Unit 1: Intro to Anatomy

Anatomy

The structure of body parts, also called morphology.

Physiology

The function of the body parts.

Homeostasis

The tendency of the body to maintain a stable, balanced, internal environment.

Levels of Organization

Atoms → Molecules → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism.

Organization

The arrangement of cells, tissues, and organs in a systematic way.

Metabolism

The chemical reactions in the body that require energy to maintain life.

Responsiveness

The ability of the body to sense changes and react to them.

Movement

A change in position, including the motion of internal parts.

Growth

An increase in body size.

Reproduction

The process of passing DNA to new individuals.

Development

Changes in the body, including differentiation.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function.

Energy

Required to keep the body in working order; derived from nutrients.

Oxygen

Essential for making ATP, the energy currency of cells.

Nutrients

Essential substances like water, food, and vitamins needed for life.

Temperature

Body's operational range for maintaining homeostasis.

Atmospheric Pressure

Necessary pressure for breathing.

Feedback Loops

Mechanisms that help maintain homeostasis by adjusting physiological processes.

Normal Range

The optimal functional range for various physiological parameters.

Set Point

The value around which a physiological parameter fluctuates.

Negative Feedback Loop

A system that counteracts changes in the body to maintain homeostasis.

Sensors (Receptors)

Detect internal conditions, such as temperature, and relay information to the brain.

Effectors

Muscles or glands that respond to deviation from the set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

A mechanism that amplifies or increases the occurrence of events.

Prolactin

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate milk production.

Hyponatremia

A condition of low sodium levels in the blood, often due to water intoxication.

Eviscerate

To disembowel or remove internal organs.

Viscera

Internal organs of the body.

Dorsal Cavity

The cavity located at the back side of the body.

Ventral Cavity

The cavity located at the front side of the body.

Cranial Cavity

The cavity that houses the brain.

Spinal Cavity

The cavity that contains the spinal cord.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The cavity combining the abdominal and pelvic regions.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.

Serous Membrane

A protective membrane composed of two layers covering organs.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of the serous membrane.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of the serous membrane, lining the organs.

Pleura

Serous membrane surrounding the lungs.

Pericardium

Serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane surrounding the abdominal organs.

Integumentary System

Organ system that includes the skin.

Skeletal System

Organ system that consists of bones and cartilage.

Muscular System

Organ system that allows for movement through muscle contractions.

Nervous System

Organ system responsible for sensing stimuli and transmitting signals.

Endocrine System

Organ system that secretes hormones to regulate body functions.

Digestive System

Organ system that processes food and extracts nutrients.

Circulatory System

Organ system responsible for transporting blood and nutrients.

Lymphatic System

Organ system that helps defend against infection.

Urinary System

Organ system that eliminates waste and regulates fluids.

Reproductive System

Organ system for producing offspring.

Respiratory System

Organ system involved in gas exchange.