Chapter 1: Intro To The Human Body Flashcards
Anatomy
The study of the structure of body parts, and the relationships to one another
Comes from Greek root that means “to cut apart”
Physiology
Study of how the body parts work or function
Macroscopic anatomy
Anatomy that is large, and easily observed by the naked eye
Ex. Organs
Microscopic anatomy
Anatomy that you would need a microscope to observe.
Ex. Cells
Structural organization
1) Chemical
2. Cellular
3. Tissue
4. Organ
5. System
6. Organism
Chemical (structural organization)
Atoms join together to form molecules
Ex. DNA
Cellular (structural organization)
Molecules interact to form cells.
(This is the lowest level at which life exists.)
Ex. Smooth muscle cell
Tissue (structural organization)
Groups of similar cells with a common function.
Ex. Smooth muscle tissue
Organ (structural organization)
Two or more tissues form an organ with a specific function.
Ex. The stomach
System (structural organization)
Several organs form a system with a common function.
Ex. Digestive system
Organism (structural organization)
The sum total of all structural levels that together promote life of the whole organism.
Ex. The human body
The 7 basic life processes
Distinguishes between living and nonliving things.
- Metabolism
- Responsiveness
- Movement
- Growth
- Differentiation
- Reproduction
- Excretion
The body’s survival needs
1) nutrients
2) oxygen
3) water
4) normal body temperature
5) normal atmospheric pressure
All must be present in appropriate amounts.
Homeostasis
The ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment, in the presence of a changing external environment.
The 3 components of Feedback systems ❓
1) Receptor - a sensor that monitors change in the environment.
2) Control center - analyzes the input from receptor and determines the appropriate response.
3) Effector - relays and administers the response.
Negative feedback system
Shuts off the original stimulus, or reduces its intensity.
Ex. Temperature regulation
Positive feedback system
Intensifies the original stimulus.
Ex. Intensifying contractions in order to give birth
Anatomical position
The standard body position where the body is erect with face and feet forward and arms are at the side with palms facing forward.
Superior / Inferior
Superior = the top half of body
Inferior = the bottom half of body
(Can also be referred to as cranial/caudal in regards to animals)
Anterior / Posterior
Anterior = front side of body
Posterior = back side of body
(Can also be referred to as ventral/dorsal in regards to animals)
Medial / Lateral
Medial = closer to the imaginary midline of the body
Lateral = further from the imaginary midline
Ex. The eyes are medial to the ears
Superficial / Deep
Superficial = closer to the surface of the body (skin)
Deep = closer to the core of the body
Ex) the brain is deep to the skull
Proximal / Distal
Proximal = closet to the point of attachment.
Distal = further from the point of attachment.
(Only used in the context of limbs)
Ex. The knee is proximal to the ankle
Body planes and sections
The body can be “cut” along flat surface is known as planes in order to give sections.
(Sections = sagittal, frontal, transverse)
Sagittal plane
The “cut” produces a left and right side of the object.
(Parasagittal = an unequal cut)
Frontal plane
The “cut” produces a front and back side of the object.
Transverse plane
A horizontal “cut” that produces top and bottom sections of the object.
Body cavities
Spaces within the body that protect, separate and support the internal organs.
Includes:
1) dorsal body cavity
2) ventral body cavity
Dorsal body cavity
Includes:
Cranial cavity - contains the brain
Vertebral (spinal) cavity - contains the spinal cord
Ventral body cavity
Includes:
Thoracic cavity - contains heart and lungs
Abdominopelvic cavity - contains digestive system, urinary system, reproductive organs, and rectum)
Parietal membrane ‼️
Serous membrane that lines the walls of a cavity.
Ex. Parietal peritoneum lines the wall of the abdominopelvic cavity.
Visceral membrane
Serous membrane that lines the surface of the organ within a cavity.
Ex. Visceral peritoneum lines the organs in the abdominopelvic cavity.
Prone / Supine
Used to describe a body that is laying down. (Usually in the context of a surgical procedure)
Prone = a face down orientation
Supine = face up orientation
Pleura
Serous membrane that encloses the pleural cavity; which surrounds the lungs
Pericardium
Serous membrane that encloses the pericardial cavity; which surrounds the heart.
Peritoneum
Serous membrane that encloses the peritoneal cavity; which surround several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity
