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.
Bile ducts
The ducts that convey bile between the liver and intestine.
Blood pressure (BP)
The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.
Brachial artery
The major blood vessel in the upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm.
Brain
The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.
Brainstem
The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration.
Calcaneus
The heel bone.
Capillary vessels
The tiny blood vessels between the arteriolses and venules that permit transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between body tissues and the blood.
Cardiac muscle
The heart mucle
Cardiac output (CO)
A measure of the volume of circulated blood by the heart in one minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.
CO = SV x HR
Carotid artery
The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.
Carpals
The small bones that compose the wrist.
Cartilage
The smooth connective tissue that forms the support structure of the skeletal system and provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portion s of the outer ear.
Cecum
The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.
Cellular metabolism
A set of chemical reactions othat supplies cells with energy. includes both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism.
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum
One of the three major subdevisions of the brain, sometines called the littl ebrain; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particulary fine body movements.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnioid space and bathes the meninges.
Cerebrum
The largest part of the three subdevisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality.
Cervical spine
The portion of the vertebral column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.
Chordae tendineae
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.
Chyme
The substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of all the eaten foods with added stomach acids.
Circulatory system
The complex arrengement of connected tubes, inbluding the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body.
Clavicle
The collar bone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.
Coccyx
The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone.
Coronal (frontal) plane
An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts.
Coxae
The hip bones (singular: coxa)
Cranium
The part of the skull that encloses the brain and is composed of eight bones.
Cricoid cartilage
A firm ridge of carilage that form the lower part of the larynx.
Cricothyroid membrane
A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.
Dead space
Any portion of the ariway that does contain air but cannot participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi.
Dermis
The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.
Diaphragm
A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the abdominal cavity. Contraction of this (and the chest wall muscles) brings air into the lungs. This is the active portion of breathing. Relaxation allows air to be expelled from the lungs, which is the passive portion of breathing.
Diastole
The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles.
Diffusion
Movement of gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Digestion
The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.
Dorsalis pedis artery
The artery of the anterior suface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.
Endocrine system
The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.
Enzymes
Substances designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.
Epidermis
The outer layer of skin, which is made of of cells that are sealed together to form a watertight protective covering for the body.
Epiglottis
A thin, leaf shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering.
Epinephrine
A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases the pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.
Esophagus
A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; muscle contractions propel food and liquids through it to the stomach.
Expiratory reserve volume
The amount of air that can be exhaled following a normal exhanlation; average volume is about 1,200 mL in the average adult man.
Extension
The straightening of a joint.
Fallopian tubes
The tubes that connect each ovary with the uterus and are the primary loation for fertilization of the ovum.
Femoral atery
The major atery of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery. It supplies blood to the lower abcominal wall, external genitalia and legs. It can be palpated in the groin area.
Femoral head
The proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.
Femur
The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body.
Fibula
The smaller of the two bones that form the lower leg, located on the lateral side.
Flextion
The bending of a joint.
Foramen magnum
A large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.
Frontal bones
The bones of the cranium that form the forehead.
Gallbladder
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.
Genital system
The reproductive system in men and women.
Germinal layer
The deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are formed.
Greater trochanter
A bony prominence on the proximal lateral side of the thigh, just below the hip joint.
Hair follicles
The small organs that produce hair.
Heart
A hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
Heart rate (HR)
The number of heartbeats during a specific time (usually one minute).
Hemoglobin
An oxygen-carrying protien found in red blood cells.
Hinge joints
Joints that can bend and straighten but cannot rotate; they restrict motion to one plane.
Hormones
Substances formed in specialized organs or glands and carried to another orgen or group of cells in the same ornagism; they regulate many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and body temperature.
Humerous
The supporting bone of the upper arm.
Hydrostatic pressure
The pressure of water against the walls of its container.
Hypercapnia
An abnormally high level of carbon dioxinde in the blood stream; also called hypercarbia.
Hypoperfusion
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular function; also called shock.
Hypoxia
Deficient oxygen concentration in the tissues.
Hypoxic drive
A “back up system” to control respiration; senses drops in oxygen level in the blood.
Ilium
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
Inferior vena cava
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the lower extremities and the pelvis and the abdominal organs to the heart.
Inspiratory reserve volume
The amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation; the amound of air that can be inhaled in addition to the normal tidal volume.
Interstitial space
The space between cells.
Intervertebral disks
Tough, elastic structures between adjoining vertebrae that act as shock absorbers.
Involuntary muscle
The muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many automatic regulating systems of the body.
Ischium
One of the three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
Joint
The place where two bones come into contact; also called articulation.
Joint capsule
The fibrous sac that encloses a joint
Kidneys
Two retroperitoneal organs that extrete the end products of metabolism as urine and regulate the bady’s salt and water content.
Labored breathing
The use of muscles in the chest, back, and abdomen to assist in expanding the chest; occurs when air movement is impaired.
