Anatomy, Physiology, and Energy Systems Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering human anatomy, skeletal structures, body planes, muscle contractions, cardiac and respiratory functions, and energy system pathways based on the lecture material.

Skeletal System Functions

The primary functions of providing support and framework, protecting vital organs, enabling movement, storing minerals like calcium, and producing blood cells in bone marrow.

Flat Bones

Bones whose primary function is to protect internal organs and provide an attachment site for large skeletal muscles.

Short Bones

Compact bones that are rounded and irregular in shape, designed to withstand heavy impacts and facilitate fine motor movement.

Long Bones

Weight-bearing levers featuring a hollow, marrow-filled shaft with flared or bulging ends, such as the tibia and femur.

Irregular Bones

Bones with various shapes and sizes that do not fit into other categories, such as the vertebrae.

Axial Skeleton

A major division of the skeletal system comprising the skull, thorax (sternum and ribs), and vertebral column.

Appendicular Skeleton

The division of the skeleton attached to the axial skeleton by the pectoral girdle in the upper body and the pelvic girdle in the lower body.

Cervical Vertebrae

The $7$ vertebrae located in the neck region of the spinal column.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The $12$ vertebrae located in the chest region of the spinal column.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The $5$ vertebrae located in the lower back region of the spinal column.

Sacrum

A structure composed of $5$ fused vertebrae near the base of the spine.

Coccyx

A structure composed of $4$ fused vertebrae located at the bottom of the spinal column.

Joint (Articulation)

The point where two bones meet.

Fibrous Joints

Immovable joints in which bones are fused together, resulting in no possible movement.

Slightly Movable Joints

Joints that allow slight movement and feature a tough layer of cartilage between the bones.

Synovial Joints

Joints that allow free movement in one or a number of directions, characterized by smooth cartilage, a joint capsule filled with synovial fluid, and strong ligaments.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane running down through the body, dividing it into left and right portions.

Coronal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions.

Isometric Contraction

A type of muscle contraction where the muscle gains tension but does not change in length.

Concentric Contraction

A muscle contraction where the muscle gains tension and shortens in length during motion.

Eccentric Contraction

A muscle contraction where the muscle gains tension and increases in length during motion.

Postural Muscles

Muscles responsible for allowing a person to move specific body parts while other muscles stabilize.

Pulse

The physical wave of blood movement felt near the surface of the body caused by blood moving through arteries during a heart contraction.

Aorta

The large blood vessel responsible for carrying oxygenated blood away from the left ventricle.

Vena Cava

The major blood vessels (superior and inferior) responsible for returning blood to the right atrium of the heart.

Minute Ventilation

The volume of air inhaled per minute, calculated as $\text{Minute Ventilation} = 12\text{ breaths/min} \times 0.5\text{ litres} = 6\text{ L/min}$ at rest.

Aerobic

A term that literally translates to 'with oxygen'.

Anaerobic

A term that literally translates to 'without oxygen'.

VO2 Max

The maximum amount of oxygen the body can take up and utilise during maximal exertion.

Partial Pressure

The individual pressure exerted independently by a particular gas within a mixture of gases, calculated using the formula $\text{Partial Pressure} = \text{Total Pressure} \times \text{Fractional Composition}$.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A chemical molecule composed of one adenosine and three phosphate molecules, stored in small amounts in muscle tissue to provide energy for contractions.

ATP/PC Energy System

An anaerobic energy system using phosphocreatine as fuel to rapidly produce energy for high-intensity efforts lasting up to $10\text{ seconds}$ with no byproducts.

Lactic Acid Energy System

An anaerobic energy system utilizing carbohydrates to quickly supply energy for high-intensity activities lasting up to $2\text{ to }3\text{ minutes}$, producing lactic acid as a byproduct.

Aerobic Glycolysis System

An energy system utilizing carbohydrates and fats to produce energy slowly for light-intensity exercise over unlimited durations, yielding carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.