Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
abduction
moving away from the body midline (the opposite of adduction) (ex. spreading the arms)
abortion
termination of pregnancy before viability; my be spontaneous (naturally occurring) or medically/surgically induced
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
decreased immunity resulting from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leaving victim susceptible to opportunistic diseases
acromegaly
overproduction of the growth hormone after puberty, resulting in wide, large face, hands, and feet
active transport
movement of molecules from area of lower to area of higher concentration
Addison Disease
hyposecretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex, resulting in muscle atrophy, tissue weakness, and skin pigmentation
adduction
moving toward the body midline (opposite site of abduction) (ex bringing arms to the sides)
adrenal glands
endocrine glands located on top of each kidney
alveoli (singular alveolus)
air sacs at the ends of the bronchioles where the exchange of gases occurs
Alzheimer Disease
degenerative disorder of the brain beginning with dementialike symptoms and progressing to a non functioning of neuron fibers that prevents communication between cells for ordinary tasks (such as swallowing) which results in death
amenorrhea
absence of menstrual flow
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
progressive disease of the motor neurons, causing muscle atrophy and weakness; also known as Lou Gehrig Disease
anabolism
phase of metabolism in which cells are built or repaired
anaphase
third phase of mitosis; duplicated chromosomes separate, and one of each begins to move toward opposite centrioles or poles
anatomy
the study of body structure
anemia
abnormally low hemoglobin or red blood cells, decreasing oxygen supply to the tissues; many causes and types; the main symptoms are fatigue and weakness
aneurysm
congenital or traumatic weakness of the vessel wall demonstrated by a “bubble” or outpouching caused by pressure of blood; an abdominal aortic aneurysm is also called AAA
angina pectoris
severe constricting chest pain from lack of blood supply to the heart; associated with coronary heart disease
anorexia
diminished appetite and aversion to food
antepartum
time before delivery
anterior
in front (ventral)
antibody
a substance produced in the body in response to the presence of an antigen
antigen
a substance (bacteria/virus) that causes the formation of antibodies
anus
the final portion of the digestive tract, where feces are excreted
aorta
the largest body artery, consists of three parts: ascending, aortic arch, and descending
aponeurosis
broad sheet of muscle fibers attaching muscle to muscle or muscle to skeletal bones, such as the skull
appendicular skeleton
consists of the bones of the upper and lower extremities and the girdle attaching them to the axial skeleton
arrhythmias
abnormal heart rhythms
arteriosclerosis
hardening of the arteries and loss of elasticity resulting from thickening of the vessel wall
arthritis
inflammation of the joints
asthma
an episode chronic respiratory disorder resulting from constricted bronchi; associated with allergens, infection, pollutants, cold air, exercise, or stress; characterized by wheezing and low oxygen levels
astigmatism
impaired vision resulting from irregular curve of cornea
atelectasis
a decrease or absence of air in part or all of the lung and alveoli, resulting in a collapse of these structures
atherosclerosis
the most common form of arteriosclerosis; irregular fatty deposits on arterial wall result in narrowing and occlusion of vessel
atrioventricular (AV) node
located at the lower right of the atrial septum, it picks up the impulse or signal from the sinoatrial (SA) node that causes atrial contraction
axial skeleton
consists of the bones of the skull, spine, and chest
Bell palsy
unilateral facial muscle paralysis (drooping of eye and mouth) resulting from dysfunction of the seventh cranial nerve
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate
bile
a substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that aids in digestion and fat absorption
body
organism; a group of systems working together to maintain life
body cavities
spaces within the body that house internal organs
botulism
serious food poisoning; usually found in contaminated canned foods, caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria
brain
an organ acting as the primary center for regulating and coordinating body functions and activities
bronchi (singular bronchus)
tubes from trachea entering the lungs that subdivide into two more branches in the lungs
bronchioles
smaller branches of the bronchi
bronchitis
chronic or acute inflammation of the bronchi
Bulimia nervosa
eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging
