Anatomy and Physiology Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from an overview of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on definitions and functions of various tissues and processes.

Anatomy

The scientific study of the body's structures.

Physiology

The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the body's functions.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers exterior surfaces, lines internal cavities, and forms glands.

Connective Tissue

Binds cells and organs together, providing support and integration.

Muscle Tissue

Excitable tissue that is capable of contracting to produce movement.

Nervous Tissue

Specialized tissue that transmits and processes information via electrochemical signals.

Cell Membrane

A selective barrier that surrounds and protects the cell.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across the membrane using energy from ATP.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across the membrane without the expenditure of cellular energy.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products through ducts to the body surface or into body cavities.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Synthesis Reaction

A chemical reaction that joins two or more components to form a larger molecule.

Decomposition Reaction

A chemical reaction that breaks down a compound into its constituent parts.

Simple Epithelial Tissue

Consists of a single layer of cells that plays various roles such as absorption and secretion.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Protective epithelial tissue composed of multiple layers of cells.

Cell Cycle

The sequence of phases that a cell goes through from creation to division.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

DNA Replication

The process of duplicating the DNA molecule before cell division.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the capability of self-renewal and differentiation.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Clinical Homeostasis

The regulation and maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell containing DNA and coordinating cellular activities.

Midline

An imaginary line that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Oblique Plane

A diagonal plane that divides the body at an angle, in a manner that is not strictly horizontal or vertical.

Dorsal (Posterior)

Referring to the back side of the body; synonymous with posterior.

Ventral (Anterior)

Referring to the front side of the body; synonymous with anterior.

Frontal Plane

Another term for the coronal plane, dividing the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Sagittal Cut

A cut along the sagittal plane, creating left and right sections of the body or organ.

Transverse Cut

A cut along the transverse plane, resulting in superior and inferior sections of the body or organ.