Human Body Organization, Body Cavities, Microscopy, and Cell Anatomy

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes covering anatomical terms, body cavities, organ systems, microscope components, and cell biology.

Anatomy

The study of structure.

Physiology

The study of function.

Anatomical Position

A reference posture defined as standing erect, feet flat on the floor, with arms down by the sides and open palms facing forward.

Anterior (ventral)

Refers to the front side of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Refers to the back side of the body.

Chemical or Molecular Level

The lowermost level of structural organization, consisting of basic units of matter called atoms that combine to form molecules.

Cellular Level

The level of organization studied in cytology, where organelles act as functional units within the cell, the basic unit of life.

Tissue Level

The level of organization studied in histology, defined as groups of cells performing a specific function.

Epithelial Tissue

A basic tissue type responsible for lining.

Connective Tissue

A basic tissue type responsible for binding.

Right Pleural Cavity

A cavity within the thoracic cavity that contains the right lung, which has $3$ lobes: superior, medial, and inferior.

Left Pleural Cavity

A cavity within the thoracic cavity that contains the left lung, which has $2$ lobes: superior and inferior.

Mediastinum

The region located between the pleural cavities in the thoracic cavity.

Cranial Cavity

A posterior cavity containing the brain, which weighs $3\text{--}4\text{ lb}$ and requires $20\%$ of blood.

Spinal Cavity

A posterior cavity containing the spinal cord, which measures approximately $18\text{ in}$ in the adult stage.

Aortic Arch

The largest elastic aorta in systemic circulation.

Superior Vena Cava

The largest vein in systemic circulation.

Trachea

The windpipe located below the larynx, which splits into the right primary bronchus and left primary bronchus.

Diaphragm

The major muscle of respiration that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.

Spleen

A ball-like organ located behind the stomach in the upper left quadrant that functions as a hangout for red blood cells (RBCs).

Pancreas

An organ with narrow shape that serves both endocrine and exocrine functions, consisting of $90\%$ pancreatic ducts and $10\%$ pancreatic islets.

Duodenum

The beginner portion of the small intestine connected to the stomach, measuring approximately $12\text{ in}$.

Cecum

The portion where the small and large intestines attach, representing the beginning end of the ascending colon.

Total Magnification Formula

Calculated using the equation $\text{Objective} \times \text{Ocular} = \text{Total Magnification}$.

Diaphragm (Microscope)

The part of a microscope that regulates the amount of light reaching the specimen.

Condenser

The microscope component that controls or adjusts a beam of light.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

The large knob on a microscope used for quick focus.

Fine Adjustment Knob

The small knob on a microscope used for sharp focus.

Nuclear Membrane

Anatomically a double membrane with nuclear pores on its outer layer that transmits chemical messages.

Nucleolus

The site within the cell nucleus where ribosomes are assembled.

Mitochondrion

Energy centers that take fat, sugars, and protein from food to fuel the body and muscles.

Golgi Body

The principal traffic director for cellular proteins.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes, especially prevalent in white blood cells known as phagocytes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

An extension of the nuclear membrane that acts as a mini circulatory system for the cell by transporting proteins through a network of channels.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

An organelle involved in lipid metabolism, including cholesterol and fat synthesis and breakdown.

Ribosomes

Structures also known as polysomes that serve as the site of protein synthesis.

Centrioles

Cellular structures that function to form the mitotic spindle.

Phospholipid Heads

Hydrophilic (water-loving) components of the plasma membrane found on the outer and inner aqueous surfaces.

Phospholipid Tails

Hydrophobic (water-fearing) components of the plasma membrane found in the middle non-aqueous layer.