Chapter 1: An Introduction to Anatomy - Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from Chapter 1: Introduction to Anatomy, including levels of organization, organ systems, terminology, planes, and body cavities.

Structure determines function

The idea that the form of a structure determines its function; specific functions are carried out by specific structures.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures that cannot be seen without magnification; limited by the equipment used.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Light microscope

A microscope that uses visible light to magnify specimens.

Electron microscope

A microscope that uses beams of electrons to achieve higher magnification.

Gross Anatomy

The study of structures visible to the unaided eye (macroscopic anatomy).

Surface anatomy

Study of the general form, morphology, and superficial markings.

Regional anatomy

Study of all structures in a specific area of the body, superficial or deep.

Systemic anatomy

Study of anatomy one organ system at a time.

Developmental anatomy

Examines structural changes over time; includes embryology.

Embryology

Study of development in the first two months of life.

Comparative anatomy

Consideration of anatomical differences and similarities across different species.

Clinical anatomy

Focus on pathological changes during illness.

Surgical anatomy

Anatomical landmarks important for surgical procedures.

Radiographic anatomy

Study of structures as visualized by X-rays, ultrasound, or other imaging on an intact body.

Cross-sectional anatomy

Uses radiographic-derived cross sections (CT/MRI) to view body slices.

Chemical/Molecular level

Level of organization dealing with atoms and molecules; major body elements include H, O, C, N.

Cell

Smallest living unit in the body.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and surrounding material.

Organ

A structure made up of tissues that performs a specific function.

Organ system

A group of organs working together to perform a common function.

11 organ systems

The human body is composed of 11 organ systems.

Integumentary system

Protects against hazards and helps regulate body temperature.

Skeletal system

Supports and protects soft tissues; stores minerals; forms blood cells.

Muscular system

Locomotion, support, and heat production.

Nervous system

Directs immediate responses to stimuli and coordinates activities of other organ systems.

Endocrine system

Directs long-term changes in the activities of other organ systems.

Cardiovascular system

Internal transport of cells and dissolved materials (nutrients, wastes, gases).

Lymphatic (Lymphoid) system

Defends against infection and disease; returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream.

Respiratory system

Delivers air to sites where gas exchange occurs between air and circulating blood.

Digestive system

Processes food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary system

Eliminates excess water, salts, and waste products; maintains pH.

Male reproductive system

Produces sex cells and hormones.

Female reproductive system

Produces sex cells and hormones; supports embryonic development from fertilization to birth.

Integumentary system components

Hair, epidermis with glands, and nails.

Axial skeleton

Central skeleton: skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular skeleton

Limbs and supporting girdles (shoulder and pelvic).

Central nervous system

Brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

Peripheral nerves connecting the CNS to limbs and organs.

Anatomical position

Standing upright, feet slightly apart, arms at sides, palms forward.

Supine

Lying on the back.

Prone

Lying on the abdomen.

Anterior (ventral)

The front; belly side.

Posterior (dorsal)

The back.

Superior (cranial)

Toward the head.

Inferior (caudal)

Toward the feet.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Proximal

Toward the point of attachment or trunk; closer to the core.

Distal

Away from the point of attachment or trunk; farther from the core.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the surface; toward the interior.

Transverse plane

A horizontal plane that separates superior and inferior portions.

Sagittal plane

A plane that divides the body into left and right portions.

Midsagittal plane

A sagittal plane that passes through the midline, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into left and right portions of unequal size.

Frontal (coronal) plane

A plane that divides anterior and posterior portions.

Sectional anatomy

Study of relationships using planes and sections; helps visualize internal relationships.

Ventral body cavity

Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities; diaphragm separates it from the thoracic cavity.

Dorsal body cavity

Contains the cranial cavity and the vertebral (spinal) cavity.

Serous membranes

Two-layer membranes that lubricate and protect the ventral body cavity.

Pleural cavity

Cavities surrounding the lungs within the thoracic cavity.

Pericardial cavity

Cavity enclosing the heart within the mediastinum.

Peritoneal cavity

Space within the abdomen that houses many organs; part of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Combined abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Mediastinum

Central compartment of the thoracic cavity; houses the heart, great vessels, and other structures.

Parietal pericardium

The outer layer of the pericardium lining the pericardial cavity.

Visceral pericardium

The inner layer of the pericardium attached to the heart.

Parietal pleura

The outer layer lining the thoracic cavity around the lungs.

Visceral pleura

The inner layer covering the lungs.