Milady Chapter 2 Anatomy and Physiology

Key Terms in Anatomy and Physiology

• Abduction: Movement of a body part away from the midline, such as fingers moving apart in the hand.
• Absorption: Process of transporting fully digested food into the circulatory system to nourish tissues and cells.
• Accessory Nerve: The 11th cranial nerve responsible for controlling neck and shoulder muscle movements.
• Adduction: Movement that draws a body part inward toward the midline, such as fingers coming together.
• Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): Key molecule that transports chemical energy within cells for metabolism.
• Adipose Tissue: Specialized connective tissue (fat) that provides body contour, insulation, and cushioning.
• Adrenal Glands: Located atop the kidneys, they regulate metabolism, stress response, blood pressure, and immune support through hormone production.
• Anatomy: The study of the structure of the human body and the organization of its parts.
• Aorta: The largest artery in the body that distributes oxygenated blood from the heart.
• Arteries: Thick-walled vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.
• Arterioles: Smaller branches of arteries delivering blood to capillaries.
• Auricularis Muscles: Three muscles in the ear that facilitate ear movement.
• Auriculotemporal Nerve: Nerve affecting the external ear and skin above the temple to the top of the skull.
• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary muscle functions and regulates smooth muscles, glands, blood vessels, and heart actions.
• Belly of Muscle: The central part of a muscle responsible for contraction.
• Biceps: Muscle that shapes the front and inner side of the upper arm.
• Blood: Nutritive fluid circulating in the circulatory system that supplies oxygen and nutrients while removing waste from cells.
• Blood Vessels: Tubular structures (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins) that carry blood throughout the body.
• Body Systems: Groups of organs working together with 11 major systems present in the human body.
• Brain: Central nervous system component housed in the cranium; it controls sensation, muscle movements, and glandular activities.
• Brain Stem: Connection between the brain and spinal cord, essential for transmitting signals.
• Buccal Nerve: Nerve influencing the mouth muscles.
• Buccinator: Muscle of the cheek that compresses cheeks and expels air, enabling actions like blowing.
• Capillaries: Tiny vessels that link arterioles to veins, facilitating nutrient delivery and waste removal.
• Cardiovascular System: Comprises the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, responsible for blood circulation.
• Carpus: The wrist, formed by eight small carpal bones connected by ligaments.
• Cell Membrane: Encloses cell protoplasm and regulates entry and exit of soluble substances.
• Cells: The fundamental unit of life capable of performing all life functions.
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord, central to the body's nerve system.