The Human Body: An Orientation

Vocabulary flashcards covering core anatomy and physiology terms, body organization, directional terms, planes, and body cavities.

Anatomy

Study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Physiology

Study of the function of body parts and how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

Gross (macroscopic) anatomy

Study of large, visible structures.

Microscopic anatomy

Study of structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Developmental anatomy

Study of anatomical and physiological development throughout life.

Chemical level

Atoms, molecules, and organelles—the simplest level of structural organization.

Cellular level

Single cell as the basic unit of life.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells that perform a common function.

Organ level

An organ contains two or more types of tissues.

Organ system level

Organs that work closely together to accomplish a common purpose.

Organismal level

All organ systems working together to make the whole organism.

Integumentary System

Forms the external body covering; protects tissues; synthesizes vitamin D; houses receptors and glands.

Skeletal System

Protects and supports organs; framework for movement; blood cells form in bones; stores minerals.

Muscular System

Allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion, posture, and heat production.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system; responds to changes by activating muscles and glands.

Endocrine System

Glands secrete hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Cardiovascular System

Blood vessels transport blood; the heart pumps blood.

Lymphatic System/Immunity

Picks up leaked fluid, houses lymphocytes, and mounts immune responses.

Respiratory System

Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units for distribution in the body.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.

Female Reproductive System

Production of offspring; ovaries produce eggs; mammary glands nurture the newborn.

Male Reproductive System

Production of offspring; testes produce sperm; delivery of sperm via ducts and glands.

Anatomical Position

Standard position: body erect, feet apart, palms facing forward, thumbs outward.

Superior (cranial)

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure.

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head end; toward the lower part of a structure.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward or at the front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward or at the back of the body.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; inner side.

Lateral

Away from the midline; outer side.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

Superficial (external)

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep (internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Axial region

Head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular region

Limbs (arms and legs).

Sagittal plane

A plane that divides the body vertically into right and left parts.

Midsagittal (Median) plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body exactly in the midline.

Parasagittal plane

A sagittal plane that is offset from the midline.

Frontal (Coronal) plane

Divides the body vertically into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) plane

Divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior parts.

Oblique section

A cut at an angle other than 90 degrees to the vertical plane.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Cavity protecting the nervous system; includes the cranial and vertebral cavities.

Cranial cavity

Encases the brain.

Vertebral (spinal) cavity

Encases the spinal cord.

Ventral Body Cavity

Cavities that house internal organs (viscera); divided by the diaphragm into thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic cavity

Contains lungs and other thoracic organs; divided into pleural cavities and mediastinum; houses pericardial cavity.

Pleural cavities

Two cavities surrounding each lung.

Mediastinum

Contains pericardial cavity and other thoracic organs.

Pericardial cavity

Encloses the heart.

Peritoneum

Membrane associated with the abdominopelvic cavity.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Cavity that includes the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Abdominal cavity

Contains stomach, intestines, spleen, liver.

Pelvic cavity

Contains urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Pericardium

Membrane around the heart.

Pleurae

Membranes around the lungs.

Peritoneum

Membrane associated with the abdominal cavity.

Synovial cavities

Joint cavities lined with synovial membranes.

Oral cavity

Digestive cavity within the mouth.

Nasal cavity

Cavity within the nose.

Orbital cavities

House the eyes.

Middle ear cavities

Small cavities within the temporal bones housing auditory structures.