Chapter 5 Flashcards
abduction
Motion of a limb away from the midline.
abdomen
The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
acetabulum
The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
Adam’s apple
The firm prominence in the upper part of the larynx formed by the thyroid cartilage. It is more prominent in men than in women.
adduction
Motion of a limb toward the midline.
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
adrenal glands
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
adrenergic
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response). The term also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine, that is, the adrenergic receptors.
aerobic metabolism
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
agonal gasps
Slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in dying patients.
alpha-adrenergic receptors
Portions of the nervous system that when stimulated can cause constriction of blood vessels.
alveoli
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
anaerobic metabolism
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principal product is lactic acid.
anatomic position
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing you, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
anterior
The front surface of the body; the side facing you in the standard anatomic position.
aorta
The principal artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.
apex (plural apices)
The pointed extremity of a conical structure.
apneustic center
Portion of the pons that increases the length of inspiration and decreases the respiratory rate.
appendicular skeleton
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
appendix
A small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
arterioles
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
atrium
One of the two upper chambers of the heart.
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily.
axial skeleton
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, spinal column, and rib cage.