

The study of all of the structures within a single region, such as the head and neck or the abdomen.

What is systemic anatomy?

The study of all of the structures involved with a specific activity, such as digestion or reproduction.

What is surface anatomy?

The study of the location of internal structures as they relate to the various regions of skin and other surface markings.

What is comparative anatomy?

The study that examines similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.

What is developmental anatomy?

The study of structure changes within an individual from conception through maturity.

What is embryology?

The study of developmental changes occurring prior to birth.

What is physiology?

The scientific discipline that studies the function of body structures.

What is the simplest level of organization within the human body?

The chemical level, which is composed of atoms and molecules.

What are macromolecules?

Larger and more complex molecules, such as DNA and proteins.

What is the smallest structural unit that exhibits the characteristics of living organisms?

The cell.

What is a tissue?

Groups of similar cells with a common function that perform specialized functions.

What is an organ?

Different tissue types that work together to perform specific, complex functions.

How many organ systems are present in the human body?

11 organ systems.

What are the seven characteristics of living organisms?

Organization, metabolism, growth and development, responsiveness, adaptation, regulation, and reproduction.

What are the four primary types of tissues in the human body?

Epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

What is the function of epithelial tissue?

It covers exposed surfaces and lines body cavities.

What is the function and possible physical states of connective tissue?

It protects, supports, and interconnects body parts and organs; it can be solid (such as bone), liquid (such as blood), or intermediate (such as cartilage).

What are the three types of muscle tissue?

Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.

What is the function of nervous tissue?

It conducts impulses for internal communication.

What are the main functions of the integumentary system?

Provides protection, regulates body temperature, site of cutaneous receptors, synthesizes vitamin D, and prevents water loss.

What are the main functions of the skeletal system?

Provides support and protection, site of hematopoiesis (blood cell production), and stores calcium and phosphorus.

What are the functions of the muscular system?

Produces body movement and generates heat when muscles contract.

What are the functions of the nervous system?

Controls body movement, responds to sensory stimuli, helps control all other systems of the body, and is responsible for consciousness, intelligence, and memory.

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Consists of glands and cell clusters that secrete hormones to regulate body and cellular growth, chemical levels in the body, and reproductive functions.

What does the cardiovascular system consist of and what does it do?

Consists of a pump (the heart) that moves blood through blood vessels to distribute hormones, nutrients, and gases, and pick up waste products.

What are the functions of the lymphatic system?

Transports and filters lymph (interstitial fluid) and initiates an immune response when necessary.

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

Responsible for exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between blood and the air in the lungs.

What are the functions of the digestive system?

Mechanically and chemically digests food materials, absorbs nutrients, and expels waste products.

What are the functions of the urinary system?

Filters the blood and removes waste products from the blood, concentrates waste products in the form of urine, and expels urine from the body.

What are the functions of the male reproductive system?

Produces male sex cells (sperm) and male hormones (e.g., testosterone), and transfers sperm to the female.

What are the functions of the female reproductive system?

Produces female sex cells (oocytes) and female hormones (e.g., estrogen and progesterone), receives sperm, site of fertilization, and site of growth and development of embryo and fetus.

How is the anatomic position described?

An individual stands upright with feet parallel and flat on the floor, head level, eyes looking forward, and arms at either side with palms facing forward and thumbs pointing away.

What is the difference between a section and a plane in anatomy?

A section is an actual cut or slice through a structure, while a plane is an imaginary surface that slices the body into specific sections.

What is a coronal (frontal) plane?

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

What is a transverse (cross-sectional) plane?

A plane that cuts perpendicularly along the long axis of the body or organ, separating it into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

What is a midsagittal (median) plane?

A vertical plane that extends through the body or organ at the midline, dividing it into equal right and left halves.

What is a parasagittal plane?

A plane parallel to the midsagittal plane, but either to the left or the right of it, dividing the body into unequal right and left parts.

What is an oblique plane?

A minor plane that passes through the specimen at an angle.

What body parts make up the axial region?

The head, neck, and trunk, which comprise the main vertical axis of the body.

What body parts make up the appendicular region?

The upper and lower limbs (appendages) that attach to the body's axis.

What is the difference between parietal and visceral serous membrane layers?

A parietal layer lines the internal surface of the body wall, while a visceral layer covers the external surface of organs (viscera) within the cavity.

What is the role of serous fluid in body cavities?

Serous fluid reduces friction and helps organs move smoothly against both one another and the body wall.

What structures are contained within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity?

The heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels that connect to the heart.