Anatomy and Physiology Fundamentals

Flashcards defining key concepts in anatomy, physiology, homeostasis, and structural organization of the human body.

Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy

The study of larger structures of the body.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures not visible by the naked eye.

Regional Anatomy

The study of interrelationships of all of the structures in a specific body region (ex. abdomen).

Systemic Anatomy

The study of structures that make up a discrete body system (ex. muscular system).

Physiology

The study of chemistry and physics of body structures and the ways they work together to support the functions of life.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

6 Levels of Organization

The levels of structural organization of the body: 1. Chemical level, 2. Cellular level, 3. Tissue level, 4. Organ level, 5. Organ system level, 6. Organismal level.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism. Cells perform all functions of life.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Prone

Face down orientation

Supine

Face up orientation

Anterior (ventral)

The front or direction toward the front of the body

Superior (cranial)

A position above or higher than another part of the body.

Inferior (caudal)

A position below or lower than another part of the body, near or towards the tail

Lateral

The side or direction to the side of the body

Medial

The middle or direction to the middle of the body

Proximal

A position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Distal

A position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment to the trunk

Superficial

A position closer to the surface of the body

Deep

A position farther from the surface

Sagittal

Divides the body vertically into left and right sides

Frontal

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. Also known as the coronal plane

CT

Computed tomography, a computer-enhanced cross-sectional x-ray image is obtained

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, generates a magnetic field to obtain detailed sectional images of internal structures

PET

Positron emission tomography, radiopharmaceuticals are traced to reveal metabolic and physiologic functions in tissues

Ultrasound

Ultrasonography, ultrasonic waves used to visualize subcutaneous body structures such as tendons or organs

X-Ray

A form of high energy electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength capable of penetrating solids and ionizing gases. Used to visualize bones.

Integumentary system

Encloses internal body structures, site of many sensory receptors

Skeletal system

Supports the body, enables movement w/ muscular system

Muscular system

Enables movement w/ skeletal system, helps maintain body temp

Nervous system

Detects and processes sensory info, activates bodily responses

Cardiovascular system

Delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, equalizes temp

Lymphatic system

Returns fluid to blood, defends against pathogens

Respiratory system

Removes CO2 from body, delivers O2 to blood

Digestive system

Processed food for the body to use, removes wastes from undigested food

Urinary system

Controls water balance in body, removes wastes from blood and excretes them

Male reproductive system

Produces sex hormones and gametes, delivered gametes to female

Female reproductive system

Produces sec hormones and gemetes, supports embryo and fetus until birth, produces milk for infant

Functions for human life

Organization, metabolism, responsiveness, movement, development, reproduction

Metabolism

A combination of anabolism and catabolism

Anabolism

Smaller molecules are combined into larger more complex substances

Catabolism

Larger and more complex substances are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules. Releases energy, complex molecules are found in food and broken down

Requirements for human life

Air, water, food, temp, atmospheric pressure

Levels of tissue organization

Epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous

Epithelial tissue

Creates sheets of cells covering the exterior surfaces of the body, lines internal cavities and passageways, forms certain glands

Connective tissue

Binds the cells and organs of the body together and functions for protection, support, and integration of all parts of the body

Muscle tissue

Responds to stimulation, contracts to provide movement, (3 major types: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac)

Nervous tissue

Allows propagation of electrochemical signals in the form of nerve impulses that communicate between different regions of the body

Aging

Skin and tissues become thinner and dryer, elasticity reduces contributing to wrinkles and high blood pressure, height decreases as bones lose calcium and other minerals, tissues and muscles lose mass which is atrophy, nerves don’t transmit impulses as fast, wound healing is slower