The Human Body: An Orientation and Intro to Anatomy & Physiology

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering basic anatomical terminology, body orientation, body cavities, levels of organization, major organ systems, homeostasis, and related physiological concepts based on the lecture notes.

What does Anatomy study?

The structure of body parts and their relationships to one another; includes gross/macroscopic and microscopic levels.

What does Physiology study?

The function of the body's structural machinery.

Name the three gross (macroscopic) approaches to anatomy.

Regional anatomy, Systemic anatomy, and Surface anatomy.

What does the term 'anatomical position' refer to?

A standard body position used as a reference for directional terms.

What does the term 'superior' mean?

Toward the head; above.

What does the term 'inferior' mean?

Toward the feet; below.

What does the term 'anterior (ventral)' mean?

Toward the front of the body.

What does the term 'posterior (dorsal)' mean?

Toward the back of the body.

What does the term 'medial' mean?

Toward the midline of the body.

What does the term 'lateral' mean?

Away from the midline.

What do 'proximal' and 'distal' mean?

Proximal: closer to the point of attachment; distal: farther from the point of attachment.

What do 'cranial' and 'caudal' refer to?

Cranial toward the head; caudal toward the tail.

What is the dorsal surface?

The back or posterior surface of the body or a body part (e.g., dorsum of the foot).

What is the plantar surface?

The sole of the foot.

Name the major body cavities and subdivisions.

Dorsal cavity (cranial and spinal) and ventral cavity (thoracic and abdominopelvic; abdominal and pelvic subdivisions).

What subdivisions exist within the ventral cavity?

Thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity (which includes abdominal and pelvic cavities).

What is Embryology?

Study of development before birth; development from conception to birth.

What is Gross Anatomy – Regional?

Study of all structures in one region of the body (e.g., abdomen or leg).

What is Gross Anatomy – Systemic?

Gross anatomy studied by body system.

What is Gross Anatomy – Surface?

Study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin.

What is Microscopic Anatomy?

Study of cells (cytology) and tissues (histology).

What is Cytology?

Study of the cell.

What is Histology?

Study of tissues.

What is Developmental Anatomy?

Deals with development of the organism from conception to adulthood and traces structural changes throughout life.

What is the Principle of Complementarity in physiology/anatomy?

Function reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its form.

What is Negative Feedback?

A regulatory mechanism where the output shuts off or reduces the original stimulus to maintain homeostasis (e.g., blood glucose regulation).

What is Positive Feedback?

A regulatory mechanism where the output enhances the original stimulus; not usually homeostatic (e.g., blood clotting).

What are Survival Needs?

Nutrients, oxygen, water, appropriate body temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

What is Homeostasis?

A dynamic state of equilibrium of the internal environment maintained despite external changes.

What are the Levels of Structural Organization from smallest to largest?

Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism.

What is the Fluid Mosaic Model?

Model of the cell membrane with a phospholipid bilayer, cholesterol, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and proteins that move laterally.

What is the function of the Integumentary System?

Forms the external body covering; protects tissues and synthesizes vitamin D.

What is the function of the Skeletal System?

Protects and supports; provides a framework for muscles; site of blood cell formation; stores minerals.

What is the function of the Muscular System?

Allows movement, maintains posture, and generates heat.

What is the function of the Nervous System?

Fast-acting control system; responds to stimuli by activating muscles and glands.

What is the function of the Cardiovascular System?

Heart pumps blood; blood vessels transport blood throughout the body.

What is the function of the Lymphatic System?

Picks up fluid leaked from vessels, returns it to blood, houses immune cells, and disposes of debris in lymph.

What is the function of the Digestive System?

Breaks down food into absorbable units; absorbs nutrients; eliminates indigestible wastes.

What is the function of the Urinary System?

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes; regulates water, electrolyte balance, and pH of blood.

What is the function of the Female Reproductive System?

Produces eggs and female hormones; uterus supports fertilization and development; mammary glands produce milk.

What is the function of the Male Reproductive System?

Produces sperm and male hormones; delivers sperm to the female reproductive tract.

What is the Interrelationship of Organ Systems?

Integumentary protects; Digestive and Respiratory systems provide nutrients and oxygen; various systems work together for homeostasis.

What is Excretion in Physiology?

Removal of wastes from the body (urinary, digestive, and respiratory roles).