A&P Chapter 1 Flashcards

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy studies the structure of the human body, while physiology focuses on its functions.

Levels of Organization

• Hierarchical order comprises subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and entire organisms.

Subatomic Particles

• Fundamental components include electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Types of Molecules

• Examples of molecules include water and glucose.

Macromolecules

• Large molecules such as proteins and DNA serve vital roles in biological processes.

Cells and Tissues

• Muscles cells and nerve cells represent unique cellular structures; tissues include epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous types.

Organs and Organ Systems

• Examples of organs are the heart, kidney, and skin; organ systems range from skeletal to reproductive systems.

Organ Systems

• Total of 11 organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis maintains a stable internal environment, supported by feedback mechanisms.

Homeostatic Control Mechanisms

• Involves three parts: receptors (detect stimuli), control center (set point), and effectors (trigger responses).

Feedback Mechanisms

• Negative feedback regulates bodily functions (e.g., temperature, blood pressure), whereas positive feedback amplifies responses during specific events (e.g., childbirth).

Anatomical Terminology

• Anatomical position aligns the body upright, facing forward with arms at the sides.

Body Cavities

• Major cavities include cranial (houses the brain), vertebral (contains the spinal cord), thoracic (holds lungs and heart), abdominal (encloses digestive organs), and pelvic cavities (houses reproductive organs).

Membranes

• Serous membranes line and protect body cavities and organs; categories include visceral (covers organs) and parietal (lines cavities).

Anatomical Directions

• Terms like superior (above), inferior (below), anterior (front), posterior (back), medial (toward the midline), and lateral (away from midline) define positions.

Regional Terms

• Specific regions identified include abdominal (abdomen), acromial (shoulder), antebrachial (forearm), and many others representing different body parts.

Characteristics of Life

• Eleven characteristics signify life: movement, responsiveness, growth, reproduction, respiration, digestion, absorption, circulation, assimilation, and excretion.

Environmental Needs

• Life depends on five environmental factors: water, food, oxygen, heat, and pressure.

Importance of Water

• Water is essential for metabolic processes and substance transport within the body.

Metabolism

• Metabolic processes refer to all chemical reactions that sustain life.

Pressure Importance

• Atmospheric pressure is critical for breathing; hydrostatic pressure keeps blood circulation active.

Anatomical Planes

• Body can be divided using sagittal (right/left), transverse (superior/inferior), frontal (anterior/posterior), and mid-sagittal (equal halves) planes.

This study guide highlights the essence of key concepts within human anatomy and physiology, crucial for a foundational understanding of biological sciences.