Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 1-3 Flashcards

Key Concepts in Anatomy and Physiology

• Responsiveness, Growth, Reproduction, Movement, Metabolism: Essential life processes that work together to uphold homeostasis.
• Anatomy: Refers to the structure or "cutting open" of an organism.
• Physiology: Study of function related to biological systems.

Anatomy Classification

• Gross Anatomy: Observable structures without the aid of instruments.
• Microscopic Anatomy: Involves the use of microscopes to study cells and tissues.

Levels of Organization

• Hierarchy: Ranges from chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system to organism.

Homeostasis

• Homeostatic Regulation: The body's mechanisms to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
• Negative Feedback: Process that counteracts change, leading to stabilization.
• Positive Feedback: Amplifies stimulus, promoting greater change (e.g., childbirth).

Organ Systems and Their Functions

• Integumentary System: Protects against hazards and regulates body temperature.
• Nervous System: Coordinates immediate responses to stimuli.
• Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
• Urinary System: Eliminates excess waste, salts, and water.
• Reproductive System: Produces gametes and hormones.
• Muscular System: Facilitates movement, provides support, and generates heat.
• Skeletal System: Supports and protects organs while storing minerals and forming blood.
• Lymphatic System: Defends against pathogens and recycles tissue fluid.
• Cardiovascular System: Transports materials, nutrients, and gases throughout the body.
• Respiratory System: Conducts gas exchange between air and blood.
• Endocrine System: Regulates long-term changes and functions in other systems.

Body Planes and Cavities

• Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.
• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Separates body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
• Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right.
• Ventral Body Cavity: Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, separated by the diaphragm.

Chemical and Cellular Structure

• Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with varying neutron counts.
• Bonds:
  • Covalent Bonds: Formed by sharing electrons.
  • Ionic Bonds: Created by the attraction between ions of opposite charges.
  • Hydrogen Bonds: Attractions between hydrogen and electronegative atoms.
• Reactions:
  • Decomposition: Breakdown of compounds (AB → A + B).
  • Synthesis: Combination of elements to form compounds (A + B → AB).
• Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

Transport Mechanisms

• Passive Transport: Movement across membranes without energy (e.g., diffusion, osmosis).
• Active Transport: Requires energy to move substances against concentration gradients.

Cell Theory

• Fundamentals:
  • Cells are basic building blocks of organisms.
  • They perform vital functions necessary for life.
  • New cells arise from pre-existing cells.
  • Each cell maintains homeostasis.

Cellular Components

• Ribosomes: Sites for protein synthesis.
• Mitochondria: Produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
• Nucleus: Contains genetic information and regulates cell activities.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum: Involved in synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.
• Lysosomes: Break down waste materials and cellular debris.
• Peroxisomes: Degrade fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.

Genetic Information

• DNA Structure: Contains genetic codes packed as chromosomes, composed of DNA and histones.
• Gene Expression:
  • Transcription: Process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.
  • Translation: Conversion of RNA into protein.

Orientation Terms

• Superior: Above or towards the head.
• Inferior: Below or towards the feet.
• Anterior: Front side of the body.
• Dorsal: Back side of the body.
• Medial: Closer to the midline.
• Lateral: Farther from the midline.
• Distal: Farther from the center of the body.
• Superficial: Closer to the surface.
• Deep: Further away from the surface.

These study notes provide a comprehensive overview of foundational concepts in anatomy and physiology, emphasizing their interrelatedness and significance in maintaining life.