Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering key concepts from the 'Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology' lecture, including definitions, levels of organization, and homeostatic regulation.

What does anatomy describe regarding the body's structures?

Anatomy describes what structures are made of, where they are located, and their associated structures.

What is physiology the study of?

Physiology is the study of the functions of anatomical structures, both individually and cooperatively.

What is another term for gross anatomy, and what does it examine?

Gross anatomy is also known as macroscopic anatomy, and it examines large, visible structures.

What does surface anatomy study?

Surface anatomy studies the exterior features of the body.

What does regional anatomy focus on?

Regional anatomy focuses on specific body areas.

What does systemic anatomy examine?

Systemic anatomy examines organ systems.

What period does developmental anatomy cover?

Developmental anatomy covers the period from conception to adulthood, including embryology.

What does microscopic anatomy examine?

Microscopic anatomy examines cells and molecules.

What is cytology the study of?

Cytology is the study of cells.

What is histology the study of?

Histology is the study of tissues.

What is cell physiology?

Cell physiology is the study of the functions of individual cells.

What is systemic physiology?

Systemic physiology is the study of the functions of organ systems.

What is pathological physiology?

Pathological physiology is the study of the effects of diseases on organs or systems.

In a medical context, what is a 'sign'?

A 'sign' is an objective, observable indicator of a condition, such as a fever.

In a medical context, what is a 'symptom'?

A 'symptom' is a subjective experience reported by a patient, such as tiredness.

How do physicians typically use the scientific method to reach a diagnosis?

Physicians form a hypothesis and test it by collecting and analyzing data based on observations to reach a diagnosis.

What constitutes the chemical level of organization?

The chemical level consists of atoms (the smallest stable units of matter) and molecules (groups of atoms).

What defines the cellular level of organization?

The cellular level is defined by cells, which are the smallest living units in the body.

What defines the tissue level of organization?

The tissue level is defined by a group of cells working together to perform specific functions.

What defines the organ level of organization?

The organ level is defined by two or more tissues working together to perform complex functions.

What is the organ system level of organization?

The organ system level is a group of interacting organs that work together for specific functions.

How many organ systems do humans typically have?

Humans typically have 11 organ systems.

What is the organism level of organization?

The organism level is an individual life form.

What are the major functions of the Integumentary System?

The Integumentary System protects against environmental hazards, helps regulate body temperature, and provides sensory information.

What are the major functions of the Cardiovascular System?

The Cardiovascular System distributes blood cells, water, dissolved materials (nutrients, waste, oxygen, carbon dioxide), and heat, also assisting in body temperature control.

What are the major functions of the Respiratory System?

The Respiratory System delivers air to alveoli, provides oxygen to the bloodstream, removes carbon dioxide, and produces sounds for communication.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment by all body systems working together, responding to internal and external changes to keep variables within normal ranges.

What is autoregulation in homeostatic regulation?

Autoregulation is an automatic response in a cell, tissue, or organ to an environmental change.

What is extrinsic regulation in homeostatic regulation?

Extrinsic regulation refers to responses controlled by the nervous and endocrine systems.

What are the three essential components of a homeostatic regulatory mechanism?

The three components are a receptor (receives stimulus), a control center (processes signal and sends instructions), and an effector (carries out instructions).

Describe negative feedback in homeostatic regulation.

Negative feedback is when the response of the effector negates the original stimulus, bringing the body back into homeostasis and maintaining the normal range.

Provide an example of negative feedback in the human body.

Regulation of body temperature, where sweating to cool down or shivering to warm up brings the temperature back to a set point, is an example of negative feedback.

Describe positive feedback in homeostatic regulation.

Positive feedback is when the initial stimulus produces a response that amplifies the original change, moving the body away from homeostasis.

What is the ultimate purpose of a positive feedback loop?

The ultimate purpose of a positive feedback loop is to quickly complete a dangerous or critical process to reestablish overall homeostasis.

Provide an example of positive feedback in the human body.

Blood clotting is an example of positive feedback, where chemicals released during clotting accelerate the process until a clot forms.

What is dynamic equilibrium in the context of homeostasis?

Dynamic equilibrium in homeostasis is a state where opposing forces are in balance, with continual adaptation to maintain stability.

What is the consequence of the failure of physiological systems to maintain homeostatic balance?

The consequence of homeostatic failure is disease.