bundle branches
two branches extending from the bundle of His in the heart that carry the electrical impulse down the ventricular septum
bundle of His
specialized cells in the cardiac ventricular septum that carry the electrical impulse from the atrioventricular (AV) node; should the sinoatrial and AV nodes fail, the bundle of His may initiate the impulse
cardiovascular system
the body system containing the heart and blood vessels to circulate blood, transport nutrients, and remove waste from tissues
carpals
eight wrist bones
cartilage
firm but often flexible connective tissue found primarily in joints, thorax walls, larynx, and airway passages and ears
catabolsim
the phase of metabolism in which cells are broken down
cataract
a cloudy or opaque lens that impairs sight;usually corrected by surgery
caudal
the location near the sacral region of the spinal column
cecum
the upper portion of the large intestine; contains the appendix
celiac disease
damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients characterized by intolerance to gluten
cells
the structural and functional units of life
central nervous system (CNS)
made up of the brain and spinal cord; integrates sensory information and responses
centriole
rod-shaped material in the cytoplasm that begins cell division
cerebellum
“little brain”; portion of the brain involved in synergic control of skeletal muscles and coordination of voluntary muscular movements; connected to the cerebrum, brain stem, and spinal cord by the pons
cerebral palsy
loss of mental function, sensation, or control of movement resulting from birth injury or defect
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
clear fluid that flows through the brain and spinal cord and into the subarachnoid spaces of the meninges; it cushions and supports nervous tissue and transports nutrients and waste products from the cells
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
stroke; occlusion or hemorrhage of vessel(s) in the brain, resulting in impairment of mental functions or paralysis or both
cerebrum
the largest part of the brain, divided into right and left hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
an irregular breathing pattern of slow and shallow, then rapid and deep respirations, with pauses for 20 to 30 seconds, frequently occurs before death
chlamydia
the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
cholelithiasis
gallstones
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
a usually progressive respiratory system disorder with irreversible obstruction of air exchange in the bronchi, alveoli, and lungs; emphysema is a form of COPD
cilia
hairlike processes that trap and move foreign particles
circumcision
surgical removal of foreskin
circumduction
drawing an imaginary circle with a body structure (the arms)
cirrhosis
end-stage liver disease with interference with blood flow, resulting in jaundice, portal hypertension, and liver failure
clavicle
collar bone joining the sternum at the anterior and the scapula laterally
cochlea
snail-shaped tube in ear containing receptor for hearing
colitis
inflammation of the colon
collagen
a fibrous protein found in the dermis, connective tissues, tendons, and ligaments; it is sometimes referred to as the body’s glue, providing strength and flexibility
Colles fracture
displaced fracture of the distal radius, proximal to the wrist
colon
largest portion of the large intestine; divides into four parts; ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid
concussion
mild head injury (MHI) or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) resulting in subtle or more serious physical, cognitive, or emotional signs and symptoms
congestive heart failure (CHF)
venous and pulmonary congestion and general edema (swelling) resulting from decreased blood circulation
conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by infection or irritation
coronary artery disease (CAD)
arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, usually leading to myocardial ischemia (damage to tissue)
Cowper glands
two small glands located at the base of the penis that secrete lubricant during intercourse
cranial
location associated with the head
cretinism
hypothyroidism; decreased secretion of thyroxine in infants resulting in failure of physical and mental development
Crohn disease
chronic inflammatory disease of ileum or colon resulting in diarrhea, pain, weight loss, and sometimes rectal bleeding
croup
acute viral infection, usually in infants, characterized by barking cough
cryprochidism
failure of testes to descend into the scrotum
Cushing Syndrome
overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal cortex, resulting in round face, overweight, thin skin, and high blood glucose
cystic fibrosis
