Visceral Organs: Structures and Functions

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomical structures, locations, and physiological roles of the major human visceral organs based on the lecture notes.

Visceral organs

Also known as internal organs or viscera, these are crucial components located within body cavities responsible for performing functions necessary for survival and health.

Heart

A muscular organ in the thoracic cavity that acts as the central pump of the circulatory system, moving oxygenated blood to the body and receiving deoxygenated blood.

Heart Chambers

The four internal divisions of the heart consisting of two atria and two ventricles that work in a synchronized manner to maintain circulation.

Lungs

Paired organs in the respiratory system located in the thoracic cavity that facilitate the exchange of oxygen and $CO_2$ between air and the bloodstream.

Alveoli

The air sacs within the lungs where the actual gas exchange occurs across membranes.

Liver

The largest internal organ, located in the abdominal cavity, responsible for metabolism, detoxification, nutrient storage, and producing bile.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells organized into lobules that perform the organ's metabolic and detoxifying functions.

Portal vein

One of the two blood supplies to the liver, which carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines.

Hepatic artery

The blood supply that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the liver.

Kidneys

Paired organs in the urinary system that filter blood to remove waste products like urea and creatinine while regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.

Nephrons

The functional units of the kidney, numbering about a million per organ, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

Ureters

The tubes through which urine exits the kidneys to travel to the bladder.

Stomach

A hollow, muscular organ in the upper left abdomen that breaks down food into smaller molecules using gastric juices.

Chyme

A semi-fluid mixture of food and gastric juices formed in the stomach during digestion.

Small Intestine

A part of the digestive tract consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur.

Large Intestine

Also called the colon, it is responsible for absorbing water and forming feces for elimination.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by the interconnected work of the visceral organs and systems.