Lactic acid
A metabolic by-procuct of the breakdown of glucose that accumulates when matabolism proceeds in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic metabolims).
Large intestine
The portion of the digestive tube that encircles the abdomen around the small bowel, constituting of the cecum, the colon, and the rectum. It helps regulate water balance and eliminate solid waste.
Lesser trochanter
The projection on the medial/superior portion of the femur.
Ligaments
Bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to bones. Ligaments support and strengthen a joint.
Liver
A large, solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores glucose for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.
Lumbar spine
The lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five nonfused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine.
Lymph
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 the capillaries so that they may be excreted.
Lymph nodes
Tiny, oval-shaped strucures located in various places along the lymph vessels that filter lymph.
Malleolus
A rounded bony prominence on either side of the ankel; also called the ankle bone.
Mandible
The bone of the lower jaw.
Manubrium
The upper quarter of the sternum.
Maxillae
The upper jawbones that assist in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the palate and hold the upper teeth.
Medulla oblongata
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.
Metabolism
The biochemical processes that result in the production of energy from nutrients withing cells.
Metacarpals
Bones of the hand, situated between the carpals and phalanges.
Metatarsals
Bones of the foot, situated beween the tarsals and phalanges.
Midbrain
The part of the brain that is responsible for helping to regulate the level of consciousness.
Minute volume
The volume of air that moves in and out of the lungs per minute; calculated by multiplying the tidal volume and resporatory rate; also called minute ventilation.
Midsagittal (midline) plane
An imaginary vertical line drawn from the middle of the forehead through the nose an umbilicus (navel) to the floor, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.
Motor nerves
Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.
Mucous membranes
The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body.
Mucus
The watery secretion of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body openings.
Musculoskeletal system
The bones and voluntary muscles of the body.
Myocardium
The heart muscle.
Nasopharynx
The part of the pharynx that lies above the level of the roof of the mouth, or palate.
Nervous system
The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary.
Neurons
The functional units of the nervous system; also called nerve cells.
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter and drug used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha-stimulator properties.
Occipital bone
The most posterior bone of the cranium.
Oncotic pressure
The pressure of water to move, typically into the capillary, as the result of the presence of plasma proteins.
Orbit
The eye socket, made up of the maxilla, frontal bone, and zygoma.
Oropharynx
A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea.
Ovaries
The primary female reproductive organs that produce an ovum, or egg, that, if fertilized will develop into a fetus.
Pancreas
A flat, solid organ that lies below the liver and the stomach; it is a major souce of digestive enzymes and produces the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Parasympathetic nervous system
A subdivision of the autonamic nervous system, involved in control of involuntary functions, mediated largly by the vagusl nerve through the chemical acetylcholine. Responsible for the rest-and-digest response.
Parietal bones
The bones that lie between the temporal and occipital regions of the craneum.
Patella
The knee cap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle.
Pathophysiology
The study of how normal physiologic processes are affected by disease.
Pectoral girdle
The supporting structure of the arms, which attaches the arms to the axial skeleton. It comprises the clavicles and scapulae; also called the shoulder girdle.
Pelvic girdle
The supporting structure for the legs, wich serves to connect the legs to the axial skeleton.
Perfusion
The circulation of oxygenated blood withing an organ or tissue in adequate ammounts to meet the current needs of the cells.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
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.
Peristalsis
The wavelike contraction of smooth muscle by which the ureters, intestines, or other tubular organs propel their contents.
Phalanges
The bones of the fingers and toes.
Physiology
The study of the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
Plasma
A sticky, yellow fluid that carries blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion.
Platelets
Tiny, disc-shaped elements that are much smaller than the cells; they are essential for the initial formation of a blood clot, the mechanism that stops bleeding.
Pleura
The serous membranes covering the lungs and lining the thorax, competely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space.
Pleural space
The potential space between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura; described as “potential” because under normal conditions, the space does not exist.
Pons
An organ that lies below the midbrain and above the medula and contains numerous important nerve fibers, including those for sleep, respiration and the medullary respiratory center.
Posterior tibial artery
The artery just behind the medial malleolus; suplies blood to the foot
Prostate gland
A small gland that surrounds the male urethra where it emerges from the urinary bladder; it secretes fluid that is part of the ejaculatory fluid.
Pubic symphesis
A hard, bony, and cartilaginous prominence found at the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen where the two halves of the pelvic ring are joined by cartilage at a joint with minimal motion.
Pubis
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
Pulmonary artery
The major artery leading from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs; carries oxygen-poor blood.
Pulmonary circulation
The flow of blood from the right ventricle through the pulmonary arteries and all of their branches and capillaries in the lungs and back to the left atrium through the venules and pulmonary veins; also called the lesser circulation.
Pulmonary veins
The four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
Pulse
The wave of pressure created (during systole) as the heart contracts and forces blood oout of the left ventricle and into the major arteries.
