Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology Test Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering basic definitions, levels of organization, the 11 organ systems, homeostasis and feedback loops, directional terms, body planes, cavities, and abdominopelvic regions from the lecture study guide.

Anatomy

The study of the body's structure and location of its parts.

Physiology

The study of how the various parts of the body function individually and systemically (together).

Levels of Organization

The levels of structural organization in the human body from smallest to largest: atoms → biomolecules → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism.

Respiratory System

The organ system that keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes $CO_2$; includes organs such as the lungs.

Reproductive System

The organ system that produces eggs and sperm cells for the production of offspring; includes organs such as the testes.

Muscular System

The organ system that moves the parts of the skeleton and internal organs such as the heart and intestine, allowing for locomotion.

Urinary System

The organ system that rids the body of excess water, nitrogenous wastes, foreign substances, and cellular wastes; forms urine and regulates water in the body; includes organs such as the kidneys.

Skeletal System

The organ system that supports the body, protects organs, and provides an attachment for muscles; includes structures such as the femur bone.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood to regulate internal body processes; includes organs such as the thyroid gland.

Nervous System

The organ system that senses and reacts to changes in the external and internal environments; includes organs such as the spinal cord.

Cardiovascular System

The organ system that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products (like $CO_2$) throughout the body; includes blood vessels.

Digestive System

The organ system that breaks down food physically and chemically for absorption by the blood; includes organs such as the small intestine.

Integumentary System

The organ system that forms the external body covering and protects all tissues below it; includes the skin.

Lymphatic System

The organ system that includes structures such as lymph nodes.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment as it deals with changes.

Receptor Cells

The component of a feedback system that detects an imbalance.

Control Center

The component of a feedback system that processes information received from receptor cells.

Effector Cells

The component of a feedback system (glands or muscle) that responds to a stimulus.

Negative Feedback Loop

A feedback mechanism resulting in an effect that is opposite of the stimulus (e.g., sweating to cool down when hot).

Positive Feedback Loop

A feedback mechanism that increases the original stimulus (e.g., blood clotting when cut until bleeding stops).

Prone

The anatomical position where a patient lies face down.

Proximal

Anatomical directional term meaning closer to the top of the limb (the attachment point).

Deep

Anatomical directional term meaning away from the surface and toward the inside.

Superior

Anatomical directional term meaning towards the head; above.

Posterior / Dorsal

Anatomical directional term meaning back or at the back of.

Distal

Anatomical directional term meaning closer toward the bottom or end of a limb.

Inferior

Anatomical directional term meaning towards the feet; below.

Anterior / Ventral

Anatomical directional term meaning towards the front, or in front of.

Superficial

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the surface.

Lateral

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the side of the body, or away from the midline.

Medial

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Frontal / Coronal Plane

The body plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Transverse / Horizontal Plane

The body plane that divides the body into inferior and superior sections.

Thoracic Cavity

The large body cavity containing the lungs, esophagus, and heart.

Pleural Cavity

The cavity located within the thoracic cavity that contains the lungs.

Cranial Cavity

The cavity located on the dorsal side that contains the brain.

Ventral Cavity

The large cavity made up of the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, and pelvic cavity together.

Left Upper Quadrant

The abdominopelvic quadrant (number 2) that contains the majority of the stomach.

Lower Right Quadrant

The abdominopelvic quadrant (number 3) that contains the appendix.

9 Abdominopelvic Regions

The nine anatomical divisions of the abdominopelvic area: 1. Right hypochondriac, 2. Epigastric, 3. Left hypochondriac, 4. Right lumbar, 5. Umbilical, 6. Left lumbar, 7. Right inguinal, 8. Hypogastric (pubic), and 9. Left inguinal.

supine

The anatomical position where a patient lies face up.

Body cavities

Fluid-filled spaces that contain and protect the viscera (vital organs).

Thoracic Cavity

The major body cavity that contains and protects the heart, lungs, and esophagus.

Abdominal Cavity

The body cavity that contains organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and kidneys.

Pelvic Cavity

The cavity located within the pelvis that contains reproductive organs, the bladder, and rectum.

Cranial Cavity

The cavity that houses the brain and is protected by the skull.

Spinal Cavity

The canal that runs down the back and contains the spinal cord.

Ventral Cavity

The large body cavity made up of the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, and pelvic cavity, housing various vital organs.