Marieb Anatomy & Physiology Chapter `1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function.

Gross anatomy

The study of body structures that can be seen with the naked eye; also called macroscopic anatomy.

Macroscopic anatomy

Another name for gross anatomy; studies structures visible to the naked eye.

Regional anatomy

The study of all structures in one specific area of the body.

Systemic anatomy

The study of the structures of one organ system.

Surface anatomy

The study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Developmental anatomy

The study of structural changes that occur throughout the lifespan.

Embryology

The study of developmental changes that occur before birth.

Palpation

Feeling body structures or organs with the hands.

Auscultation

Listening to body sounds, usually with a stethoscope.

Medical imaging

Methods used to view structures inside the body, such as X-rays, MRI, CT, and ultrasound.

Principle of complementarity

The idea that function reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its form.

Chemical level

The simplest level of structural organization; includes atoms and molecules.

Cellular level

Level where molecules combine to form cells.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells that perform a common function.

Organ level

A structure made of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

Organ system level

A group of organs that work together to accomplish a common purpose.

Organismal level

The highest level of organization; represents the complete living human.

Organ

A body structure made of at least two different tissue types that performs a specific function.

Organ system

A group of organs working together for a common purpose.

Integumentary system

Organ system involving the skin and its associated structures.

Skeletal system

Organ system that provides support and protection and includes bones.

Muscular system

Organ system responsible for movement using muscles.

Nervous system

Organ system that provides rapid control and communication using electrical signals.

Endocrine system

Organ system that regulates body processes using hormones.

Cardiovascular system

Organ system that transports blood throughout the body.

Lymphatic system

Organ system involved in returning fluid to the blood and immune defense.

Respiratory system

Organ system involved in gas exchange.

Digestive system

Organ system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary system

Organ system that removes nitrogen-containing wastes and helps regulate body fluids.

Reproductive system

Organ system responsible for producing offspring.

Maintaining boundaries

Keeping the body's internal environment separate from the external environment.

Movement

Movement of the body or movement of substances within the body.

Responsiveness

The ability to sense and respond to changes or stimuli; also called excitability.

Excitability

Another term for responsiveness; the ability to detect and respond to stimuli.

Digestion

The breakdown of food into simpler substances that can be absorbed.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions occurring within the body's cells.

Catabolism

The breakdown of larger molecules into smaller molecules.

Anabolism

The building of larger molecules from smaller molecules.

Cellular respiration

Process that uses nutrients and oxygen to produce ATP.

ATP

Usable form of cellular energy.

Excretion

The process of removing wastes from the body.

Reproduction

Production of new cells for growth and repair or production of offspring.

Growth

Increase in the size of a body part or the organism.

Survival needs

Factors the body needs to survive, including nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure.

Nutrients

Substances needed for energy and cell building, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Oxygen

Necessary for chemical reactions that release energy from food.

Water

The body's most abundant chemical substance and the major component of body fluids.

Normal body temperature

Temperature range needed for normal chemical reactions in the body.

Atmospheric pressure

The force exerted by air; appropriate pressure is needed for normal breathing and gas exchange.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite changes.

Dynamic equilibrium

A state in which internal conditions change within relatively narrow limits while remaining balanced.

Law of mass balance

In a steady state, the total amount of a substance taken into the body equals the amount lost.

Variable

A factor or condition being regulated by a homeostatic control system.

Receptor

A sensor that monitors the environment and detects changes.

Sensor

Another name for a receptor in a homeostatic control system.

Control center

Determines the set point, analyzes information, and decides the appropriate response.

Set point

The level or range that a control system attempts to maintain.

Effector

A muscle or gland that carries out the response ordered by the control center.

Stimulus

A change that causes a response.

Input

Information sent from the receptor to the control center.

Output

Information sent from the control center to the effector.

Negative feedback

A homeostatic response that reduces or shuts off the original stimulus.

Positive feedback

A response that increases or enhances the original stimulus.

Feedforward control

An anticipatory response that occurs before an internal condition changes.

Homeostatic imbalance

A disturbance in homeostasis that can increase the risk of disease.

Nervous system

A major regulatory system that helps maintain homeostasis.

Endocrine system

A major regulatory system that helps maintain homeostasis through hormones.

Anatomical position

Standard body position: standing erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, and thumbs pointing away from the body.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body; above.

Cranial

Another term meaning toward the head or superior.

Inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part of the body; below.

Caudal

Another term meaning toward the lower part of the body or inferior.

Anterior

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

Ventral

Another term meaning toward the front or anterior.

Posterior

Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

Dorsal

Another term meaning toward the back or posterior.

Medial

Toward or at the body's midline.

Lateral

Away from the body's midline.