a genetic disorder producing abnormally thick mucous secretions that block and impair the bronchi, pancreatic and bile ducts, and intestines
cytoplasm
colloidal substance (protoplasm) found in the cell; holds other structures in place
dendrites
neuron fibers conducting impulses to the cell body
dermis
deeper layer of skin containing nerves, blood vessels, and other skin structures or appendages
diabetes mellitus
most common endocrine disorder; low production of insulin, resulting in cells retaining sugar; two types : insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes
diabetic retinopathy
damage to the retina in diabetic patients from hemorrhage of vessels
dialysis
a form of osmosis that removes certain impurities from the blood (two types: peritoneal and hemodialysis)
diaphragm
muscle tissue separating thoracic and abdominal cavities that contracts and expands during respiration, allowing lungs to fill and empty air
diastole
relaxation portion of the cardiac cycle
diffusion
movement of molecules from area of higher to lower concentration
digestion
physical and chemical processes changing food into simple nutrients to be utilized by the cells for energy and building materials and into solid waste to be eliminated from the body
digestive system
body system containing mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas; the system ingests and processes food and eliminates solid waste products
distal
away from the origin of a structure
diverticula (singular diverticulum)
abnormal pouches in the walls of an organ, usually the colon
diverticulosis
diverticula of the colon
dorsal
posterior; in back
dorsiflexion
pointing the toes up
duodenum
upper portion of small intestine, separated from the stomach by the pyloric sphincter
dwarfism
decreased growth hormone, resulting in abnormally small size
eclampsia
toxemia of pregnancy, with high blood pressure, albuminuria, oliguria, seizures, and sometimes coma
ectopic pregnancy
extrauterine pregnancy; implantation of fertilized ovum outside the uterus; most commonly in the ovarian tubes
ejaculatory duct
passage formed by the seminal vesicles and vas deferns allowing semen to enter the urethra
elimination
excretion of the solid waste products of digestion in the form of feces
embolus (plural emboli)
a detached thrombus or other substance occluding a vessel
emphysema
a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that impedes respiration; characterized by irreversible loss of elasticity in alveoli
endocardium
inner layer of the heart
endocrine system
body system containing glands and related structures that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream or into its own surrounding tissues
endometriosis
condition caused by endometrium tissue located outside the uterus that causes pain and, sometimes, cyst formation
enteritis
inflammation of the small intestine
enuleation
removal of the eyeball
enuresis
involuntary discharge of urine
enzymes
proteins that act as catalysts to increase the speed of digestion
epicardium
outer layer of the heart
epidermis
surface layer of skin containing strata and melanin
epididymis
two coiled tubules on the posterior of the testes that store and carry sperm from the testes to the vas deferns
epiglottis
flaplike structure covering larynx during swallowing
epilepsy
abnormal electrical activity of the brain resulting in seizure
erythrocytes
red blood cells (RBCs); contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen; mature cells do not have a nucleus
esophagus
tube from the pharynx to the stomach
eustachian tube
connects middle ear with throat and pharynx; equalizes pressure on tympanic membrane
eversion
turning wrists or ankles outward, away from the body (the opposite of inversion)
exocrine gland
a gland that excretes its product through a duct to an environment external to itself or into the bloodstream
exophthalmia
protrusion of the eyeballs, usually resulting from an endocrine disorder
expiration
exhalation; letting air out of the lungs
extension
bringing the limbs or phalanges toward a straight position (the opposite of flexion)
extracellular fluid
body fluid outside the cell
fallopian tubes
oviducts; canals leading from the ovaries to the uterus where fertilization of the ova by the sperm occurs
femur
thigh bone; the body’s largest, longest, and strongest bone
fertilization
impregnation of the female ovum (egg) with the male sperm
fetus
term given after the first trimester to a developing baby in the uterus
fibroids
nonmalignant tumors of the uterus
fibula
smaller lower leg bone, lateral to tibia
filtration
process of moving fluid containing dissolved particles through a membrane; an example is kidney filtration
flagella
whiplike processes on the cell surfaces; accommodate cell movement
flexion
bending (the opposite of extension), such as closing the fingers of the hand
fluid balance
