Flash cards beginning

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to the topics of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

Anatomy

The study of body structures, including structures of all sizes.

Physiology

The study of how body structures function.

Pathology

The study of abnormal functioning and diseases of the body.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a steady internal environment in the body.

Negative Feedback

A process the body uses to reverse direction away from homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A process the body uses to enhance or increase direction away from homeostasis.

Anterior

Front or belly side of the body.

Posterior

Back side of the body.

Superior

Closer to the top of the head.

Inferior

Closer to the bottom of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Medial

Towards the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the connection point on the body.

Distal

Farther from the connection point on the body.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body.

Cranial cavity

The space in the skull that contains the brain.

Vertebral cavity

The space in the vertebral column that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

The chest cavity that contains the lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic cavity

The cavity containing both the abdominal and pelvic organs.

Serous Membrane

A double-layered membrane that surrounds organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Meninges

Three layers of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Abdominal quadrants

Four divisions of the abdomen for describing pain or structure locations.

Acute Disease

A disease with rapid onset and severe symptoms.

Chronic Disease

A disease with slow progression and long duration.

Predisposing Factors

Risk factors that influence an individual's health status.