6. The Human Body Flashcards
The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
abdomen
The depression of the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
acetabulum
A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx. It is more prominent in men than women. Also called thyroid cartilage.
Adam’s apple
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
adrenal glands
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline (adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
adrenergic
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen
aerobic metabolism
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest
atonal gasps
Portion of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
alpha-adrenergic receptors
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
alveoli
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
anaerobic metabolism
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
anatomic positon
The main artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the aorta
aorta
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
appendicular skeleton
A small, tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
appendix
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
arterioles
A pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.
articular cartilage
One of the two upper chambers the heart
atrium
A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by heart rate
cardiac output (CO)
The major artery that supplies blood to head and brain
carotid artery
The smooth connective tissue that forms the support structure of the skeletal system and provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portions of the outer ear.
cartilage
The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.
cecum
The brain and the spinal cord.
central nervous system (CNS)
One of the three major subdivisions in the brain sometimes called the little brain; coordinates the various activities of the brain like fine body movements
cerebellum
Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges
cerebrospinal fluid (SCF)
The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made of lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotion, and personality.
cerebrum
The portion of the spinal column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.
cervical spine
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.
chordae tendinae
The substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of eaten food with stomach acids.
chyme
The complex arrangement of connected tubes, including arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venues, veins, that moves blood
circulatory system
The collar bone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula
clavicle
The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone
coccyx
An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts.
coronal plane
The area of the head above the ears and eyes; contains the brain
cranium
A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx
cricoid cartilage
A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx
cricothyroid membrane
Any portion of the airway that does contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange; such as trachea and bronchi
dead space
The inner layer of the skin,, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels
dermis
A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the thorax, separating the chest from the abdominal cavity.
diaphragm
The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles
diastole
Movement of a gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
diffusion
The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.
digestion
The artery on the anterior surface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.
dorsalis pedis artery
The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including release of hormones.
endocrine system
Substances designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.
enzymes
The outer layer of skin, which is made up of cells that are sealed together to form a water-tight protective covering for the body
epidermis
A thin, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering
epiglottis
A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that has a vital role in the function of the sympathetic nervous system.
epinephrine
A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; muscle contractions propel food and liquids through it to the stomach.
esophagus
The amount of air that can be exhaled following a normal exhalation; average volume is about 1,
expiratory reserve volume
The straightening of a joint
extension
Long, slender tubes that extend from the uterus to the region of the ovary on the same side and through which the ovum passes from from the ovary to the uterus
fallopian tubes
The major artery of the thigh, a continuation of the eternal iliac artery’ It supplies blood to the lower
femoral artery
The proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.
femoral head
The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body
femur
The bending of a joint
flexion
A large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.
foramen magnum
The portion of the cranium that forms the forehead.
frontal bone
A sac on the undersurface of the liver that collects bile from the liver and discharges it into the duodenum through the common bile duct.
gallbladder
The reproductive system in men and women
genital system
The deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are formed
germinal layer
A bony preeminence on the proximal lateral side of the thigh, just below the hip joint.
greater trochanter
The small organs that produce hair
hair follicles
A hollow muscular organ that pumps throughout the body.
heart
The number of heartbeats during a specific time (usually 1 minute)
heart rate (HR)
Joints that can bend and straighten but cannot rotate; they restrict motion to one plate
hinge joints
Substances formed in specialized organs or glands and carried to another organ or group of cells in the same organism; they regulate many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and body temperature
hormones
The supporting bone of the upper arm
humerus
The pressure of water against the walls of its container
hydrostatic pressure
A “backup system” to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood
hypoxic drive
One of the three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring
ilium
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the lower extremities and the pelvic and abdominal organs to the heart
inferior vena cava
The amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation; the amount of air that can be inhaled in addition to the normal tidal volume
inspiratory reserve volume
The space in between the cells
interstitial space
The muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many autonomic regulating systems of the body.
involuntary muscle
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring
ischium
The place where two bones come into contact
joint (articulation)
The fibrous sac that encloses a joint
joint capsule
Two retroperitoneal organs that excrete the end products of metabolism as urine and regulate the body’s salt and water content
kidneys
The use of muscles of the chest, back, and abdomen to assist in expanding the chest; occurs when air movement is impaired
labored breathing
A metabolic by-product of the breakdown of glucose that accumulates when metabolism proceeds in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic metabolism)
lactic acid
The projection on the medial/superior portion of the femur.
