Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
Anatomy
Study of the structure and shape of the body and body parts and their relationships to one another.
Physiology
Study of how the body and its parts work or function.
Organelle
Specialized structures in a cell that perform specific metabolic functions.
Cell
The basic biological unit of living organisms, containing a nucleus and a variety of organelles enclosed by a limiting membrane.
Tissue
Groups of similar cells that have a common function.
Organ
Structure that is composed of two or more tissue types and performs a specific function for the body.
Organ System
Group of organs that cooperate to accomplish a common purpose.
Organism
Collection of all organ systems working as one.
Metabolism
All chemical reactions that occur within body cells. The breaking down of complex substances and turning them into ATP.
Homeostasis
Body’s ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions even though the outside world is continuously changing.
Negative-Feedback Mechanisms
Homeostatic mechanisms that regulate body functions.
Receptor
Some type of sensor that monitors and responds to changes in the environment.
Control Center
Determines what levels things must be at to be maintained.
Effector
Response to the stimulus.
Positive-Feedback Mechanisms
Control infrequent events that occur explosively and do not require continuous adjustments.
Anatomical Position
Standard position the body is always in for reference.
Superior
Toward the head end or upper part of structure or the body.
Inferior
Away from the head end or lower part of structure or the body.
Anterior
Toward or at the front of the body. “in front of”
Posterior
Toward or at the backside of the body.
Sagittal Plane
Plane that goes through the body length-wise.
Transverse Plane
Plane that goes through midsection of body.
Frontal Plane
Plane that goes through parallel to the side of your body.
Oblique Plane
Divides the body at an angle between the vertical and horizontal planes.
Thoracic Cavity
Cavity that houses the heart, lungs and other organs and is separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.
Abdominal Cavity
Cavity containing the stomach, liver, intestines, and other organs.
Pelvic Cavity
Cavity containing reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum.
Serous Membranes
Membrane that lines a cavity without an opening to the outside of the body.
Pericardial Cavity
Potential space formed between the two layers of serous pericardium around the heart.
Pleural Cavity
Serous membrane formed around the lungs.
Peritoneal Cavity
Serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and the abdominal organs.
Mesentery
The double-layered membrane of the peritoneum that supports most organs in the abdominal cavity.
