Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

  • Science: Observing and measuring natural phenomena to explain them.
  • Human Anatomy: Study of the human body's structure.
  • Human Physiology: Study of the body's functions; closely related to its structure.

Core Study Strategies

  • Bring It Back: Transfer information to long-term memory through self-quizzing, flashcards, etc.
  • Space It Out: Leave time between study sessions to enhance consolidation.
  • Mix It Up: Vary study techniques and topics to mirror natural learning.

Textbook Usage: S Q 3 R Method

  • Survey: Skim the chapter, noting key terms and figures.
  • Question: Form questions about the content.
  • Read: Actively read, taking notes and diagrams.
  • Recite: Speak aloud as you read.
  • Review: Use core study strategies to review.

Living Organism Characteristics

  • Cellular Composition: Cells are the basic functional units.
  • Metabolism: Chemical processes (anabolism and catabolism).
  • Growth: Increase in cell size or number.
  • Excretion: Elimination of waste.
  • Responsiveness: Reaction to environmental changes.
  • Movement: Movement of organism or cells.
  • Reproduction: Production of new cells or organisms.

Structural Levels of Organization

  • Chemical Level: Atoms to complex molecules.
  • Cellular Level: Molecules form cellular structures.
  • Tissue Level: Cells and extracellular matrix for a common function.
  • Organ Level: Tissues form a specialized organ.
  • Organ System Level: Organs working together; 11 systems in the human body.
  • Organism Level: Organ systems function together.

Types of Anatomy and Physiology

  • Systemic Anatomy: Study of organ systems.
  • Regional Anatomy: Study of body regions.
  • Surface Anatomy: Study of surface markings.
  • Gross Anatomy: Study of visible structures.
  • Microscopic Anatomy: Cytology (cells) and histology (tissues).
  • Physiology Subfields: Classified by organ or system (e.g., neurophysiology).

Anatomical Position and Directional Terms

  • Anatomical Position: Body upright, feet shoulder-width apart, upper limbs at sides, palms facing forward.
  • Directional Terms:
    • Anterior/Posterior
    • Superior/Inferior
    • Proximal/Distal
    • Medial/Lateral
    • Superficial/Deep

Regional Terms

  • Axial: Head, neck, and trunk.
  • Appendicular: Upper and lower limbs.

Planes of Section

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right and left.
    • Midsagittal: Equal sections.
    • Parasagittal: Unequal sections.
  • Frontal Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior.
  • Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior.
  • Oblique Plane: Angle cut.

Body Cavities

  • Posterior Body Cavity: Cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord); filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Anterior Body Cavity: Thoracic (superior to diaphragm) and abdominopelvic (inferior).
    • Thoracic: Pleural (lungs), mediastinum (heart, vessels, trachea, esophagus), pericardial (heart).
    • Abdominopelvic: Abdominal and pelvic; contains digestive, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive organs; peritoneal cavity.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants and Regions

  • Four Quadrants: Right and left upper, right and left lower.
  • Nine Regions: Hypochondriac, lumbar, iliac, epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric.

Serous Membranes

  • Visceral layer (contacts organ) and parietal layer (attaches to surrounding structures) with serous fluid in between.
  • Examples: Pleural (lungs), pericardial (heart), peritoneal (abdominal organs).
  • Retroperitoneal: Organs behind the parietal peritoneum.

Medical Imaging

  • X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Core Principles

  • Feedback Loops
  • Relationship of Structure and Function
  • Gradients
  • Cell-Cell Communication

Homeostasis

  • Stable internal environment.
  • Homeostatic Imbalances: Can lead to disease.
  • Regulated Variables: Controlled to stay within a normal range.

Feedback Loops

  • Negative Feedback Loops: Oppose initial change, promoting stability.
    • Stimulus, receptor, control center, effector, response.
  • Positive Feedback Loops: Reinforce initial change, amplifying output.

Structure and Function

  • Complementarity: The form of a structure suits its function.

Gradients

  • Drive physiological processes; exist when there is more of something in one area than another.

Cell-Cell Communication

  • Coordinates body functions via electrical signals and chemical messengers.