Chapter 6 Anatomy & Physiology

Acetabulum

The pelvic socket into which the femur head fits.

Acromioclavicular Joint

The joint where the acromion and clavicle meet.

Acromion Process

The highest portion of the shoulder.

Alveoli

Microscopic lung sacs where gas exchange takes place.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body.

Appendix

Small tube near the junction of the intestines in the RLQ.

Arteriole

The smallest kind of artery.

Artery

Any blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart.

Automaticity

The heart's ability to generate its own electrical impulses.

Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the PNS controlling involuntary motor functions.

Bladder

The saclike organ used as a reservoir for urine.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by blood against blood vessel walls.

Brachial Artery

Upper arm artery used to check infant CPR pulse.

Bronchi

The two large branches of the trachea entering the lungs.

Buffer System

A system managing body pH to maintain normal levels.

Calcaneus

The heel bone.

Capillary

Microscopic blood vessel where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.

Cardiac Conduction System

Specialized muscle tissues conducting electrical impulses for heartbeats.

Cardiac Muscle

Specialized involuntary muscle found only in the heart.

Cardiovascular System

The system made of the heart and blood vessels.

Carotid Arteries

Large neck arteries carrying blood to the head.

Carpals

The wrist bones.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

Central Pulses

The carotid and femoral pulses.

Clavicle

The collarbone.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.

Cranium

The top, back, and sides of the skull.

Cricoid Cartilage

Ring-shaped structure forming the lower larynx.

Dermis

The inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

Diaphragm

Muscular structure dividing the chest and abdominal cavities.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Arterial pressure when the left ventricle refills.

Digestive System

System that breaks down food into absorbable forms.

Dorsalis Pedis Artery

Artery supplying the foot, lateral to big toe tendon.

Endocrine System

Gland system producing hormones to regulate body activities.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin.

Epiglottis

Leaf-shaped structure preventing food from entering the trachea.

Epinephrine

Hormone that dilates respiratory passages and relieves allergies.

Exhalation

Passive process of relaxing muscles to expel air.

Femoral Artery

Major artery supplying the leg.

Femur

The thigh bone.

Fibula

The lateral, smaller bone of the lower leg.

Gallbladder

Sac storing bile on the underside of the liver.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm.

Hypoperfusion

Inability to adequately circulate blood to cells; shock.

Ilium

The superior, widest portion of the pelvis.

Inhalation

Active process of contracting muscles to draw air in.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas regulating blood sugar.

Involuntary Muscle

Muscle responding automatically without conscious control.

Ischium

The lower, posterior portions of the pelvis.

Joint

The point where two bones come together.

Kidneys

Renal organs filtering blood and regulating fluid levels.

Large Intestine

Muscular tube removing water from waste before excretion.

Larynx

The voice box.

Ligament

Tissue connecting bone to bone.

Liver

Largest organ; produces bile and assists metabolism.

Lungs

Organs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.

Lymphatic System

System maintaining fluid balance and contributing to immunity.

Malleolus

Bony protrusion on the side of the ankle.

Mandible

The lower jawbone.

Manubrium

The superior portion of the sternum.

Maxillae

Fused bones forming the upper jaw.

Metacarpals

The hand bones.

Metatarsals

The foot bones.

Muscle

Tissue that contracts to allow body movement.

Musculoskeletal System

Bones and muscles supporting, protecting, and moving the body.

Nasal Bones

The nose bones.

Nasopharynx

The area directly posterior to the nose.

Nervous System

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves governing sensation.

Orbits

The bony sockets around the eyes.

Oropharynx

The area directly posterior to the mouth.

Ovaries

Egg-producing female reproductive organs.

Pancreas

Gland producing insulin and digestive juices.

Patella

The kneecap.

Pelvis

Basin-shaped structure supporting the spine and legs.

Penis

Male reproductive organ.

Perfusion

Blood flow supplying oxygen and removing wastes from cells.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves entering and leaving the spinal cord.

Peripheral Pulses

Radial, brachial, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses.

Phalanges

The toe and finger bones.

Pharynx

Throat area posterior to mouth and nose.

Physiology

The study of body function.

Plasma

The fluid portion of the blood.

Platelets

Blood components essential for clotting.

Posterior Tibial Artery

Artery supplying the foot behind the medial ankle.

Pubis

The medial anterior portion of the pelvis.

Pulmonary Arteries

Vessels carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Pulmonary Veins

Vessels carrying oxygenated blood to the heart.