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Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and its parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions and processes of the body's structures.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Cytology

The study of the structure and function of cells.

Gross Anatomy

The study of body structures that can be seen with the naked eye.

Transverse Section

A horizontal cut that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Frontal Section

A vertical cut that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Sagittal Section

A vertical cut that divides the body into left and right parts.

Oblique Section

A cut made at an angle to the vertical and horizontal planes.

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference point in anatomy.

Directional Terms

Terms that describe the location of body structures in relation to each other, such as superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior.

Body Cavities

Hollow spaces within the body that contain organs.

Human Body Plan Characteristics

Five characteristics that define the plan of the human body, including symmetry, segmentation, cephalization, and more.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that covers the surfaces of the body and lines cavities and organs.

Glandular Epithelium

Epithelium that forms glands and is responsible for secretion.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts to the surface of an organ.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds together, and protects other tissues and organs.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various forms in the human body.

Spongy Bone

Bone that has a porous structure and is found at the ends of long bones and in the interiors of others.

Compact Bone

Dense bone that forms the outer layer of all bones, providing strength and support.

Integumentary System

The organ system that protects the body from damage and regulates temperature, including skin, hair, and nails.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin that provides a barrier to infection.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Synovial Joints

Joints that are characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity and allow for a wide range of motion.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

A type of muscle tissue that is attached to bones and is under voluntary control.

Motor Unit

A motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates.

Agonist Muscle

A muscle that contracts to produce a movement.

Antagonist Muscle

A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle.

Synergist Muscle

A muscle that assists another muscle in performing a movement.

Tendon of Origin

The tendon that anchors a muscle to a stationary bone.

Tendon of Insertion

The tendon that anchors the muscle to the bone that moves.

Blood

A connective tissue that carries nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body.

Nervous Tissue

A type of tissue that transmits electrical signals throughout the body.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism despite external changes.

Neurons

The basic functional unit of the nervous system that transmits signals.

Sensory Receptors

Structures that detect stimuli from the environment and send signals to the brain.

Immunity

The body's ability to resist infections and diseases.

Asymptomatic

A condition where an individual shows no symptoms.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that convert food into energy.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions for the body.