Intro to Anatomy & Physiology: Structural Organization & Terminology (Lecture 1)

Set of practice flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture on structural organization and anatomical terminology.

What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy is the study of structure and relationships of body parts; physiology is the study of how those structures function. Together, structure and function are linked (structure equals function).

Name the four divisions of anatomy.

Macroscopic (gross) anatomy, microscopic (histology) anatomy, embryology/developmental anatomy, and neuroanatomy.

What are the two main approaches to studying gross anatomy?

Regional anatomy (study by body region) and systemic anatomy (study by body system).

What is macroscopic (gross) anatomy?

The study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye.

What is microscopic anatomy (histology)?

The study of tissues at the microscopic level.

What is embryology (developmental anatomy)?

The study of how a human embryo/fetus develops.

What is neuroanatomy?

The study of the organization of the nervous system.

List the building-block levels of physiology from simplest to most complex.

Chemical level (atoms and molecules), cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, organism.

What are atoms, molecules, and compounds?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of elements; molecules are two or more atoms bonded together; compounds are two or more different types of atoms bonded together.

What are the four major elements that make up most of the body’s mass?

Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Nitrogen (N).

What is an atomic symbol?

A one- or two-letter shorthand representing an element (e.g., O, C; Na from natrium).

What is the nucleus of an atom composed of, and what are the charges of its constituents?

The nucleus contains protons (positive) and neutrons (neutral); electrons (negative) orbit the nucleus; the atom as a whole is neutral.

What is an ion?

An atom with a net electrical charge due to gain or loss of electrons (cation = positive, anion = negative).

What is an ionic bond?

A bond formed when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating oppositely charged ions that attract.

What is the difference between a molecule and a compound?

A molecule is two or more of the same type of atom; a compound is two or more different types of atoms bound together.

What is glycogen?

The storage form of glucose.

What is energy in a biological context?

The capacity to do work or to put matter into motion.

What is metabolism?

All the chemical reactions in the body, including digestion, synthesis, and energy production (ATP).

Name the three major types of chemical reactions.

Synthesis (anabolic), Decomposition (catabolic), and Exchange.

What factors influence the rate of chemical reactions?

Temperature, concentration (number of particles), particle size; presence of catalysts (enzymes) also speeds up reactions.

What is a catalyst and give an example?

A substance that speeds up a reaction without being consumed; enzymes are biological catalysts (e.g., acetylcholinesterase).

What is ATP’s role in metabolism?

ATP is the main energy currency of the cell, used to transfer energy in various reactions.

What is anatomical position?

Standing upright with feet forward and palms facing forward; serves as the standard reference frame; right/left are in reference to the person.

What are the main body planes?

Midsagittal (midline, equal left-right), sagittal (parallel to midline, not necessarily midline), frontal/coronal (front vs. back), and transverse (upper vs. lower).

What is the difference between supine and prone positions?

Supine: lying on the back with palms facing forward; prone: lying on the stomach with the head turned to a side.

Define superior and inferior.

Superior: toward the head; inferior: toward the feet. These terms are relative to one another.

Define medial and lateral.

Medial: toward the midline; lateral: away from the midline.

Define proximal and distal.

Proximal: closer to the trunk; distal: farther from the trunk (applies to limbs).

Define anterior and posterior; and note ventral/dorsal equivalence.

Anterior: toward the front; posterior: toward the back. Ventral is equivalent to anterior; dorsal is equivalent to posterior.

Define ipsilateral and contralateral.

Ipsilateral: same side; contralateral: opposite sides.

Define superficial and deep.

Superficial: closer to the body surface; deep: farther from the surface.

What are body cavities and why are they important?

Body cavities protect vital organs; dorsal (cranial and vertebral) and ventral (thoracic and abdominopelvic) cavities.

What are body compartments and why are they clinically relevant?

Compartments are limb regions divided by fascia and joints; muscles within a compartment share development origin and often function and innervation, aiding understanding and training.