the regulation of the amount and composition of the body’s fluids
frontal plane
imaginary line or cut of the body made in line with the ears and then down the middle of the body, resulting in a front and a back portion; also called coronal plane
gallbladder
pear-shaped sac located on the inferior surface of the liver, stores bile to aid in digestion and fat absorption
gamete
male (sperm) or female (ovum) reproductive cell
ganglion
marked swelling of gray matter, located outside the central nervous system, containing cells of neurons
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus due to an incompetent esophageal sphincter, resulting in burning and discomfort; can lead to ulcers
gential herpes
painful and incurable viral infection of the male or female genital tract’s mucous membrane
genitalia
external sex organs
genital warts
infection caused by the human papilloma virus; believed to be a precursor of female cervical cancer
gestation
period of pregnancy
giantism
overproduction of the growth hormone; resulting in abnormally large size
giardiasis
infectious diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia in contaminated water
glans penis
acorn-shaped head of penis
glaucoma
a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure; causes damage to optic nerve; often results in blindness
globulins
the fraction of the blood serum protein associated with antibodies; vaccinations with globulins produces passive immunity
glomerular filtration
the movement of fluid and materials under pressure from the blood through the kidney’s glomerular membrane; the beginning of urine formation
glomerulonephritis
acute or chronic inflammation of the kidney glomeruli
glomeruli
networks of blood capillaries enclosed in Bowman capsule
goiter
enlarged thyroid
gonorrhea
contagious inflammation of the genital mucous membrane of either sex, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
gout
inflammation and pain, usually of the great toes or thumbs, caused by accumulation of uric acid crystals
Graves Disease
hyperthyroidism; increased secretion of thyroxine; characterized by goiter, exophthalmia (bulging eyes), weight loss, extreme nervousness, and rapid metabolism
hematopoiesis
the process by which undifferentiated stem cells give rise to all other blood cells; the process by which cells that produce blood are generated
hemodiaysis
a form of dialysis that removes blood via a catheter placed directly into a vein; the blood then circulates through a dialysis machine to remove impurities
hemophilia
genetic bleeding disorder involving a deficiency of specific clotting factors and resulting in excessive bleeding, especially into the joints
hemorrhoids
inflammation and dilation of veins in rectum and anus
hepatic
referring to the liver
hepatitis
acute or chronic inflammation of the liver
hernia
protrusion of an organ or part of an organ through the wall normally containing it; intestine is the most common organ to herniate
herpes zoster
shingles; infection caused by the herpes zoster virus forming blister-type lesions and producing pain along the nerve trunks
histology
study of tissues
homeostasis
equilibrium or health of the body as measured by established norms for blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiration rate, and other indicators
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
the virus causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
human papillomavirus (HPV)
the virus associated with genital warts and cervical cancer
humerus
upper arm bone
hydrocephalus
accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain caused by an obstruction and resulting in mounting pressure and destruction of brain tissue
hydronephrosis
distention of the renal pelvis resulting from obstructed flow of urine
hyperextension
extreme or abnormal extension, usually resulting in injury
hyperopia
farsightedness; a condition in which distant objects can be seen more clearly than closer objects
hypertension
high blood pressure (beginning at 140/90)
hyperthyroidism
overactivity of the thyroid
hypertonic solution
fluid more concentrated than intracellular fluid; it draws fluid away from the cell and causes the cell to shrink
hypospadias
congenital disorder; the male urethra opens on the underside of the penis
hypothalamus
located in the diencephalon, the hypothalamus contains nerve cells assisting in maintenance of water balance, fat and sugar metabolism, secretion of endocrine glands, and regulation of body temperature
hypothyroidism
underactivity of the thyroid
hypotonic solution
fluid less concentrated than intracellular fluid; it results in excess fluid entering the cell and may cause the cell to rupture
ileum
lower portion of the small intestine, opening into the cecum
ilium
superior wing-shaped portion of hip bones
immunity