lesser trochanter
A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint
ligament
A large, solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores glucose for the body, and produces substances that help regulate immune responses
liver
The lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five confused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine
lumbar spine
A thin, straw-colored fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the cells and carries waste products of metabolism away from the cells and back into capillaries to be excreted.
lymph
Tiny, oval-shaped structures located in various places along the lymph vessels that filter lymph.
lymph nodes
The bone of the lower jaw
mandible
The upper quarter of the sternum
manubrium
The upper jawbones that assist in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the palpate and hold the upper teeth.
maxillae
Nerve tissue that is continuous inferiorly with the spinal cord; serves as a conduction pathway for ascending and descending nerve tracts; coordinates heart rate, blood vessel diameter, breathing, swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing
medulla oblongata
The biochemical processes that result in production of energy from nutrients within cells
metabolism
The part of the brain that is responsible for helping to regulate the level of consciousness
midbrain
An imaginary vertical line drawn from the middle of the forehead through the nose and umbilical (navel) to the floor, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.
midsagittal plane (midline)
The volume of air that moves in and out of the lungs per minute; calculated by multiplying the tidal volume and respiratory rate; also called minute ventilation.
minute volume
Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body
motor nerves
The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body.
mucous membrane
The watery secretion of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body openings.
mucus
The bones and voluntary muscles of the body
musculoskeletal system
The heart muscle
myocardium
The part of the pharynx that lies above the level of the roof of the mouth, or palate.
nasopharynx
The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary.
nervous system
A neurotransmitter and sometimes used used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha-stimulator properties
norepinephrine
The most posterior portion of the cranium
occiput
The pressure of water to move
oncotic pressure
The eye socket, made up of maxilla and zygoma
orbit
A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea
oropharynx
Female glands that produces sex hormones and oval(eggs)
ovaries
A flat, solid organ that lies below the liver and stomach; a major source of digestive enzymes and produces the hormone insulin
pancreas
A subdivision of the autonomic nervous service, involved in control of involuntary functions, mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine
parasympathetic nervous system
The bones that lie between the temporal and occipital regions of the cranium
parietal bones
The knee cap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle
patella
The study of how normal physiologic processes are affected by disease
pathophysiology
The circulation of oxygenated blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells current needs
perfusion
The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves; these may be sensory nerves, motor nerves, or connecting nerves.
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The wavelike contraction of smooth muscle by which ureters or other tubular organs propel their contents
peristalsis
Sticky, yellow fluid carrying blood cells and nutrients, and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion.
plasma
Tiny, disc-shaped elements that are much smaller than the cells; they are essential in blood clotting
platelets
The serous membranes covering the lungs and lining the thorax, completely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space
pleura
The potential space between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura; described as potential because under normal conditions, the space does not exist
pleural space
An organ that lies below the midbrain and above the medulla, contain numerous nerve fibers used for sleep, respiration, and medullary respiratory center.
pons
The artery just behind the medial malleolus; supplies blood to the foot
posterior tibial artery
A small gland that surrounds the ole urethra where it emerges from the urinary bladder; it secretes a fluid part of the ejaculatory fluid
prostate gland
A hard, bony, and cartilaginous prominence found at the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen where two halves of the pelvic ring are joined by cartilage at a joint with minimal motion.
pubic symphysis
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring
pubis
The major artery leading from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs; carries oxygen poor blood
pulmonary artery
Flow of blood from right ventricle through pulmonary arteries and all their branches and capillaries in the lungs and back to the left atrium through venules and pulmonary veins; also called lesser circulation
pulmonary circulation
The four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to left atrium of the heart
pulmonary veins
The wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out the left ventricle and into major arteries
pulse
The major artery in the forearm; it is palpable at the wrist on the thumb side
radial artery
The bone on the thumb side of the forearm
radius
The lowermost end of the colon.
