Unit 1 Study Notes (Chapters 1–4) - Vocabulary Flashcards

Anatomy vs. Physiology

• Anatomy = the study of body structure (what it looks like). Example: studying the bones of the hand.
• Physiology = the study of body function (how it works). Example: how muscles contract to move your hand.
• Relationship: anatomy explains structure; physiology explains function. Together, structure and function describe how the body operates as an integrated system.

Cell Anatomy & Organelles

• Nucleus – 'control center,' holds DNA.
• Mitochondria – 'powerhouse,' makes energy (ATP).
• Ribosomes – make proteins.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
  • Rough ER – has ribosomes, makes proteins.
  • Smooth ER – makes lipids, detoxifies.
• Golgi apparatus – packages & ships proteins.
• Lysosomes – 'garbage men,' digest waste.
• Cytoplasm vs. Cytosol
  • Cytoplasm = cytosol + organelles.
  • Cytosol = the fluid part only.
• Significance: these organelles coordinate protein synthesis, energy production, and waste processing, enabling cell survival and function.

Body Cavities

• Dorsal cavity = cranial (brain) + vertebral (spinal cord).
• Ventral cavity = thoracic (heart, lungs) + abdominopelvic (stomach, liver, intestines, bladder).
• Diaphragm muscle separates the dorsal and ventral cavities (physiological barrier and organizer of space).
• Diagram suggestion: body cavities with labels.

Planes of the Body

• Sagittal – divides body into left & right.
• Frontal (coronal) – divides into front & back.
• Transverse (horizontal) – divides into top & bottom.
• Diagram suggestion: person with lines showing planes.

Levels of Organization

• Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ systems → Organism.
• Significance: this hierarchy explains how simple elements assemble into complex, functioning bodies; each level adds structure and function.

Anatomy of the Ear

• Outer ear: pinna (auricle), ear canal.
• Middle ear: eardrum, ossicles (hammer, anvil, stirrup).
• Inner ear: cochlea (hearing), semicircular canals (balance).
• Diagram suggestion: ear diagram labeled.

Layers of the Skin

• Epidermis – outer layer, protection.
• Dermis – middle layer, nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands.
• Hypodermis – fat layer for insulation.
• Significance: skin protects internal tissues, supports sensation, and participates in thermoregulation and energy storage.

Histology & Tissues

• Histology = study of tissues.
• Epithelial – covers surfaces, forms glands; classified by shape: squamous, cuboidal, columnar.
• Connective – supports, binds (bone, blood, fat, cartilage).
• Muscular – movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth).
• Nervous – communication (brain, spinal cord, nerves).
• Significance: tissue types enable organ-specific functions and overall organismal coordination.

Membranes

• Mucous membranes – line open cavities (mouth, nose).
• Serous membranes – line closed cavities (around lungs, heart).
• Cutaneous membrane – skin.
• Synovial membranes – in joints.
• Function: membranes create protective barriers, lines, lubrication, and compartmentalization.

Directional Terms

• Superior – above.
• Inferior – below.
• Anterior (ventral) – front.
• Posterior (dorsal) – back.
• Medial – toward midline.
• Lateral – away from midline.
• Superficial – near surface.
• Deep – away from surface.
• Diagram suggestion: human body in anatomical position with arrows.

Homeostasis

• Definition: Keeping the body stable inside, even if outside changes.
• Example: body temperature regulation (sweating when hot, shivering when cold).
• Significance: maintains a stable internal environment necessary for enzyme activity and cellular function; disruption can lead to illness.
• Practical relevance: understanding homeostasis informs health monitoring, fever management, hydration, and responses to exercise or environmental stress.

Other Key Terms

• Gland – organ that makes & releases substances (sweat, hormones).
• Basement membrane – thin layer that anchors epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue.