Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms and definitions from the lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the form and structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of how the body functions.

Form and function

The interrelationship between anatomical structure and its function.

Microscopic anatomy

Study of structures too small to observe with the naked eye; includes cytology and histology.

Cytology

The study of body cells and their internal structure.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Gross (macroscopic) anatomy

Anatomy of structures visible to the unaided eye.

Systemic anatomy

Anatomy of each body system.

Regional anatomy

Anatomy of structures within a specific body region.

Surface anatomy

Focus on superficial markings and their relation to internal structures.

Comparative anatomy

Comparison of anatomical similarities and differences across species.

Embryology

Developmental changes from conception to birth.

Cardiovascular physiology

Functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Neurophysiology

Functioning of nerves and the nervous system.

Respiratory physiology

Functioning of the respiratory organs.

Reproductive physiology

Functioning of reproductive hormones and the reproductive cycle.

Pathophysiology

Function of a body system during disease or injury to the system.

Integrated form

Interrelation of anatomy and physiology; each field informs the other.

Form follows function

Anatomical structures are designed to perform their specific functions.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment in response to changing conditions.

Receptor

Detects changes in a variable (stimulus).

Control center

Interprets input from receptors and initiates responses via effectors.

Effector

The structure that brings about changes to alter the stimulus.

Negative feedback

Regulates most processes; the response moves in the opposite direction to restore balance.

Positive feedback

Stimulus reinforces a process to move away from the set point until a climactic event occurs.

Levels of organization

From chemical to cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organismal levels.

Anatomic position

Upright stance; feet parallel; palms facing anteriorly; head level; eyes forward.

Section

Actual cut or slice exposing internal anatomy.

Plane

Imaginary flat surface through the body; three types.

Coronal (frontal) plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.

Midsagittal (median) plane

Vertical plane dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal plane

Vertical plane parallel to midsagittal; divides structure into left and right portions.

Oblique plane

Passes through a structure at an angle.

Posterior aspect

Back of the body; completely encased in bone; includes the cranial cavity and vertebral canal.

Ventral cavity

The larger anterior body cavity; divided by the diaphragm into the superior thoracic cavity and the inferior abdominopelvic cavity.

Cranial cavity

Houses the brain; formed by bones of the cranium.

Vertebral canal

Houses the spinal cord; formed by the vertebral column.

Thoracic cavity

Upper ventral cavity containing the mediastinum, pericardial cavity, and pleural cavities.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Ventral cavity containing abdominal and pelvic organs; divided by the diaphragm.

Organization

All organisms exhibit a complex structure and order

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body

Anabolism

Small molecules joined to form larger ones

Catabolism

Large molecules broken down into smaller ones

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and react to stimuli

Regulation

Ability to adjust internal bodily function to accommodate environment changes

Reproduction

Produce new cells for growth, maintenance, and repair

With sex cells (gametes) can develop into new organisms

chemical level

Cellular level

Tissue level

Organ level

Organ system level

Organismal level

Levels of organization from simplest to most complex

Chemical level

Atoms

Molecules

Macromolecules

Organelles

Microscopic structures within cells

Cellular level

Cells- smallest living structure

Formed from molecules from chemical level

Vary widely in structure reflecting special functions

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells performing common functions

Four main catagories

Epithelial

Connective

Muscle

Nervous

Organ level

Two or more tissue types performing specific functions

Organ system level

Related organs working together to achieve a common function

Organismal level

Highest level of structural organization

All body systems function interdependently