rectum
Cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues; also called erythrocytes
red blood cells
A cone-shaped area that collects urine from the kidneys and funnels it though the ureter into the bladder
renal pelvis
The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration
residual volume
The inhaling and exhaling of air; the physiologic process that exchanges carbon dioxide from fresh air
respiration
The inability of the body to move gas effectively
respiratory compromise
All the structures of the body that contribute to the process of breathing, consisting of upper and lower airways and their components
respiratory system
Located in the upper brain stem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically one’s level of arousal
reticular activating system
Behind the abdominal cavity
retroperitoneal
The connection point between the pelvis and vertebral column
sacroiliac joint
One of three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make pelvic ring; consists of five fused sacral vertebrae
sacrum
An imaginary line where the bodies divided into left and right parts
sagittal (lateral plane)
The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist
salivary glands
The thick skin covering the cranium, usually bears hair
scalp
The shoulder blade
scapula
Glands that produce an oily substance called sebum, which discharges along the shafts of the hairs
sebaceous glands
Fluid ejaculated from the penis and containing sperm
semen
Storage sacs for sperm and seminal fluid, which empty into the urethra at the prostate
seminal vesicles
The nerves that carry sensations such as touch, smell, heat, cold, and pain from the body to the central nervous system.
sensory nerves
An abnormal state associated with inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the cells of the body, also known as hypo perfusion
shock
The proximal portion of the upper extremities, made of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus
shoulder girdle
Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle
skeletal muscle
The framework that gives the body its recognizable form; also designed to allow motion of the body and protection of vital organs
skeleton
The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
small intestine
Involuntary muscle; it constitutes the bulk of the GI tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate autonomic activity
smooth muscle
The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control
somatic nervous system
Muscles arranged in circles that are able to decrease the diameter of tubes. Examples are found within the rectum, bladder, and blood vessels.
sphincters
A device used to measure blood pressure.
sphygmomanometer
An extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It lies inside of and is protected by the spinal canal
spinal cord
The breast bone
sternum
The outermost or dead layer of the skin
stratum corneal layer
The volume of blood pumped forward with each ventricular contraction
stroke volume (SV)
Tissue, largely fat, that lies directly under the dermis and serves as an insulator of the body
subcutaneous tissue
One of two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities; head, neck, and chest into the heart
superior vena cava
Secretes sweat
sweat glands
A type of joint that has grown together to form a stable connection
symphysis
The small amount of liquid within a jointed as lubrication
synovial fluid
The lining of a joint that secretes synovial fluid into the joint space.
synovial membrane
The portion of the circulatory system outside of the heart and lungs
systemic circulation
The resistance that blood must overcome to be able to move within the blood vessels; related to the amount of dilation or constriction in the blood vessel
systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
The contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially that of the ventricles
systole
The lateral bones on each side of the cranium; the temples
temporal bones
The fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone
tendons
A male genital gland that contains specialized cells that produce sperm and egg
testicle
The chest or rib cage
thoracic cage
The 12 vertebrae that lie between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. One pair of ribs attached to each of the vertebrae
thoracic spine
The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels
thorax
A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx; the Adam’s Apple
thyroid cartilage
The shinbone; the larger of the two bones of the lower leg
tibia
The amount of air moved in and out f the lungs in one relaxed breath; about 500 mL for an adult
tidal volume
The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them
topographic anatomy
The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs
trachea
An imaginary line where the body is divided into top and bottom parts
transverse (axial) plane
The muscle in the back of the upper arm
triceps
The middle and thickest layer of tissue of a blood vessel, composed of elastic tissue and smooth muscle cells that allow the vessel to expand or contract in response to changes in blood pressure and tissue demand
tunica media
The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb
ulna
A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder
ureter
The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body
urethra
A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine
urinary bladder
The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine
urinary system
A muscular, distensible tube that connects the uterus with the vulva (the external female genitalia) ; aka birth canal
vagina
The spermatic duct of the testicles; also called the vas deferens
vasa deferentia
The movement of air between the lungs and environment
ventilation
One of two lower chambers of the heart
ventricle
The 33 bones that make up the spinal column
vertebrae
Muscle that is under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.
voluntary muscle
A measurement that examines how much gas is being moved effectively and how much blood is flowing around the alveoli where gas exchange (perfusion) occurs
V/Q ratio
Blood cells that have a role in the body’s immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes
white blood cells
The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum
xiphoid process
The quadrangular bones of the cheek, articulating with the frontal bone, the maxillae, the zygomatic processes of the temporal bone, and the great wings of the sphenoid bone.
zygomas
