Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology – Chapter 1: The Human Body—An Orientation

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering definitions, organ systems, life functions, survival needs, homeostasis, anatomical terminology, planes, and body cavities from Chapter 1 of Marieb’s Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology.

What does the field of anatomy study?

The structure and shape of the body and its parts.

What does the field of physiology study?

How the body and its parts work or function.

How are anatomy and physiology related?

Structure determines function; the two disciplines are inseparable.

What is gross anatomy?

The study of large structures that are easily observable without magnification.

What is microscopic anatomy?

The study of very small structures that can be viewed only with a microscope.

List the six levels of structural organization from simplest to most complex.

Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.

Name the major organ systems of the human body.

Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive.

Give two primary functions of the integumentary system.

Forms external body covering to protect deeper tissues and helps regulate body temperature.

Which system synthesizes vitamin D and houses cutaneous receptors?

Integumentary system.

What are two key functions of the skeletal system?

Protects and supports body organs; provides framework for muscle movement and site for blood cell formation.

What is the single main function of the muscular system?

To contract or shorten, producing movement, posture, and heat.

Which system is described as the fast-acting control system?

The nervous system.

What does the endocrine system secrete and why?

Regulatory hormones that travel in the blood to control growth, reproduction, and metabolism of distant organs.

Which system transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and wastes through blood?

Cardiovascular system.

What is the primary role of the lymphatic system?

Returns leaked fluids to the bloodstream, disposes of debris, and houses immune cells.

Which system removes CO₂ and supplies O₂ to the blood?

Respiratory system.

Where does nutrient absorption into blood mainly occur?

In the small intestine, part of the digestive system.

List two functions of the urinary system.

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and maintains water, electrolyte, and acid–base balance.

What is the primary purpose of the reproductive system?

Production of offspring.

Why do organ systems not work in isolation?

They interact to maintain the well-being of the entire organism.

Define ‘maintaining boundaries’ as a life function.

Keeping the internal environment distinct from the external, e.g., skin and cell membranes.

What life function is defined as the ability to sense and respond to stimuli?

Responsiveness (irritability).

Which life function covers the chemical reactions that produce ATP and build body structures?

Metabolism.

What two levels can reproduction occur at?

Cellular level (cell division) and organismal level (offspring).

Why must survival needs be kept within appropriate ranges?

Too little or too much of any need can harm the body.

List the five basic survival needs of humans.

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

What percentage of body weight is typically water?

60–80 %.

Define homeostasis.

Maintenance of a stable internal environment—a dynamic state of equilibrium.

What is a homeostatic imbalance?

A disturbance in homeostasis leading to disease.

Name the three basic components of a homeostatic control system.

Receptor, control center, effector.

What path does information take from receptor to control center?

It flows along the afferent pathway.

Which feedback mechanism reduces or shuts off the original stimulus?

Negative feedback.

Give two examples where positive feedback occurs in the body.

Blood clotting and childbirth (labor contractions).

Why is precise anatomical terminology important?

To prevent misunderstanding when describing body position, direction, regions, and structures.

In anatomical position, where are the palms facing?

Forward (anteriorly).

Define sagittal plane.

A longitudinal cut that divides the body into right and left parts.

What is a frontal (coronal) section?

A lengthwise cut dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions?

Transverse (horizontal) plane.

Name the two subdivisions of the dorsal body cavity.

Cranial cavity and spinal cavity.

What structure separates the thoracic from the abdominopelvic cavity?

The diaphragm.

How many quadrants can the abdominopelvic cavity be divided into?

Four quadrants.

How many regions can the abdominopelvic cavity be divided into?

Nine regions.

Give one reason anatomical regions and quadrants are clinically useful.

They help localize pain, tumors, or lesions for diagnosis and treatment.

What is the function of a receptor in a homeostatic control system?

Sensors that monitor and respond to changes (stimuli) by sending information along the afferent pathway to the control center.

What is the function of a control center in a homeostatic control system?

Determines the set point, analyzes input, and determines the appropriate response by sending information along the efferent pathway.

What is the function of an effector in a homeostatic control system?

Provides the means for the control center's response to the stimulus.

What path does information take from the control center to the effector?

It flows along the efferent pathway.

Define 'superior' (cranial/cephalad) in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'inferior' (caudal) in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'anterior' (ventral) in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'posterior' (dorsal) in anatomical terms.

Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

Define 'medial' in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'lateral' in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'proximal' in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'distal' in anatomical terms.

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

Define 'superficial' (external) in anatomical terms.

Toward or at the body surface.

Define 'deep' (internal) in anatomical terms.

Away from the body surface; more internal.