Chapter 1 Flashcards
Anatomy
Study of body structures and their locations.
Physiology
Study of how living organisms perform functions.
Complementarity Principle
Structure dictates function in biological systems.
Homeostasis
Internal balance maintained by physiological processes.
Negative Feedback
Mechanism that counteracts changes to maintain stability.
Positive Feedback
Mechanism that enhances changes for a specific outcome.
Levels of Organization
Hierarchy of structural relationships in the body.
Chemical Level
Atoms and molecules forming the body’s structure.
Tissue Level
Group of cells working together for a function.
Cellular Level
Cells as the smallest living units in the body.
Organ Level
Two or more tissues working together as an organ.
Organ System Level
Group of interacting organs performing complex functions.
Organism Level
An individual life form, such as a human.
Gross Anatomy
Study of large, visible body structures.
Cytology
Study of cells and their functions.
Microscopic Anatomy
Study of structures visible only under a microscope.
Histology
Study of tissues and their organization.
Integumentary System
Protects body; includes skin and associated structures.
Skeletal System
Provides support; includes bones and cartilage.
Nervous System
Controls responses to stimuli; includes brain and nerves.
Muscular System
Facilitates movement; includes skeletal muscles.
Cardiovascular System
Distributes blood and nutrients throughout the body.
Endocrine System
Regulates long-term changes via hormones.
Organ System Count
Humans have 11 distinct organ systems.
Female Reproductive System
Produces female sex cells and supports embryo development.
Male Reproductive System
Produces male sex cells and facilitates sexual intercourse.
Respiratory System
Delivers air to alveoli for gas exchange.
Digestive System
Processes food and absorbs nutrients and water.
Lymphatic System
Defends against infection and returns tissue fluids.
Urinary System
Excretes waste and regulates water balance.
Alveoli
Sites in lungs where gas exchange occurs.
Homeostatic Regulation
Adjusts physiological systems to preserve homeostasis.
Receptor
Receives stimulus in homeostatic regulation.
Effector
Carries out instructions to restore homeostasis.
Control Center
Processes signals and sends instructions.
Dynamic Process
Continuous adjustments to maintain optimal health.
Set Point
Desired value for a physiological variable.