the individual’s ability to resist specific disease or disorders, usually by acquiring the corresponding antibody
immunization
vaccination; protection from communicable diseases by administration of living attenuated agents (measles), killed organisms(pertussis), inactivated toxins (tetanus), or recombinant DNA(Hep B)
impotence
inability of the male to achieve erection or ejaculation
incontinence
inability to retain urine, semen, or feces
incus
anvil; second ossicle (bone) of the middle ear
inferior
below
infertility
inability to produce offspring; may be either a male or female disorder
inspiration
inhalation; bringing air into the lungs
integumentary system
the largest system of the body, it contains skin, glands, hair, nails, blood vessels, and nerves to protect against infection and other “invaders”; assists with prevention of dehydration; controls body temperature; receives sensory information; eliminates waste products; and produces vitamin D
intracellular fluid
body fluid inside the cell
intussusception
one part of the intestine slipping into another, leading to bowel obstruction
inversion
turning inside out (the opposite of eversion)
ischium
inferior portion of hip bones supporting the body weight when sitting
isotonic
solution with the same concentration as intracellular fluid, moves in and out of the cell at the same rate
jaundice
yellow color of skin, white of eyes, and mucous membranes resulting from increased bilirubin in blood
joints
areas where two or more bones come together or articulate
keratin
a protein in the epidermis that thickens and waterproofs the skin
kidneys
two muscular, bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity that filtrate, reabsorb selected substances, and excrete urine
kyphosis
hunchback; an excessive curvature in the thoracic portion of the vertebral column
labryinth
inner ear; contains vestibule, semicircular canal, and cochlea with receptors for hearing and balance
large intestine
the final organ of the digestive tract; connects to the small intestine at the ileum; sections include cecum, colon, rectum; ends at the anus; manufactures vitamins K and B; absorbs fluids and electrolytes; forms, stores, and excretes feces
larynx
voice box; organ between the pharynx and trachea containing vocal cords, which vibrate to produce speech
lateral
away from midline, toward the side
Legionnaires disease
a type of pneumonia caused by the Legionnaires pneumophila bacteria
leukemia
type of malignancy characterized by rapid and abnormal development of leukocytes (white blood cells) in spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes
leukocytes
white blood cells (WBCs); fight infection
ligaments
bands of fibrous connective tissue connecting the articulating ends of bones to facilitate or limit movement
liver
largest gland in the body, located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity; it produces bile, detoxifies blood, and aids metabolism
lordosis
swayback; excessive curvature in the lumbar portion of the vertebral column
lungs
two main organs of the respiratory system that are located in the thoracic cavity; they distribute and exchange gases
lymphatic system
body system containing lymph, lymph nodes, and related organs to protect against and fight disease
macular degeneration
progressive abnormal growth of blood vessels or other structures in the retina, usually leading to blindness
malleus
hammer; first ossicle (bone) of the middle ear
mandible
lower jaw bone
maxilla
upper jaw bone
medial
toward the middle or center
mediastinum
small cavity within the thoracic cavity that lies between the lungs and contains the heart and large blood vessels
medulla oblongata
portion of the brain connecting with spinal cord; contains centers for control of heartbeat, respirations, and blood pressure
melanin
pigment giving the skin its color
membranes
thin sheets of tissue that line and protect body structures
menarche
first female menses; usually occurs between nine and fifteen years of age
meninges (singular meninx)
three layers of connective tissue covering that completely enclose the brain and spinal cord
menopause
cessation of menses and female reproduction from aging or surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus
menorrhagia
painful menses
mesentery
composed of two layers of peritoneum that lie on the walls of the peritoneal cavity connecting the intestines to the wall of the abdomen
menstrual cycle
a phase lasting approximately twenty eight days, beginning with menstruation, followed by the thickening of the endometrium; midcycle, ovulation occurs, followed by secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum to prepare the uterus for a fertilized ovum
menstruation
menses; the shedding of the endometrium of the uterus in the form of vaginal bleeding when pregnancy does not occur, usually in a twenty eight day cycle
metabolism
