Human Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 1

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering introductory anatomical terms, noninvasive diagnostic techniques, medical imaging modalities, levels of organization, body systems, orientation, directional terms, body planes, cavities, serous membranes, and common Latin/Greek medical roots from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of body structure and the relationship among structures; the "what" and "where".

Gross anatomy

A branch of anatomy that examines structures visible to the naked eye without microscopic magnification.

Microscopic anatomy (histology)

The branch of anatomy involved in the microscopic study of tissues and cellular structures.

Physiology

The study of body function and the relationships between systems; the "how" and "why".

Inspection

A noninvasive diagnostic technique involving the visual examination or observation of the body.

Palpation

A noninvasive diagnostic technique where the examiner feels body surfaces with hands.

Auscultation

A noninvasive diagnostic technique where the examiner listens to body sounds.

Percussion

A noninvasive diagnostic technique involving tapping on the body surface to assess underlying structures.

X-ray imaging

A medical imaging modality using electromagnetic rays where denser tissues block more rays and appear whiter.

Sonography (ultrasound imaging)

A medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures.

Computed tomography (CT)

An advanced form of radiological imaging using computerized X-ray processing to produce body cross-sections.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

An advanced radiological technique used to visualize blood vessels by subtracting background anatomical images.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

An advanced radiological technique tracking radioactive substances to visualize metabolic processes in organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed body section images.

Chemical level

The structural level of organization where atoms combine to form molecules.

Cellular level

The structural level of organization consisting of single cells made up of molecules.

Tissue level

The structural level of organization consisting of groups of similar cells with shared structure and function.

Organ level

The structural level of organization where different tissue types function together to perform specific functions.

Integumentary System

The organ system forming the external body covering; protects deeper tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses cutaneous receptors and sweat/oil glands.

Skeletal System

The organ system that protects and supports organs, provides a muscular movement framework, forms blood cells within bones, and stores minerals.

Muscular System

The organ system responsible for locomotion, environment manipulation, facial expression, maintaining posture, and producing heat.

Nervous System

The fast-acting control system of the body that responds to internal and external changes by activating appropriate muscles and glands.

Cardiovascular System

The organ system where blood vessels transport oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and wastes, driven by heart pumping.

Respiratory System

The organ system that supplies blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide through lung air sac walls.

Endocrine System

The organ system consisting of glands that secrete hormones regulating growth, reproduction, and cellular metabolism.

Lymphatic System/Immunity

The organ system that picks up leaked vascular fluid, disposes of debris, houses white blood cells, and mounts immune responses against foreign substances.

Digestive System

The organ system breaking down food into absorbable units for blood distribution and eliminating indigestible foodstuffs as feces.

Urinary System

The organ system eliminating nitrogenous wastes and regulating water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of the blood.

Anatomical position

Standard reference position where the body is standing upright with palms facing forward.

Prone

Body orientation where an individual is lying face down.

Supine

Body orientation where an individual is lying face up.

Axial region

Anatomical division consisting of the main axis of the body: head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular region

Anatomical division consisting of the upper and lower limbs attached to the main body axis.

Superior (cranial)

Directional term meaning toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

Inferior (caudal)

Directional term meaning away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

Anterior (ventral)

Directional term meaning toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

Posterior (dorsal)

Directional term meaning toward or at the back of the body; behind.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the origin of the body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Superficial (external)

Directional term meaning toward or at the body surface.

Deep (internal)

Directional term meaning away from the body surface; more internal.

Ipsilateral

Directional term meaning located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Directional term meaning located on opposite sides of the body.

Frontal (Coronal) plane

Vertical anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Sagittal plane

Vertical anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right sides.

Midsagittal (median) plane

Sagittal plane lying directly on the midline, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Transverse plane

Horizontal anatomical plane dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Oblique plane

Anatomical plane cut diagonally at an angle between vertical and horizontal planes.

Cranial cavity

Dorsal body cavity formed by cranial bones, housing the brain.

Vertebral canal

Dorsal body cavity formed by the vertebral column, containing the spinal cord and roots of spinal nerves.

Mediastinum

Anatomical region in the central thoracic cavity between pleural cavity medial walls, extending from sternum to vertebral column.

Parietal serosa

Outer layer of a serous membrane lining the internal walls of a body cavity.

Visceral serosa

Inner layer of a serous membrane directly covering organs within a ventral body cavity.

Acro-

Medical prefix referring to an extremity.

Adeno-

Medical prefix referring to a gland.

Algia-

Medical suffix referring to pain.

Arthro-

Medical prefix referring to a joint.

Cyto-

Medical prefix referring to a cell.

Erythro-

Medical prefix referring to red.

Leuko-

Medical prefix referring to white.

Myo-

Medical prefix referring to muscle.

Nephro-

Medical prefix referring to a kidney.

Osteo-

Medical prefix referring to bone.

Phago-

Medical prefix referring to eating or consuming.