Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts in human anatomy and physiology, including definitions and relationships between different biological terms.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and organization of body parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions of body parts and how they work.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism.

Cell

The smallest unit of a living organism that can carry out all basic life processes.

Tissue

A group of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more different types of tissues that works together to perform specific functions.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Feedback mechanism

A process that uses the conditions in one part of the system to regulate the other parts.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that counteracts a change in a variable to return the system to its set point.

Positive feedback

A mechanism that increases the change or output in a system to move it away from its starting state.

Set point

The normal value or range of values for a variable that the body tries to maintain.

Axial portion

The part of the body that includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular portion

The part of the body that includes the upper and lower limbs.

Cranial cavity

The space in the skull that houses the brain.

Thoracic cavity

The chest cavity that contains the heart and lungs.

Abdominopelvic cavity

The cavity that contains the abdominal and pelvic organs.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid found inside cells.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid found outside of cells, which includes interstitial fluid and blood plasma.