Introduction to the Human Body

Flashcards covering the fundamentals of human anatomy, physiology, levels of organization, homeostasis, and medical imaging based on Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of the FORM of living things.

Gross anatomy

The science of macroscopic anatomy; studying large body structures visible with the naked eye.

Surface anatomy

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface.

Regional anatomy

A branch of anatomy that considers the regions of the body such as the head and extremities and all the systems in that particular region.

Systemic anatomy

An approach that gives attention to all the structures of a particular system in the body regardless of location.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures too small to be seen with the naked eye, such as cells and tissues.

Cytology

The study of cells, their components, and their functions.

Histology

The study of tissues and their functions.

Physiology

The study of the FUNCTION of the parts that make up living things.

Chemical level

The least complex level of organization; composed of atoms arranged to form molecules and compounds with specific functional properties.

Cellular level

The level where interactions between molecules and compounds form organelles; cells are the smallest units capable of performing all vital life functions.

Tissue level

Specialized groups of cells and cell products that work together to perform one or more specific functions.

Organ level

Consists of two or more tissues working in combination to perform several functions.

Organism

A living being that has a cellular structure and can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life; the most complex level of organization.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in a cell or organism, consisting of both anabolism and catabolism.

Anabolic

A process where smaller, simpler molecules are combined to create a larger, more complex substance; it requires an input of energy (endergonic).

Catabolic

A process where larger, more complex substances are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules; it releases energy (exergonic).

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

A key chemical compound used to store and release energy; conversion of ADP to ATP is anabolic, while ATP to ADP is catabolic.

Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function to perform specific tasks.

Hyperthermia

A condition where the body is overheated for a prolonged period of time, which can lead to heat stroke and death.

Hypothermia

A condition where the body is too cold, which can lead to shock and death.

Homeostasis

A state of equilibrium or balance; a dynamic state in which internal conditions remain relatively constant despite changes in external conditions.

Receptor

A component of homeostatic regulation that detects changes in either the internal or external environment, known as a stimulus.

Control center

The component that receives and processes information supplied by the receptor and sends out commands.

Effector

The component that responds to the commands of the control center by opposing the stimulus.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that shuts off or reduces the original stimulus to maintain stability and homeostasis; examples include heart rate and blood-glucose levels.

Positive feedback

A mechanism that intensifies or enhances the original stimuli to accelerate a process to completion; examples include blood clotting and labor contractions.

Sagittal plane

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

Frontal (coronal) plane

Any plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

A plane dividing the body into superior and inferior portions.

Viscera

Internal organs of the body collectively, also referred to as 'guts', located in the ventral body cavity.

Meninges

Serous membranes that line the dorsal body cavity.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique that generates multiple X-rays as it rotates around the patient to create detailed 'slices' of the body.

Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI)

An imaging technique that uses electromagnets and radio waves to scan patients without using radiation.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

An imaging technique using a short-lived radioactive contrast to identify areas with high metabolic activity, such as cancer.