Anatomy and Physiology: Tissues and Body Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering core terms from anatomy and physiology notes on tissues, organs, body systems, and anatomical terminology.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The study of body function.

Cells

The building blocks of the body; they provide structure and function.

Tissues

Groups of cells built to perform similar work in a coordinated way.

Organs

Structures made up of tissues that perform specific functions.

Systems

Groups of organs functioning together.

Tissue

An accumulation of the same cell types doing the same work in a coordinated fashion.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that lines external and internal surfaces.

Connective tissue

Tissue that is structural, strong, cushions, and provides attachments.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits, interprets and responds to stimuli.

Muscular tissue

Tissue that provides movement.

Simple squamous epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue.

Simple columnar epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue.

Stratified squamous epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue.

Ciliated columnar epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue.

Epithelial tissue location

Lining interior cavities and exterior surfaces.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin.

CNS

Central nervous system – brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral nervous system – the rest of the body's nerves.

Axon

A long neuron process that transmits impulses.

Muscle tissue

Tissue responsible for movement.

Skeletal muscle

Muscle used for locomotion (voluntary).

Smooth muscle

Muscle that moves internal organs (involuntary).

Cardiac muscle

The heart muscle; involuntary and contains intercalated discs.

Tendon

Connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

Fibrous connective tissue

A connective tissue that is fibrous, strong and provides cushioning/structure.

Bone (Osseous) tissue

Bone tissue.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue; supports and cushions joints.

Body Systems

Organ systems collectively forming a functioning organism.

Integumentary System

System for protection; includes skin and related structures.

Reproductive System

System for reproduction and sexual-related adaptations.

Special Senses

Senses such as ears and eyes.

Nervous System

System for conscious and unconscious control; brain and nerves.

Endocrine System

Hormonal control system.

Respiratory System

System that supplies O2 and removes CO2; includes lungs.

Urinary System

System that filters blood and removes waste; includes kidneys.

Circulatory System

System that carries nutrients to tissues and wastes away.

Digestive System

System that processes and absorbs nutrients.

Skeletal System

System for protection and movement.

Muscular System

Works with the skeletal system to enable movement and organ function.

Immune System

Provides protection against disease.

Lymphatic System

Returns fluid from tissues to circulation and has immune function.

Body Cavities

Cavities such as thoracic, abdominal/peritoneal, pelvic, cranial.

Cranial cavity

Cavity that houses the brain.

Thoracic cavity

Cavity that houses the heart and lungs.

Abdominal/peritoneal cavity

Cavity containing the abdominal organs.

Pelvic cavity

Cavity containing pelvic organs.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment.

Lateral

Towards the side.

Medial

Towards the midline.

Dorsal

Towards the back.

Ventral

Towards the front.