Basic Anatomy Flashcards
What is anatomy?
The study of a body structure
Anatomy focuses on the physical structure of organisms.
What does biochemistry study?
The study of matter and chemical reactions in the body
Biochemistry explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
Define physiology.
The study of a body part’s function
Physiology examines how the various parts of the body work together.
What is hematology?
The study of blood
Hematology includes the study of blood disorders and treatments.
Who is a hematologist?
A specialist who studies the function and composition of blood
Hematologists are involved in diagnosing blood diseases.
What is hemostasis?
Stable internally and physically
Hemostasis is crucial for maintaining the body’s internal balance.
What does concentric mean in anatomy?
From inside out
Concentric structures share a common center.
What are electrolytes?
Movement of ions into and out of body structures that regulate or trigger many psychologic states and activities
Electrolytes are essential for nerve function and muscle contraction.
What does CNS stand for?
Central nervous system
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
List the functions of blood.
- Distribute oxygen and nutrients
- Eliminate waste
- Acid-base balance
- Regulate temperature
- Attacks pathogens
Blood plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis.
What is the function of white blood cells?
Attack pathogens (protection)
White blood cells are key components of the immune system.
What do red blood cells do?
Carry and distribute nutrients and oxigen
Red blood cells are essential for oxygen transport.
What is plasma?
The liquid in which other components are suspended
Plasma makes up about 55% of blood volume.
What are platelets crucial for?
Clot formation
Platelets help prevent blood loss from injuries.
What occurs in capillaries?
CO2 to O2 exchange
Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where gas exchange happens.
Name three veins mentioned.
- Medial cubital vein
- Cephalic vein
- Basilic vein
These veins are commonly used for blood draws.
What is the injection angle range?
0-30 degrees
The angle depends on the type of injection being administered.
What are the most common injection angles?
10-15 degrees
These angles are typically used for subcutaneous injections.
What are the most successful injection angles?
15-20 degrees
This angle often provides better access to veins.
From what level to what level is the body organized?
From a chemical level to an organ system level
This organization reflects increasing complexity in biological structures.
What distinguishes organic matter from inorganic matter?
Organic matter contains carbon and hydrogen, inorganic matter does not
Organic compounds are essential for life.
What are the four primary elements of life?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
These elements are fundamental to biological molecules.
What is the smallest unit of life?
Atom
Atoms combine to form molecules, the building blocks of life.
What is a molecule?
Two or more atoms
Molecules can be simple or complex in structure.
Define compound.
Three or more atoms bonded together
Compounds have unique properties different from their constituent elements.
What is an organelle?
Body of the cells
Organelles perform specific functions within cells.
What is tissue?
Multiple cells together
Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together for a specific function.
What are organs?
Multiple tissues that come together for a specific function
Organs have distinct functions and structures.
What is an organ system?
Organs that work together for a specific function
Organ systems coordinate to perform complex tasks.
What is an organism?
The material structure of an individual life form
An organism can be unicellular or multicellular.
What is the transverse plane?
Split up and down
The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower parts.
What is the sagittal plane?
Body split left to right ⅔ and ⅓
The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections.
What is the midsagittal plane?
Body split left to right evenly
This plane divides the body into equal left and right halves.
Describe the anatomical position.
Body upright, facing forward, hands to the side, and palms facing forward
This position serves as a standard reference for anatomical terminology.
What does superior (cranial) mean?
Above/close to the head
It describes the position of body parts relative to each other.
What does inferior (caudal) mean?
Below/close to the feet
This term is used to describe the location of body structures.
What does anterior (ventral) indicate?
Towards the front of the body
It is used for directional orientation in anatomy.
What does posterior (dorsal) mean?
Towards the back of the body
This term describes the back side of the body.
What does medial mean?
Towards the midline of the body
Medial is used to describe the relative position of body parts.
What does lateral mean?
Away from the midline of the body
Lateral terms define positions that are further from the center.
What does proximal mean?
Close or near the point of attraction
Proximal is often used in relation to limbs.
What does distal mean?
Far from the point of attraction
Distal is used in anatomical contexts to describe locations on limbs.
What does superficial mean?
Close to the surface of the body
Superficial structures are nearer to the body’s exterior.
What does deep mean?
Internal
Deep structures are located further from the body’s surface.
What are the two main body cavities?
- Ventral cavity: Thoracic and abdominal
- Dorsal cavity: Cranial and spinal
These cavities house and protect vital organs.
What is the thoracic cavity?
Chest
The thoracic cavity contains the heart and lungs.
What is the abdomen?
Stomach
The abdominal cavity houses digestive organs.
What does the cranial cavity contain?
Brain
The cranial cavity protects the brain.
