Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy basics, respiratory system structures, cardiovascular anatomy, urinary processes, hematology, and foundational chemistry concepts based on the provided study guide.

Anatomy

A term derived from the Greek word meaning to cut apart or dissect.

Nasal Septum

The structure that divides the nasal cavity into right and left sides.

Anterior

Directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Superior

Directional term meaning toward the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning toward the feet.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The four structures comprising the nose/nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.

Choanae (Internal Nares)

The passage connecting the nasal cavity to the pharynx.

Larynx

The voice box, which contains the vocal cords.

Glottis

The space between the true vocal cords.

Carina

The point where the trachea divides into the main bronchi.

Right Main Bronchus

The main bronchus that is more vertical and wider, making it more likely to trap foreign objects.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle of quiet inspiration.

Boyle's Law

The principle stating that when volume increases, pressure decreases.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs responsible for gas exchange.

Respiratory Zone

The portion of the respiratory system including the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Type II Alveolar Cells

The cells responsible for producing surfactant.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces alveolar surface tension, prevents alveolar collapse, and makes the lungs easier to inflate.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure that keeps the lungs inflated.

Osmosis

Water movement across a membrane.

Diffusion

The movement of substances from high concentration to low concentration.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing.

Hyperventilation

An increased breathing rate causing decreased $CO_2$.

Hypoventilation

A decreased breathing rate causing increased $CO_2$.

Hypoxia

Lack of oxygen at the tissue level.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen in arterial blood.

Hyperoxia

Excess oxygen supplied to tissues.

Cyanosis

Blue discoloration of the skin resulting from a lack of oxygen.

Alveolar Dead Space

Ventilation without perfusion.

Normal Blood pH Range

The physiological pH range of $7.35 - 7.45$.

Homeostasis

Refers to maintaining a stable internal environment.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells whose primary function is transporting oxygen and a portion of carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes

White blood cells whose primary function is fighting infection and immune defense.

Leukopenia

Low white blood cell count.

Carboxyhemoglobin

The molecule formed when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin.

Myocardium

The muscular middle layer of the heart.

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart.

Pericardium

The sac surrounding the heart.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve situated between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve

The valve situated between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood directly to the heart muscle.

Aorta

The large artery leaving the left ventricle that carries oxygenated blood.

Pulmonary Circulation

Circulation occurring between the heart and the lungs.

Systemic Circulation

Circulation occurring between the heart and the systemic tissues of the body.

Urine Formation Processes

The three-step process consisting of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion.

Kidney

The bean-shaped organ responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Ureters

Structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element.

Atomic Number

A number equal to the number of protons in an atom.

Lipids

Hydrophobic and water-insoluble biomolecules.

Organic Molecules

Molecules that always contain carbon.

Proteins

Biomolecules that provide structural support and act as enzymes.