Organization of the Human Body Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the organization of the human body, chemical foundations of life, cellular structure, and anatomical terminology based on Chapter 15 of Rosdahl and Kowalski's Textbook of Basic Nursing.

Homeostasis

The physical and emotional equilibrium or balance involving an individual's cumulative chemical reactions, physical condition, and emotional status.

Chemistry

The science concerned with the structure and composition of matter and the chemical reactions these substances produce.

Physics

The science of the laws of matter and their interactions with energy.

Matter

Anything that occupies space and has weight, which can exist as an element, compound, or mixture in solid, liquid, or gas states.

Element

A pure, simple chemical; there are $21$ different elements found in the human body.

Compound

Substances formed when atoms of two or more elements react chemically in specific ratios, such as $H_2O$.

Mixture

A blend of two or more substances mixed together without forming a new compound, where components retain their individual characteristics.

Atom

The basic unit of matter composed of subatomic particles including electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Nucleus (Atomic)

The center of the atom composed of protons and neutrons, around which electrons whirl.

Ion

An atom, or group of atoms, that has a net positive or negative charge.

Cation

An ion with a positive charge formed when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons.

Anion

An ion with a negative charge formed when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons.

Physical Change

A change where outward properties change but chemical properties remain the same, such as temperature converting water into ice.

Chemical Change

A change where one substance changes into another, or a compound breaks down into atoms and energy is transferred.

Acronyms

Words formed by combining letters of a word or phrase used as a universal communication method in healthcare.

Eponyms

Medical terms based on the names of people, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The study of how the body functions.

Pathophysiology

The study of disorders of functioning.

Anatomic Position

A standard reference point where the body is standing erect with arms at the sides and palms turned forward.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A vertical plane that passes through the body longitudinally from head to toe, dividing it into front and back parts.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that passes through the body lengthwise, dividing it into right and left sides.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower parts.

Superior (Cranial)

A body direction term meaning toward the head.

Inferior (Caudal)

A body direction term meaning toward the lower part of the body.

Anterior (Ventral)

A body direction term meaning toward the front.

Posterior (Dorsal)

A body direction term meaning toward the back.

Proximal

A directional term meaning nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk.

Distal

A directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment or the trunk.

Diaphragm

A large muscle that separates the ventral cavities (thoracic and abdominal).

Viscera

Internal organs contained within a body cavity.

Metabolism

The ability to process, obtain energy from, and create new products using chemicals found in foods.

Anabolism

The phase of metabolism involving the building up, assimilation, or conversion of ingested substances.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down, disintegrating, or tearing substances into simpler substances.

Cytology

The science that investigates the formation, structure, and function of cells.

Cytoplasm

The area inside the cell wall not located in the nucleus, which contains organelles.

Protoplasm

All the parts that make up a cell, divided into components found in the nucleus and those in the cytoplasm.

Mitochondria

Known as the powerhouse of the cell; the place where the body actually makes energy.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle that synthesizes carbohydrates and packages substances for secretion from the cell.

Lysosomes

Sacs containing digestive enzymes to destroy ingested materials, such as bacteria or damaged cells.

Ribosomes

The site of protein synthesis within the cell.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An extensive network of tubules that serves as a passageway for material within the cell.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA molecules called genes; a normal human cell has $46$ chromosomes.

Genes

The part of DNA molecules that contain information about inherited characteristics.

Mitosis

The process by which cells divide into two parts to reproduce themselves; essential for growth and tissue repair.

Meiosis

A complex process of cell division for sperm and ova resulting in cells with $23$ chromosomes.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that protects body parts and produces secretions.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that anchors and supports other body structures; includes blood as a specialized fluid type.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue specialized to provide movement of the body.

Nerve Tissue

Tissue specialized to conduct impulses to and from all parts of the body.

Cilia

Hair-like threads that sweep materials across the cell surface.