CH 6: Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
acetabulum (AS-uh-TAB-yuh-lum)
the pelvic socket into which the ball at the proximal end of the femur fits to form the hip joint.
acromioclavicular (ah-KRO-me-o-klav-IK-yuh-ler)
joint the joint where the acromion and the clavicle meet.
acromion (ah-KRO-me-on)
process the highest portion of the shoulder.
alveoli (al-VE-o-li)
the microscopic sacs of the lungs where gas exchange with the bloodstream takes place.
anatomy
the study of body structure.
aorta (ay-OR-tah)
the largest artery in the body. It transports blood from the left ventricle to begin systemic circulation.
appendix
a small tube located near the junction of the small and large intestines in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, the function of which is not well understood. Its inflammation, called appendicitis, is a common cause of abdominal pain.
arteriole (ar-TE-re-ol)
the smallest kind of artery.
artery
any blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart.
atria (AY-tree-ah)
the two upper chambers of the heart. There is a right atrium (which receives unoxygenated blood returning from the body) and a left atrium (which receives oxygenated blood returning from the lungs). Singular atrium.
automaticity (AW-to-muh-TISS-it-e)
the ability of the heart to generate and conduct electrical impulses on its own.
autonomic nervous system
the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary motor functions.
bladder
the round, saclike organ of the renal system used as a reservoir for urine.
blood pressure
the pressure caused by blood exerting force against the walls of blood vessels. Usually arterial blood pressure (the pressure in an artery) is measured. See also diastolic blood pressure; systolic blood pressure.
brachial artery
artery of the upper arm; the site of the pulse checked during infant CPR.
bronchi
the two large sets of branches that come off the trachea and enter the lungs. There are right and left bronchi. Singular bronchus.
buffer system
a system that helps manage the pH of the body to maintain it at a normal level.
calcaneus (kal-KAY-ne-us)
the heel bone.
capillary
a thin-walled, microscopic blood vessel where the oxygen/carbon dioxide and nutrient/waste exchange with the body’s cells takes place.
cardiac conduction system
a system of specialized muscle tissues that conducts electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat.
cardiac muscle
specialized involuntary muscle found only in the heart.
cardiovascular system
the system made up of the heart (cardio) and the blood vessels (vascular). Sometimes called the circulatory system.
carotid arteries
the large neck arteries, one on each side of the neck, that carry blood from the heart to the head.
carpals
the wrist bones.
central nervous system (CNS)
the brain and spinal cord.
central pulses
the carotid and femoral pulses, which can be felt in the central part of the body.
clavicle
the collarbone.
coronary arteries
blood vessels that supply the muscle of the heart (myocardium).
cranium
the top, back, and sides of the skull.
cricoid (KRIK-oid) cartilage
the ring-shaped structure that forms the lower portion of the larynx.
dermis (DER-mis)
the inner (second) layer of skin, rich in blood vessels and nerves, found beneath the epidermis.
diaphragm
the muscular structure that divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity; a major muscle of respiration.
diastolic blood pressure
the pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle is refilling.
digestive system
system by which food travels through the body and is digested, or broken down, into absorbable forms.
dorsalis pedis artery
artery supplying the foot, lateral to the large tendon of the big toe.
endocrine system
system of glands that produce chemicals called hormones that help to regulate many body activities and functions.
epidermis
the outer layer of skin.
epiglottis
a leaf-shaped structure that prevents food and foreign matter from entering the trachea.
epinephrine (EP-uh-NEF-rin)
a hormone produced by the body. As a medication, it dilates respiratory passages and is used to relieve severe allergic reactions.
exhalation
a passive process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size and air to flow out of the lungs.
femoral artery
the major artery supplying the leg.
femur
the large bone of the thigh.
fibula
the lateral and smaller bone of the lower leg.
gallbladder
a sac on the underside of the liver that stores bile produced by the liver
humerus
the bone of the upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow.
hypoperfusion
inability of the body to adequately circulate blood to the body’s cells to supply them with oxygen and nutrients; a life-threatening condition. Also called shock. See also perfusion.
ilium
the superior and widest portion of the pelvis.
inhalation
an active process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm contract, expanding the size of the chest cavity and causing air to flow into the lungs.
insulin
a hormone produced by the pancreas or taken as a medication by many diabetics.
involuntary muscle
muscle that responds automatically to brain signals but cannot be consciously controlled.
ischium
the lower, posterior portions of the pelvis.