Radial artery
The major artery in the forearm; it is palpable at the wrist on the thumb side.
Radius
The bone on the thumb side of the forearm.
Rectum
The lowermost end of the colon.
Red blood cells
Cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues; also called erythrocytes
Renal pelvis
A cone-shaped area that collects urine from the kidneys and funnels it through the ureter into the bladder.
Residual volume
The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration.
Respiration
The inhaling and exhaling of air; the physicologic proces that exchanges carbon dioxide with oxygen from fresh air.
Respiratoy compromise
The inability of the body to move gas effectively.
Respiratory system
All structures of the body that contribute to the process of breathing, consisting of upper and lower airways and their component parts.
Reticular activating system (RAS)
Located in the upper brainstem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically one’s level of arousal.
Retroperitoneal
Behind the abdominal cavity.
Sacroiliac joint
The connection point between the pelvis and the vertebral column.
Sacrum
One of the three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make up the pelvic ring; consists of five fused sacral vertebrae.
Sagittal (lateral) plane
An imaginary line where the body is divided into left and right parts.
Salivary glands
The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist.
Scalp
The thick skin covering the cranium, which usually bears hair.
Scapula
The shoulder blade.
Sebaceous glands
Glands that produce an oily substance called sebum, which discharges along the shafts of the hairs.
Semen
Fluid ejaculated from the penis and containing sperm.
Seminal vesicles
Storage sacs for sperm and seminal fluid, which empty into the urethra at the prostate.
Sensory nerves
The nerves that carry sensations such as touch, taste, smell, heat, cold, and pain from the body to the central nervous system.
Shock
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular functions; also called hypoperfusion.
Skeletal muscle
Muscle that is attached to the bomes and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle.
Skeletal system
The framework of the body, composed of bones and other connective tissues, that supports and protects the internal organs and other body tissues.
Small intestine
The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Smooth muscle
Involuntary muscle, it consistutes the bulk of the gastrointensinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity.
Somatic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control.
Sphincters
Muscles arranged in circles that are able to decrease the diameter of tubes. Examples are found within the rectum, bladder, and blood vessels.
Sphygmomanometer
A device used to measure blood pressure.
Spinal cord
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.
Sternum
The breast bone.
Stratum corneum
The outermost or dead layer of the skin.
Stroke volume
The volume of blood pumed forward with each ventricular contraction.
Subcutaneous tissue
Tissue, largely fat, that lies directly under the dermis and serves as an insulator of the body.
Superior vena cava
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities, head, neck, and chest into the heart.
Sweat glands
The glands that secrete sweat, located in the dermal layer of the skin.
Sympathetic nervous system
The adrenergic part of the autonomic peripheral nervous system responsive for the fight-or-flight response.
Symphyses
Joints that have grown together to form a very stable connection.
Synovial fluid
The small amount of liquid within a joint used as lubrication.
Synovial membrane
The lining of a joint that secretes synovial fluid into the joint space.
Systemic vascular resistance SVR
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.
Systole
The contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially that of the ventricles.
Tarsals
The group of bones situated between the lower leg bones (ie, tibia and fibula) and the metatarsal bones of the foot.
Temporal bones
The lateral bones on each side of the cranium; the temples.
Tendons
The fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
Testicle
A male genital gland that contains specialized cells that produce hormones and sperm.
Thoracic cage
The chest or rib cage
Thoracic spine
The 12 vertebrae that lie between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. one pair of ribs is attached to each of these vertebrae.
Thorax
The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels.
Thyroid cartilage
A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper party of the larynx; the Adam’s apple.
Tibia
The shinbone; the larger of the two bones of the lower leg, located on the medial side.
Tidal volume
The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs in one relaxed breath; about 500 mL for an average adult male.
Topographic anatomy
The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them.
Trachea
The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs.
Transverse (axial) plane
An imaginary line where the body is devided in to top and bottom parts.
Triceps
The muscle in the back of the upper arm.
Tunica media
The middle and thickest layer of tissue of a blood vessel wall, 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.
Ulna
The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb.
Umbilicus
The navel; also called the belly button.
Ureter
A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Urethra
The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body.
Urinary bladder
A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine.
Urinary system
The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine.
Vagina
The outermost cavity of a woman’s reproductive tract; the lower part of the birth canal.
Ventilation
The movement of air between the lungs and the environment.
Ventricle
One of the two lower chambers of the heart.
Vertebrae
The bones of the vertebral column.
Vertebral column
The structure formed by the 33 vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks. It houses and protects the spinal cord; also called the spinal column.
Voluntary muscle
Muscle that is under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.
V/Q ratio
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.
White blood cells
Blood cells that have a role in the body’s immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes.
Xiphoid process
The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.
Zygomas
The quadrangular bones of the cheek, articulating with the frontal bone, the maxillae, and the zygomatic processess of the temporal bone, and the great wings of the sphenoid bone.
Intracellular space
The space within a cell or cells.
