Intro to the Body: Anatomy, Physiology, and Organ Systems

Vocabulary flashcards defining anatomy, physiology, complementarity of structure and function, and the 11 organ systems based on Week 1 lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of body structures and their relationships.

Physiology

The study of the body's functions and structure.

Complementarity of Structure & Function

The principle that function always reflects structure and structure is always impacted by function.

Integumentary System

External body covering composed of skin, sweat glands, oil glands, hair, and nails; protects the body, regulates temperature, eliminates waste, and synthesizes vitamin D.

Skeletal System

Organ system composed of bone, cartilage, and ligaments that protects and supports organs, provides a framework for muscle movement, acts as the site of blood cell formation, and stores materials.

Muscular System

Organ system composed of muscles and tendons that allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion, and facial expression.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system of the body composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Endocrine System

Slow-acting control system composed of hormone-producing cells and glands that regulates processes such as puberty, metabolism, and pregnancy.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system composed of the heart and blood vessels, where the heart pumps blood and blood vessels transport blood throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

Organ system composed of red bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels; picks up fluid leaked from vessels and returns it to blood, disposes of debris in the lymphatic stream, houses white blood cells, and transports fats and proteins to the cardiovascular system.

Respiratory System

Organ system composed of the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs; keeps blood supplied with oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and regulates pH balance.

Urinary System

Organ system composed of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra; eliminates metabolic waste and regulates water, electrolytes, and pH balance.

Digestive System

Organ system composed of oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs (liver, pancreas); breaks down food into small units that enter blood and eliminates indigestible material through feces.

Male Reproductive System

Organ system composed of prostate gland, penis, testes, scrotum, and ductus deferens; main function is production of offspring, where testes produce sperm and male sex hormones, and ducts/glands deliver sperm to female.

Female Reproductive System

Organ system composed of mammary glands, ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina; main function is production of offspring, where ovaries produce eggs and female sex hormones, remaining structures serve as sites for fertilization and development of fetus, and mammary glands produce milk for babies.