Intro to Anatomy and Physiology - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of 25 vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy and physiology terms from the lecture notes.

Homeostasis

The body's stable, balanced internal environment, maintaining constant conditions (temperature, pH, fluids) despite external changes.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the body's main energy currency used to power cellular processes.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of larger molecules from smaller ones, using energy to build new cellular components.

Anatomical position

A standardized body position: standing erect, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body (ventral surface).

Posterior

Toward the back of the body (dorsal surface).

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline (center) of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the outer sides.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of origin of a limb.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of origin of a limb.

Frontal (coronal) plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right portions; midsagittal is exactly at the midline.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Dorsal cavity

The posterior body cavity, containing the cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities.

Ventral cavity

The anterior body cavity, subdivided into the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities (separated by the diaphragm).

Serous membranes

Thin membranes that line ventral cavities and cover organs, creating a friction-minimizing cavity; include pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum.

Mesothelium

The simple squamous epithelium that lines serous membranes.

Mucous membranes

Membranes lining passages open to the exterior; secrete mucus; contain goblet cells and often cilia to trap and remove particles.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that lines surfaces and cavities, provides a barrier, is avascular, and is classified by shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar) and layering (simple, stratified, pseudostratified).

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream (ductless).

Exocrine glands

Glands that secrete onto surfaces or into ducts (sweat, saliva, digestive enzymes).

Connective tissue

Tissue that provides support and structure; includes loose and dense connective tissue, adipose tissue, and others; found between cells and around organs, cushioning and connecting.