energy transformation in living cells
metacarpals
five bones that form the palm of the hand
metaphase
second phase of mitosis; chromosomes line up along an equator type line along centriole filaments
metatarsals
the five foot bones
midbrain
connects the pons and cerebellum with the cerebrum; functions as relay for certain eye and ear reflexes
mild head injury (MHI)
concussion
mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)
concussion
miscarriage
spontaneous abortion; a natural interruption of a pregnancy before the seventh month
mitosis
cell division; comprises four phases; prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
mouth
oral cavity; orifice in the lower face where food enters the body
multiple sclerosis
progressive inflammation and hardening of the myelin sheath in the nervous system
muscular system
body system that contains muscles and related structures that accommodate movement
myocardial infarction (MI)
heart attack; necrosis (death) of an area in the myocardium resulting from cessation of blood supply, usually from coronary thrombosis
myocardium
middle layer of the heart
myopia
condition of nearsightedness; can see objects close by but not far away
myxedema
atrophy of thyroid in adults, resulting in decreased secretion of thyroxine, caused causing forms of physical and mental decline
narcolepsy
uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep; also known as sleep epilepsy
neonatal
first thirty days after birth
nephrolithiasis
(renal calculi) kidney stones
nephrons
group of microscopic coiled tubules (more than one million in each kidney), located in the renal pyramids, that filter blood and form urine; main structures are collecting tubules, glomeruli, and arterioles; the bottom of the paperclip-shaped segment of the nephron is called the loop of Henle
nervous system
body system containing nerves and related structures that receive stimuli and initiate responses
neurotransmitter
chemical released by the axons that stimulates the next cell to continue the transmission of an impulse
nucleolus
small structure in the cell nucleus that holds ribonucleic acid (RNA) and ribosomes essential for protein formation
nucleus
located in the center of the cell;controls cell activity and contains genetic material (DNA)
orchiditis (also spelled orchitis)
inflammation of the testes
organ
group tissues working together to perform a function,k such as the kidney
osmosis
water diffusion (movement from area of higher to lower concentration) through a semipermeable membrane
osmotic pressure
the tendency of a higher-concentration solution to draw in water from a lower-concentration solution
osteoarthritis
degenerative joint disease that results in deformities and chronic pain; usually occurs as part of the aging process
osteoblast
cell that forms bone tissue
osteochondroma
malignancy of the bone and cartilage
osteomyelitis
inflammation of the bone or marrow caused by pathogens
osteoporosis
porous, brittle bones resulting from low levels of calcium salts
osteosarcoma
malignant tumor of the bone
otitis media
infection of middle ear
ovaries
two female endocrine sex glands (gonads) that secrete estrogen to stimulate growth of breasts, uterus, and secondary sex characteristics and form ova (the female gametes) and progesterone to prepare and maintain uterus in pregnancy
pancreas
an endocrine and exocrine gland located behind the stomach that produces pancreatic juice, and insulin and glucagon
Papanicolaou smear (Pap Smear)
test for cervical cancer that involves microscopically examining cervical scrapings
parasympathetic nervous system
portion of the nervous system that returns the body to rest and replenishes energy
parathyroid gland
one of four pea-sized glands located on or embedded in the thyroid that secrete parathyroid hormone, increasing blood levels of calcium
parkinson disease
chronic progressive neurologic disease characterized by fine tremors and muscle weakness and rigidity; etiology believed to be associated with low dopamine production
parturition
process of delivery; giving birth
patella
kneecap
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery in fetal circulation that does not close as it should after birth
pathology
the study of abnormal changes in body structure or function, usually caused by disease
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
inflammation of the pelvic cavity organs resulting from widespread infection
penis
external male sex organ containing the urethra
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
nerves outside the central nervous system originating from the brain and spinal cord; it transmits sensory information and responses
peristalsis
rhythmic contractions that move food throughout the digestive tract
peritoneal dialysis
a form of dialysis using the peritoneal membrane to filter wastes
pernicious anemia
