Chapter 1: The Human Body - An Orientation Practice Flashcards

This set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covers anatomy and physiology definitions, levels of organization, life functions, organ systems, and orientation/directional terminology from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Gross or macroscopic anatomy

A subdivision of anatomy that studies large structures, such as regional, systemic, and surface anatomy.

Microscopic anatomy

A subdivision of anatomy that includes cytology and histology.

Cytology

A subdivision of microscopic anatomy that focuses on the study of cells.

Histology

A subdivision of microscopic anatomy that focuses on the study of tissues.

Developmental anatomy

A subdivision of anatomy that includes embryology.

Embryology

A specific field of developmental anatomy.

Palpation

A method used to study anatomy by feeling organs with the hands.

Auscultation

A method used to study anatomy by listening to organ sounds.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body, often focusing on the cellular and molecular level.

Principle of Complementarity

The concept that function always reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its specific form.

Chemical level

The structural level where atoms combine to form molecules and organelles.

Cellular level

The structural level where cells are made up of molecules.

Tissue level

The structural level where tissues consist of similar types of cells.

Organ level

The structural level where an organ is made up of different types of tissues.

Organ system level

The structural level where organ systems consist of different organs that work together closely.

Organismal level

The highest level of structural organization where the human organism is made up of many organ systems.

Movement (contractility)

The necessary life function involving the movement of body parts via skeletal muscle or substances via cardiac and smooth muscle.

Responsiveness

The ability to sense and respond to stimuli, such as the withdrawal reflex or control of breathing rate.

Digestion

The breakdown of ingested foodstuffs and the absorption of simple molecules into the blood.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur in body cells, including catabolism and anabolism.

Excretion

The removal of wastes from metabolism and digestion, including urea, carbon dioxide, and feces.

Anatomical Variability

The concept that while $90\%$ of structures match textbook descriptions, small variations like displaced vessels or missing small muscles can occur.

Integumentary System

Forms the external body covering, protects deeper tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses cutaneous receptors.

Skeletal System

Protects and supports body organs, provides a framework for muscle movement, stores minerals, and forms blood cells.

Muscular System

Allows for locomotion, manipulation of the environment, facial expression, maintenance of posture, and heat production.

Nervous System

The fast-acting control system of the body that responds to internal and external changes by activating muscles and glands.

Endocrine System

A system where glands secrete hormones that regulate processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use.

Cardiovascular System

Consists of blood vessels and the heart; vessels transport blood carrying oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and wastes.

Lymphatic System/Immunity

Picks up leaked fluid, disposes of debris, houses white blood cells, and mounts attacks against foreign substances.

Respiratory System

Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide through the walls of the air sacs of the lungs.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible foodstuffs as feces.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates the water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of the blood.

Reproductive System

The system responsible for the production of offspring, involving structures such as the testes, ovaries, and mammary glands.

Anatomical Position

Standard body position where the body is erect, feet are slightly apart, and palms face forward with thumbs pointing away from the body.

Superior (cranial)

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

Ventral (anterior)

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

Dorsal (posterior)

Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Superficial (external)

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep (internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Axial

A major division of the body consisting of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular

A major division of the body consisting of the limbs.

Sagittal plane

A plane that divides the body vertically into right and left parts.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Divides the body horizontally at a $90^\circ$ angle to the vertical plane into superior and inferior parts.