A&P Chapter 1 Terms Flashcards

Anatomy and Physiology Terms

• Anatomy: Study of structure and form of the body.
• Physiology: Study of function of body parts.
• Microscope Anatomy: Examines structures invisible to the naked eye.
• Cytology: Study of body cells and their internal structure.
• Histology: Study of body tissues.
• Gross Anatomy: Investigates structures visible to the naked eye.
• Systemic Anatomy: Studies anatomy of each functional body system.
• Regional Anatomy: Examines all structures in a specific body region as a unit.
• Surface Anatomy: Focuses on superficial markings and internal structures related to the skin.
• Comparative Anatomy: Compares similarities and differences in anatomy across species.
• Embryology: Studies developmental changes from conception to birth.
• Pathologic Anatomy: Examines anatomical changes due to disease.
• Radiographic Anatomy: Investigates relationships among internal structures using imaging techniques.

Physiological Terms

• Cardiovascular Physiology: Examines the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
• Neurophysiology: Studies nerve impulse propagation throughout the nervous system.
• Respiratory Physiology: Explores regulation of reproductive hormones and functions.
• Pathophysiology: Investigates organ system function in relation to disease or injury.

Levels of Organization

• Organization: All organisms show complex structure and order.
• Metabolism: Sum of all chemical processes in an organism.
• Anabolism: Process of smaller molecules joining to form larger ones.
• Catabolism: Breakdown of large molecules into smaller ones.
• Responsiveness: Ability of organisms to sense and respond to changes.
• Regulation: Adjusting internal functions in response to environmental changes.
• Reproduction: Production of new cells for growth and repair.

Structural Levels

• Chemical Level: Involves atoms and molecules.
• Cellular Level: Smallest living structures, cells.
• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells performing common functions.
• Organ Level: Composed of organs, which have two or more tissue types.
• Organ System Level: Includes organs working together (e.g., heart and blood vessels).
• Organism Level: The whole living person.

Anatomical Terminology

• Supine: Lying on the back, face up.
• Prone: Lying on the stomach, face down.
• Anatomical Position: Standing upright, feet parallel, palms facing out.
• Superior: Toward the head.
• Inferior: Toward the feet.
• Anterior (Ventral): Front side.
• Posterior (Dorsal): Back side.
• Medial: Towards the middle.
• Lateral: Away from the midline.
• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment.
• Distal: Further from the point of attachment.
• Superficial: Near the surface.
• Deep: Away from the surface.

Body Cavities and Membranes

• Dorsal Cavity: Contains brain and spinal cord.
• Ventral Cavity: Includes thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
• Pleural Cavity: Houses lungs.
• Pericardial Cavity: Houses the heart.
• Abdominal Pelvic Cavity: Contains stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys.
• Pelvic Cavity: Contains bladder, uterus, rectum.
• Parietal Layer: Lines cavity walls.
• Visceral Layer: Covers organs' surfaces.
• Serous Fluid: Provides lubrication between membrane layers.

Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

• Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.
• Afferent Pathway: Signals arriving at the brain.
• Efferent Pathway: Commands exiting the brain.
• Receptor: Area on dendrites receiving signals.
• Effector: Organ/cell acting in response to a stimulus.
• Negative Feedback Mechanisms: Oppose initial body changes.
• Positive Feedback Loop: Continues changes in the same direction until a specific outcome is achieved.

Imaging Techniques

• Radiography: Uses x-rays for internal structure visualization.
• Mammogram: Lower radiation imaging of breast tissue.
• CT Scan: 3-D images generated from x-ray data.
• MRI: Creates 3D images using magnetic fields.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to compile images.