Chapter 01 _ Introduction to the Body

Anatomy

Anatomy

Study of structure of an organism and relationships of its parts.

Pathology

Scientific study of disease.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for forming and testing hypotheses through observation and experimentation.

Levels of Organization

Hierarchical structure of the body from atoms to organism, including chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels.

Anatomical Position

Standard position of the body standing erect with feet slightly apart and arms at the sides, palms facing forward.

Superior

Directional term meaning toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior

Directional term meaning toward the feet or lower part of the body.

Anterior

Directional term meaning front or in front of (same as ventral in humans).

Posterior

Directional term meaning back or in back of (same as dorsal in humans).

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of a structure.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline or toward the side of a structure.

Proximal

Directional term meaning nearer to the trunk or point of origin of a structure.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the trunk or point of origin of a structure.

Superficial

Directional term meaning nearer to the body surface.

Deep

Directional term meaning farther away from the body surface.

Sagittal Plane

Lengthwise plane that divides the body into right and left sections.

Midsagittal Plane

Sagittal plane that divides the body into two equal halves.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

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

Transverse Plane

Horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower sections. Divides Superior and Inferior

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavity that includes the cranial and spinal cavities.

Ventral Cavity

Body cavity that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Part of the ventral cavity that contains the lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Part of the ventral cavity that contains the abdominal and pelvic organs.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Negative Feedback Loop

A process that counteracts a change in the body to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process that enhances or increases a change in the body, often leading to a specific outcome.

Axial Region

The part of the body that includes the head, neck, and torso.

physiology

Study of functions of living organisms and their parts

Atoms & molecules

Chemical Level

Cells

Smallest structural units; organizations of various chemicals

Tissues

Organizations of similar cells

Organs

Organizations of different kinds of tissues

Systems

Organizations of many different kinds of organs