Ch. 6 The Human Body - Vocabulary Flashcards
Abdomen
The body cavity that contains many of the major organs of digestion and excretion. it is located below the diaphram and above the pelvis.
Acetabulum
The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
The nucleotide involved in entergy metabolism; used to store energy.
Adrenal glands
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline wnen stimulated by sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenergic
Pertaining to nerves that that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline (eg, adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
Aerobic metabolism
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen; the main by-products are carbon dioxide and water.
Agonal gasps
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
Alpha-adrenergic receptors
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
a¹ receptors cause constriction of blood vessels.
Alveoli
The air sacs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Anaerobic metabolism
Metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by product is lactic acid.
Anatomic position
The position of reverence in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
Anatomy
The study of the physical structure of the body and its components.
Aorta
The main artery leaving the left side of of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.
Appendicular skeleton
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
Appendix
A small tubular structure that is attatched to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Arterioles
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
Articular cartilage
A pearly layer of specialized cartilagecovering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.
Atrium
One of the two upper chambers of the heart. (plural: atria)
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily.
Axial skeleton
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
Axons
Extensions of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the dendrites (receivers) of another neuron.
Ball-and-socket joint
A joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.
Beta-adrenergic receptors
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, an increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation.
ß¹ receptors cause increased rate and force of contraction of the heart.
ß² receptors cause bronchial dilation.
Biceps
The large muscle that covers the front of the humerous.