Human Anatomy + Physiology Unit 1 Vocabulary

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Continuous internal opening that includes the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Anatomical Position

Erect standing position with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Anatomy

The study of the form or structure of living things, including plants, animals, and humans.

Anterior (Ventral) Body Cavity

Continuous internal opening that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Physiology

The study of how living things function or work.

Posterior (Dorsal) Body Cavity

Continuous internal opening located near the back of the body that includes the cranial and spinal cavities.

Sagittal Plane

An invisible vertical flat surface that divides the body into right and left halves.

Thoracic Cavity

The internal opening that houses the heart and lungs.

Transverse Plane

An invisible, horizontal flat surface that dicides the boy into top and bottom halves.

Homeostasis

A state of regulates physiological balance.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A state in which there is a diminished ability for the organ systems to keep the body’s internal environment within normal ranges.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life.

Negative Feedback

Mechanism that reverses a condition that has exceeded the normal homeostatic range to restore homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that further increases a condition that has exceeded the normal homeostatic range.