Chapter 1 - Human Anatomy and Physiology: An Overview Vocabulary Flashcards
Activation energy
The amount of energy required to start a reaction
Acids
Electrolytes that dissociate in water to release hydrogen ions
Anatomic planes
Imaginary surfaces used as references to identify parts of the body
Anatomic position
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing you, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward
Anion
An ion that contains an overall negative charge
Atomic number
A whole number representing the number of positively charged protons in the nucleus of an atom
Atomic weight
The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
Atoms
The smallest complete unit of an element that have the element’s properties; they vary in size, weight, and interactions with other atoms
Bases
Electrolytes that release ions that bind with hydrogen ions
Carbohydrates
Substances (including sugars and starches) that provide much of the energy required by the body’s cells, as well as helping to build cell structures
Catalyst
Atoms or molecules that can change the rate of a reaction without being consumed during the process
Cation
An ion that contains an overall positive charge
Chemistry
The study of the composition of matter and changes in its composition
Compounds
Molecules made up of different bonded atoms
Covalent bond
A chemical bond were Atoms complete their outer electron shells by sharing electrons
Decomposition reaction
A reaction that occurs when bonds with a reactant molecule break, forming simpler atoms, molecules, or ions
Distal
Farther from the trunk or near to the free end of an extremity
Dorsal
The posterior surface of the body, including the back of the hand
Electrolytes
Salt or acid substances that become ionic conductors when dissolved in a solvent (water); chemicals dissolved in the blood
Electrons
Single, negatively charged particles that revolve around the nucleus of an atom
Elements
Fundamental substances, such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, that compose matter
Enzymes
Substances designed to speed up the rate of the specific biochemical reactions
Exchange reaction
A chemical reaction where parts of the reacting molecules are shuffled around to produce new products
Extension
The bending of a joint resulting in the distal segment moving away from the proximal segment. Typically resulting in straightening of the limb at the joint.
External rotation
Rotating an extremity at its joint away from the midline
Flexion
The bending of a joint resulting in the distal segment moving towards the proximal segment
Fowler position
The position in which the patient is sitting up with the knees bent or straight.
Frontal (Coronal) plane
An imaginary plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior your halves
Gross anatomy
The study of the body parts that are visible to the naked eye, such as bones, muscles, and organs.
Homeostasis
A tendency to constancy or stability and the body’s internal environment
Hydrogen bond
The attraction of the positive hydrogen of a polar molecule to the negative nitrogen or oxygen end of another polar molecule
Hyperextension
When a body part is extended to the maximum level or beyond the normal range of motion
Inferior
Below a body part or nearer to the feet
Inorganic
Not having both carbon and hydrogen Atom
Internal rotation
Rotating the segment of the extremity distal to the joint toward the midline
Ions
Atoms that either gain or lose electrons
Isotope
One of two (or more) forms of an element having the same number of protons and electrons, but different numbers of neutrons; they may or may not be radioactive
Lateral
In anatomy, parts of the body that lie farther from the midline; also called outer structures
Lipids
Fats, fat-like substances (cholesterol and phospholipids), and oils that supply energy for body processes and building of certain structures
Medial
Parts of the body that lie closer to the midline; also called inner structures
Microscopic anatomy
The study of tissue structures and/or cellular structures or organization, Often visible only through a microscope
Midaxillary line
An imaginary line drawn through the midportion of the axilla to the waist that is parallel to the midline
Midclavicular line
An imaginary line drawn through the midpoint of the clavicle that is parallel to the midline
Midsagittal plane
An imaginary vertical line drawn from the middle of the forehead through the nose and the umbilicus (naval) to the floor; also called the midline
Molecule
Particles made up of two or more joined atoms
Neutrons
Unchanged or “neutral” particles in the nucleus of an atom
Nucleic acid
Large organic molecules, or macromolecules, that carry genetic information or form structures within cells, and include DNA and RNA
Organic
Having both carbon and hydrogen atoms
Pathophysiology
The study of body functions of a living organism in an abnormal state
Peptides
Protein molecules consisting of amino acids held together by peptide bonds
pH
The measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution
Phospholipid
A type of lipid molecule that comprises the cell membrane
Physiology
The study of the body functions of the living organism
Polar molecule
A molecule that uses a covalent bond in which electrons are not shared equally; this results in a shape that has an uneven distribution of charges
Posterior
In anatomy, the back surface of the body
Pronation
Rotation of an extremity so that the palm faces downward
Prone position
Lying flat, and face down
Proteins
Created from amino acids, they include enzymes, plasma proteins, muscle components (actin and myosin), hormones, and anti-bodies
Protons
Single, positively charged particles inside the nucleus of an atom
Proximal
Closer to the trunk
Radioisotope
Also known as radioactive isotopes or radio nuclides, they are atoms with unstable nuclei
Range of motion (ROM)
The arc of moment of an extremity at a joint
Recovery position
When a patient is placed on his or her side to allow easy drainage of fluids from the mouth; also called the left lateral recumbent position
Recumbent
Any position in which the patient is laying down or leaning back
Regional anatomy
Study of anatomy associated with a particular body region; also called topographic anatomy
Reversible reaction
A chemical reaction where the products of the reaction can change back into the reactants they originally were
Sagittal (Lateral) plane
Imaginary plane dividing the body into left and right parts
Steroid
Molecules with four connected rings of carbon atoms, including cholesterol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, Cortisol, estradiol.
Superior
Above a body part or nearer to the head
Supination
Turning the palm upward (towards the sky)
Supine position
The position in which the body is lying face up
Synthesis reaction
A reaction that occurs when two or more reactants (Atoms) bond to form a more complex product or structure
Systemic anatomy
The study of anatomy associated with particular organ system
Topographic anatomy
The study of anatomy associated with a particular body region; also called regional anatomy
Transverse (axial) plane
An imaginary line where the body is cut into top and bottom parts
Trendelenburg position
The position in which the body is supine with the head lower than the feet
Ventral
The anterior surface of the body
