Chapter 2 Wordlist Flashcards
Adipose
of or relating to animal fat
Anabolism
the set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units; the building up aspect of metabolism
Anterior
before; in front; toward the front
Body Cavity
a fluid filled space in an organism which holds and protects organs
Organ
the body structures that perform specific functions
Dorsal Cavity
a continuous cavity located on the dorsal side of the body; houses the organs of the upper central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord
Cranial Cavity
the anterior portion of the dorsal cavity consisting of the space inside the skull; contains the brain, the meninges of the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid
Vertebral Cavity
the posterior portion of the dorsal cavity; contains the structures within the vertebral column (the spinal cord, the meninges of the spinal cord, and the fluid filled spaces between them); narrowest of all body cavities; described as threadlike
Ventral Cavity
the interior space in the front of the body; contains many different organ systems; the organs within this cavity are also called viscera; has anterior and posterior portions divided by the diaphragm
Thoracic Cavity
the anterior ventral body cavity found within the rib cage; houses the primary organs of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (heart, lungs, etc.); also includes organs from other systems such as the esophagus and the thymus gland
Abdominopelvic Cavity
the posterior ventral body cavity found beneath the thoracic cavity and the diaphragm; divided into the abdominal and pelvic cavities; not contained within bone; houses many organs of the digestive and renal systems along with some of the endocrine system (adrenal glands); contained within the pelvis and houses the bladder and reproductive system
Brain
body’s control center; core of the central nervous system; creates, processes, and sends nerve impulses, thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, etc.
Heart
the most important organ in the circulatory system; works with the lungs to add oxygen to blood and pump this oxygenated blood throughout the blood vessels around the body
Lungs
filter the air a person breathes; removes excess carbon dioxide in exchange for oxygen
Liver
most important organ of the metabolic system; helps convert nutrients into usable substances; detoxifies certain substances; filters blood coming from the digestive tract
Kidneys
a pair of bean shaped organs each the size of a fist; help filter blood and remove waste from the body
Gallbladder
small and pear shaped; stores bile and then releases it into the bile duct to the small intestine to aid in digestion; contains cholesterol, bile, salts, and bilirubin
Pancreas
functions as both and exocrine gland and an endocrine gland; as a exocrine gland, it produces enzymes to help digest food and convert it into energy; as an endocrine gland, it produces and releases insulin to help the body remove glucose from the blood and convert it into energy
Stomach
the muscles of the stomach help break down and digest food
Intestines
a group of tubes that help filter out waste, absorb water and certain electrolytes, and digest food
Catabolism
the breakdown of complex molecules in living organism to form simpler ones; destructive part of metabolism
Cytoplasm
the gelatinous liquid that fills the inside of a cell; composed of water, salt, and various other organic molecules
Craniotomy
surgical opening into the skull
Distal
situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
Dorsal
of, on, or relating to the upper side or back of an animal or organ
Histology
the study of the microanatomy of cells, tissues, and organs as seen through a microscope
Inferior
below or toward the feet
Larynx
voice box; the hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords
Lateral
refers to structures located farther away from the midline of the body
Mediastinum
a membranous partition between two body cavities or two parts of an organ (especially that between the lungs)
Metabolism
the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy
Posterior
back side of things
Karyotype
an individual’s complete set of chromosomes
Prone
with the front surface downward; lie face down
Proximal
situated near to the center of the body or the point of attachment
Supine
lying face upwards; person on their back
Superior
above or over top of
Visceral
referring to the viscera (internal organs of the body; especially those within the chest or abdomen)
Intervertebral
situated between vertebrae
Inguinal
of the groin
Ventral
of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal; abdominal
Coronal (Frontal) Plane
separates the front (anterior) and the back (posterior) of the body
Sagittal (Longitudinal) Plane
separated the left and right sides of the body
Transverse (Axial) Plane
separates the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) halves of the body
Cervical Spine
neck; seven cervical vertebrae make this division of the spine up; has the greatest range of motion of all the divisions; allows us to turn our heads
Thoracic Spine
middle back; consists of twelve vertebrae that connects to ribs and protects the heart and lungs
Lumbar Spine
lower back; supports the neck and thoracic divisions; largest vertebrae of the divisions; absorbs stress from lifting and carrying
Sacrum
below the lumbar spine; a triangular bone of five fused vertebrae; connects to the hips on the left and right to create the circular structure called the pelvic girdle; highly durable; integral to walking and leg functions; bears the weight of the upper body
Coccygeal (Coccyx)
highly durable; bears weight; an attachment site for muscle insertion; these muscles aid in defecation, support for the female reproductive organs, and help you move your legs; provides a third point of contact when sitting
Pharynx
throat; serves as the common passageway for food (from the mouth to esophagus) and air (from the nose to trachea)
Pituitary Gland
endocrine gland at the base of the brain
Thyroid Gland
endocrine gland that surrounds the trachea in the neck
Trachea
windpipe (tubes leading from the throat and larynx to the bronchial tubes)
Ureter
one of two tubes each leading from a single kidney to the urinary bladder
Urethra
tube from urinary bladder to the outside of the body
Uterus
womb; the organ that the embryo/fetus as it develops
Viscera
internal organs
