Anatomy and Physiology: Serous Membranes, Medical Imaging, and Homeostasis

Vocabulary flashcards covering serous membranes, medical imaging modalities, and core physiological principles including homeostasis based on the textbook modules.

Parietal pericardium

The outer serous membrane layer that encircles the heart in the mediastinum.

Visceral pericardium

The serous membrane layer attached directly to the heart muscle itself.

Pericardial cavity

The space located between the parietal pericardium and the visceral pericardium.

Intraperitoneal

Refers to organs that are enveloped by visceral peritoneum within the peritoneal cavity (intra- = "inside").

Retroperitoneal

Refers to organs located behind the parietal peritoneum, such as the kidneys, which have parietal peritoneum covering their anterior surfaces (retro- = "behind").

Peritoneal cavity

The space between the parietal and visceral peritoneal membranes that contains serous fluid and is larger than either the pleural cavities or the pericardial cavity.

Serous membranes of the anterior body cavities

Double-layered membranes including the pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal membranes that line body cavities and cover internal organs.

Medical imaging

Techniques that use different forms of radiation to produce images of internal body structures without resorting to surgery.

X-ray

A medical imaging technique that uses ionizing radiation to produce an image of internal body structures, such as a chest film showing the thoracic cavity.

Computed tomography scan

A medical imaging technique using ionizing radiation where data are fed into a computer to produce a three-dimensional image.

Magnetic resonance image

A three-dimensional medical image produced by placing the body within a magnetic field and compiling data using a computer.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to develop and maintain a relatively stable internal environment in the face of changing conditions.