Fall 2023 Anatomy N261 Exam 1 Review - Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapters 1–5 of the Anatomy N261 guide, including body planes/directions, cell biology, tissues, integumentary system, glandular function, and skeletal biology.

Comparative Anatomy

The study of anatomical features across different species, comparing similarities and differences among animals.

Surface Anatomy

The study of external features and superficial markings of the body.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of anatomy at the cellular level, visible only with magnification.

Cytology

The science of cells; the study of cell structure and function.

Cross-Sectional Anatomy

The study of anatomy in cross-sections, often using imaging to view slices of the body.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Clinical Anatomy

Anatomy as it relates to diagnosing and treating diseases and clinical practice.

Superficial Anatomy

Anatomical structures near the surface; often considered part of gross anatomy.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of anatomy by organ system.

Developmental Anatomy

The study of structural changes from development through maturation.

Surgical Anatomy

Anatomical knowledge and landmarks important for performing surgical procedures.

Regional Anatomy

The study of anatomy by specific regions of the body.

Radiographic Anatomy

Anatomy as seen through imaging methods like X-ray, CT, and MRI.

Gross Anatomy

Anatomy that is visible to the naked eye, macroscopic anatomy.

Embryology

The study of development from conception through early stages (often first two months).

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right parts.

Midsagittal (Median) Plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Prone Position

Face-down position.

Cranial

Toward the head; opposite caudal.

Caudal

Toward the tail; opposite cranial.

Anterior

Front; opposite posterior.

Posterior

Back; opposite anterior.

Superior

Upper; opposite inferior.

Inferior

Lower; opposite superior.

Medial

Toward the midline; opposite lateral.

Lateral

Away from the midline; opposite medial.

Ventral

Relating to the belly; opposite dorsal.

Dorsal

Relating to the back; opposite ventral.

Deep

Away from the surface; internal; opposite superficial.

Superficial

Near the surface; opposite deep.

Somatic Cells

Body cells; non-reproductive cells.

Sex Cells

Germ cells; eggs and sperm.

Plasmalemma

The cell membrane; the lipid bilayer surrounding the cell.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across the cell membrane without energy input.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across the membrane that requires energy.

Exocytosis

Process by which vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Endocytosis

Process of taking materials into the cell by engulfment.

Phagocytosis

Cell eating; uptake of large particles.

Pinocytosis

Cell drinking; uptake of extracellular fluid.

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

Endocytosis triggered by specific receptor-ligand interactions.

Nucleus

Contains the cell’s DNA; regulates cell function and protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP.

Golgi Apparatus

Packages, modifies, and sorts secretions for export or delivery.

Lysosomes

Contain enzymes to digest unwanted substances and perform autolysis.

Peroxisomes

Contain enzymes to remove peroxides; abundant in the liver.

Ribosomes

Complexes of RNA and protein; sites of protein synthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of proteins providing structural support; includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules.

Centrioles

Pair of barrel-shaped structures that organize the spindle during cell division.

Cilia

Small, tail-like projections that move fluids across the cell surface.

Flagella

One or two long tails that propel the cell.

Osteon (Haversian System)

The structural unit of compact bone; concentric lamellae around a central canal.

Central (Haversian) Canal

Central channel containing blood vessels and nerves within an osteon.

Lacunae

Small cavities containing osteocytes.

Lamellae

Concentric rings of bone matrix in an osteon.

Canaliculi

Tiny channels connecting lacunae for nutrient exchange.

Compact Bone

Dense, solid bone; forms the shafts of long bones; osteon is its unit.

Spongy (Cancellous) Bone

Open network of trabeculae found in epiphyses; lighter weight framework.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Network of membranous tubules; rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins; smooth ER synthesizes lipids.

Nucleus

Contains DNA and controls cellular activities.

Osteoclasts

Cells that resorb bone during remodeling.

Osteoblasts

Cells that form new bone.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells residing in lacunae.

Osteon Components

Central canal, lamellae, lacunae, canaliculi—structural parts of compact bone.

Endochondral Ossification

Process by which most bones form from a hyaline cartilage model; involves cartilage replacement by bone.

Simple Epithelial Tissue

One cell layer thick; types include squamous, cuboidal, and columnar; functions include diffusion, secretion, and absorption.

Stratified Epithelial Tissue

Two or more cell layers thick; designed for protection; types include squamous, cuboidal, and columnar.

Transitional Epithelium

A type of epithelium that can stretch, found in urinary bladder and related structures.

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

Epithelium with falsely stratified appearance, typically with cilia and goblet cells.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits electrical impulses; composed of neurons and supporting cells (neuroglia); includes dendrites and axons.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue; cushions, supports, and nourishes epithelia; widely distributed.

Adipose Tissue

Loose connective tissue that stores fat; provides insulation and energy reserve.

Reticular Tissue

Loose connective tissue with reticular fibers forming supportive framework for organs like lymph nodes.

Loose Connective Tissue

Subtype including Areolar, Adipose, and Reticular tissues; flexible and supportive.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Tightly packed collagen fibers aligned in the same direction; resists force in one direction (tendons, ligaments).

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Dense network of collagen fibers oriented in multiple directions; resists multi-directional stress (dermis).

Elastic Connective Tissue

Dense connective tissue rich in elastic fibers; allows stretch (arteries, vocal cords).

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common cartilage; glassy matrix; supports joints and respiratory tract.

Fibrocartilage

Tough cartilage that resists compression; found in intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage with many elastic fibers; maintains shape with flexibility (external ear, epiglottis).

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary, striated muscle with intercalated discs; found in the heart.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary, nonstriated muscle; spindle-shaped cells; lines hollow organs.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle; multinucleated; attached to skeleton.

Keratinocytes

Primary epidermal cell type; produce keratin.

Melanocytes

Melanin-producing cells; contribute to skin pigment.

Merkel Cells

Tactile cells involved in sensation of touch.

Langerhans Cells

Dendritic immune cells in the epidermis.

Epidermis (Layers)

Superficial to deep: Stratum Corneum, Lucidum (thin skin), Granulosum, Spinosum, Basale.

Stratum Corneum

Outermost dead cell layer; protective barrier.

Stratum Lucidum

Clear layer in thick skin (palms/soles).

Stratum Granulosum

Granular layer involved in keratinization.

Stratum Spinosum

Prickle cell layer; mos of keratinocytes connected by desmosomes.

Stratum Basale

Bottom layer; mitotic; contains stem cells, melanocytes, Merkel cells.

Papillary Layer

Superficial dermal layer with papillae; contains capillaries and touch receptors.

Reticular Layer

Deeper dermal layer with dense irregular connective tissue; houses glands and follicles.

Subcutaneous/Hypodermis

Not part of the skin proper; mostly adipose tissue; anchors skin to underlying tissue.

Merocrine (Eccrine) Sweat Glands

Secretory glands releasing sweat by exocytosis; widely distributed.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Secretory glands associated with hair follicles; produce viscous secretions, typical in armpits and groin.