type of anemia resulting from malabsorption of Vitmain B12 in the ileum
pertussis
whooping cough; a vaccine preventable bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis
phagocytosis
ingestion and digestion of bacteria and other substances by phagocytic cells
phalanges
fingers (three bones on each) and thumb (two bones on each); toes (three bones on each) and great toes (two bones on each)
pharyngitis
sore throat; inflammation of the pharynx
pharynx
throat; passageway from nose to larynx
phimosis
inability to retract the foreskin over the glans penis because of tightness of the skin
physiology
the study of body function
pineal gland
endocrine gland located in the brain behind the hypothalamus that secretes melatonin, which regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycles
pinna
auricle; external ear; directs sound waves to the canal
pituitary
endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, called “master gland” because of the number of hormones it secretes and functions it serves
placenta
oval vascular structure present in the uterus during pregnancy that supplies nutrients to the fetus
placenta previa
abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower uterus
plantar flexion
pointing toes downward, which flexes the arch of the foot
plasma
liquid portion of blood (55%)
platelets
(thrombocytes) cell fragments; function in coagulation
pleura
lung linings containing pleural fluid to protect lungs and reduce friction during respiration
pleurisy
inflammation of the pleura
pneumonia
viral or bacterial infection causing inflammation of the lungs
pneumothorax
partial or complete collapse of the lung(s) resulting from air in the pleural cavity
polycystic kidney disease
familial disorder producing cysts in the kidney tubules leading to kidney failue
pons
area where nerves cross, resulting in nerves located on one side of the brain controlling the opposite side of the body; connects the cerebellum with the nervous system
pregnancy
gestation; period of fetal development in the uterus from fertilization to birth, usually forty weeks
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
irritability, bloating, and depression preceding menses
prepuce
foreskin; a fold of skin on the penis covering the glans
presbyopia
a form of farsightedness most common eye condition associated with aging
priapism
abnormal, painful, prolonged penile erection, usually resulting from spinal cord injury or disease
prophase
first stage of mitosis; centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell, forming two poles
prostate gland
donut-shaped gland around the male urethra at the bladder neck that secretes alkaline fluid to protect sperm
proximal
toward the origin of a structure
pubis
anterior union of the hip bones
pulmonary edema
fluid accumulation in the lungs, often associated with congestive heart failure
Purkinje fibers
smaller fibers arising from the bundle branches located in the heart’s conductive system that carry the electrical impulse to the ventricular walls, causing them to contract
pyelonephritis
inflammation and pyogenic infection of the renal pelvis
radius
lateral bone of forearm (in anatomic position)
rales
crackling breath sound resulting from increased secretions in the bronchi; sometimes referred to as rhonchi
rectum
the lower portion of the large intestine that contains the reflexes for defecation
renal failure
acute or chronic loss of kidney function that results in buildup of nitrogen waste in the body
reproductive system
body system containing gonads (ovaries or testes) and related sex-specific organs and structures to reproduce the species
respiratory system
body system containing nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, and related structures that transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
rheumatoid arthritis
inflammation and overgrowth of synovial membranes and joint tissues characterized by swelling of joints
rotation
turning on an axis, such as turning the head to indicate “no”
rugae
folds in the lining of the stomach and some other organs
sagittal plane
an imaginary line or cut through the body, bilaterally separating it into right and left halves
salivary glands
three pairs of glands located in the mouth, secreting saliva that moistens food and begins the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates
scapula
shoulder blade
scoliosis
abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column
scrotum
external pouch suspended from the male perineum containing the testes and epididymis
seminal vesicles
a pair of accessory glands in the male, posterior to the urinary bladder, that secrete nutrient fluid for sperm
serum
clear, liquid portion of blood that remains after the blood clots
sigmoid
lower s shaped portion of colon connected to the descending colon and the rectum
