Chapter 1: The Human body - An orientation Flashcards
Definition of anatomy
The study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts and their relationships to one another.
Definition of physiology
The study of how the body and its parts work or function.
Definition of integumentary system
External covering of the body, or skin, including hair and fingernails. Waterproofs body and provides protection from injury and fluid loss.
Definition of skeletal system
Consists of bones, cartilage, and joints. Supports body and provides framework that skeletal muscles use to cause movement.
Definition of muscular system
Skeletal muscles contract and shorten. Provides movement, support and heat protection.
Definition of nervous system
Collects, transfers and processes information.
Definition of endocrine system
Communicate via hormones, which regulate other structures.
Definition of cardiovascular system
Transports substances to and away from cells.
Definition of lymphatic system
Defends against infection and disease.
Definition of digestive system
Processes foods and absorbs nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and water
Definition of urinary system
Removes excess water, salts and waste products from the blood and body and controls pH.
Definition of reproductive system
Produce gametes – produce offspring.
Necessary life functions
Movement
Responsiveness – ability to sense stimuli and react to them.
Digestion – Breaking down ingested food into simple molecules that can then be absorbed into blood.
Metabolism – Refers to all chemical reactions that occur within the body.
Excretion – process of removing waste from the body.
Reproduction – Production of offspring.
Growth – Increase in cell size of body size.
Survival needs
- Nutrients
- Oxygen
- Normal body temperature
- Atmospheric pressure
Homeostasis definition
Body’ ability to maintain a stable internal conditions, even when the external conditions are changing.