Intro to Human Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering anatomical terminology, skeletal classification, joint types, muscular systems, and neurovascular concepts as discussed in the lecture.

Osteology

The study of bones.

Arthrology

The study of joints.

Myology

The study of muscles.

Axial Skeleton

The bones of the long axis of the body, consisting of the bones of the head, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Appendicular Skeleton

The bones of the upper and lower limbs.

Sesamoid Bones

Bones that are suspended in soft tissue and not joined with other bones, such as the patella.

Fibrous Joint

A joint composed of fibrous tissue and primary used for stability, resulting in very limited mobility.

Cartilaginous Joint

A joint where the bones are joined by cartilage, allowing for limited movement but not total immobility.

Synovial Joint

The most common and most movable type of joint in the body, characterized by a synovial cavity filled with lubricating fluid to reduce friction.

Ligaments

Bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone.

Tendons

Fibrous connective tissue connections that attach muscles to bones, other muscles, or other structures.

Anatomical Position

A standard body position where the subject is facing forward with the palms of the hands also facing forward.

Anterior (Ventral)

The directional term referring to the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

The directional term referring to the back of the body.

Medial

A position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

A position further away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

A term used for limbs meaning closer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

A term used for limbs meaning further away from the trunk of the body.

Sagittal Plane

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

Transverse Plane

A plane of section that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane of section that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Somites

Segmental clusters of embryonic cells that develop into muscles, bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments.

Atlas ($C1$)

The first cervical vertebra, which lacks a vertebral body and instead consists of anterior and posterior arches.

Axis ($C2$)

The second cervical vertebra, characterized by the dens or odontoid process that allows the head to turn sideways.

Nucleus Pulposus

The central gelatinous portion of an intervertebral disc and a remnant of the embryonic notochord.

Annulus Fibrosus

The tough, fibrous outer region of an intervertebral disc that provides structural stability.

Kyphosis

An exaggerated thoracic curvature of the spine, commonly known as a hunchback.

Lordosis

An exaggerated lumbar curvature of the spine, often temporary in pregnant individuals or observed in obese individuals.

Scoliosis

An abnormal lateral deflection or sideways curvature of the vertebral column.

Epaxial Muscles

The muscles of the back located dorsal or posterior to the transverse processes of the vertebrae.

Hypaxial Muscles

Muscles located ventral or anterior to the transverse processes, including lateral and anterior body wall muscles and limb muscles.

Meninges

The three layers of protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight, flight, or fright' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, slowing the heart rate and stimulating digestion.

Dermatome

An area of skin innervated by the cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve.

Medianstinum

The space in the thoracic cavity between the two lungs containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and great vessels.

Mesentery

A double-layered extension of the peritoneum that holds organs in place, contains blood vessels and nerves, and stores fat.