sinoatrial (SA) node
located in the upper wall of the right atrium, it is the pacemaker of the heart
skeletal system
body system containing bones and related structures to provide structural support
small intestine
longest portion of digestive tract; digests fats, proteins, and carbohydrates and absorbs the nutrient products into the blood; contains 3 sections; duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
spermatozoa
sperm
spina bifida
congenital deformity exposing the spinal column, resulting from malformation of vertebrae
spinal cord
continuous tubelike structure located within the spinal vertebrae extending from the occipital bone to the coccyx; it contains cerebrospinal fluid and ascending and descending nerve tracts that carry transmissions to and from the brain
stapes
stirrup; third ossicle (bone) of the middle ear
stem cell
an undifferentiated biologic cell that can differentiate into specialized cells
stomach
j shaped organ between the esophagus and the duodenum that produces a churning action that mixes food with gastric acids and enzymes as part of digestion; also stores food
strabismus
inability of both eyes to simultaneously focus on a subject; commonly known as lazy eye or being cross-eyed
strata
sublayers
stridor
high-pitched breath sounds resembling wind; caused by a partial obstruction of air passages
superior
above
sympathetic nervous system
portion of the nervous system preparing the body for stressful situations (“fight or flight”)
synapse
neuromuscular junction between neurons
syphilis
sexually transmitted disease resulting in lesions (chancre) that may spread to bones and other systems
systole
contraction portion of the cardiac cycle
tarsals
the 7 ankle and foot bones; the largest is the calcaneus, or heel bones
telophase
final phase of mitosis; the nucleus divides in the center, forming two distinct cells
tendons
connective tissue attaching muscle directly to the periosteum (covering) of the bones
testes
male endocrine sex glands (gonads) that secrete testosterone and stimulate the development of male sex characteristics and sperm
tetany
spasms caused by low blood calcium
thalamus
located in the diencephalon, serves as relay for sensory input
thorax
cavity containing lungs
thrombophlebitis
inflammation of a vein with clots
thrombus (plural thrombi)
a blood clot attached to a vessel wall
thrush
yeast infection of the mouth caused by Candida albicans
tibia
shin bone
tinnitus
ringing in the ears
tissues
group of cells with similar structures and functions
trachea
tube branching into two bronchi leading into the lungs
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
ministroke; temporary episode of impaired neurologic function resulting from decreased blood flow to the brain
transverse plane
an imaginary plane line or cut through the body horizontally dividing it into superior and inferior sections
tuberculosis
an infectious bacterial disease characterized by tubercles in the tissue; the lung is the most common disease site
tubular reabsorption
the process that follows glomerular filtration; the filtered water and other needed materials leave the tubule by diffusion and active transport and enter tissue fluids
tympanic membrane
eardrum; boundary between external and middle ear canals; vibrates, transmitting sound waves to inner ear
ulcerative colitits
inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa of the colon and rectum
ulcers
lesions of the mucosa of any organ; most common in the stomach and intestine
ulna
medial bone of forearm (in anatomic position)
uremia
high levels of nitrogen waste in the body
ureters
2 slim tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder
urethra
tube from the bladder that allows urine to leave the body
urinary bladder
saclike organ behind the symphysis pubis that temporarily stores urine
urinary system
body system containing kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra that removes nitrogen-type waste and regulates water balance
urination
voiding or micturition; discharge of urine from the bladder
uterus
female organ located in pelvic cavity from the oviducts to the vagina; houses and nourishes the growing fetus and placenta
vas deferens
tubule carrying sperm from epididymis to seminal vesicles
vasectomy
male sterilization procedure; tying off or removing part or all of vas deferens
vena cava
largest body vein, with inferior and superior branches
vertebral column
spine; 26 vertebrae (bones that cover the spinal cord)
vertigo
dizziness
vestibule
middle section of inner ear involving balance
villi (singular villus)
tiny projections in the small intestine lining where absorption of nutrients occurs
wheeze
squeaking or whistling breath sound, usually caused by narrowed tracheobronchial airways, as in asthma
xiphoid process
small tip at the lower end of the sternum
