Chapter 6 Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
Acetabulum
The pelvic socket into which the ball at the proximal end of the femur fits to form the hip joint.
Acromioclavicular Joint
The joint where the acromion and the clavicle meet.
Acromion Process
The highest portion of the shoulder.
Alveoli
The microscopic sacs of the lungs where gas exchange with the bloodstream takes place.
Anatomy
The study of body structure.
Aorta
The largest artery of the body. It transports blood from the left to the right ventricle to begin the systemic circulation.
Appendix
A small tube located near the junction of the small and large intestines in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, the function of which is not well understood.
Arteriole
The smallest kind of artery.
Artery
Any blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
Atria
The two upper chambers of the heart.
Automaticity
The ability of the heart to generate and conduct its own electrical impulses.
Autonomic nervous system
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary motor functions.
Bladder
The round sac-like organ of the renal system used as a reservoir for urine.
Blood pressure
The pressure caused by the blood exerting force against the walls of the blood vessels.
Brachial artery
Artery of the upper arm. The site of the pulse checked during infant CPR.
Bronchi
The two large sets of branches that come off the trachea and enter the lungs.
Calcaneus
The heel bone.
Capillary
A thin walled, microscopic blood vessel where the oxygen/carbon dioxide and nutrient/waste exchange with the body’s cells take place.
Cardiac conduction system
A system of specialized muscle tissues that conducts electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat.
Cardiac muscles
Specialized involuntary muscles found only in the heart.
Cardiovascular system
The system made up of the heart and blood vessels.
Carotid arteries
Large neck arteries, one on each side of the neck, that carry blood from the heart to the head.
Carpals
The wrist bones.
Central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord.
Central pulses
The carotid and femoral pulses which can be felt in a central part of the body.
Clavicle
The collarbone.
Coronary arteries
Blood vessels that can be felt in the central part of the body.
Cranium
Top, back, and sides of the skull.
Cricoid cartilage
The ring-shaped structure that forms the lower portion of the larynx.
Dermis
The inner second later of skin, rich in blood vessels and nerves, found beneath the epidermis.
Diaphragm
The muscular structure that divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. A major muscle of respiration.
Diastolic blood pressure
The pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle is refilling.
Digestive system
System by which food travels through the body and is broken down into absorbable forms.
Dorsalis pedis artery
Artery supplying the foot, lateral to the large tendon of the big toe.
Endocrine
System of glands that produce chemicals called hormones that help to regulate the many body activities and functions.
Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin.
Epiglottis
A leaf shaped structure that prevents food and foreign matter from entering the trachea.
Epinephrine
A hormone produced by the body. As a medication it dilates respiratory passages and is used to relieve severe allergic reactions.
Exhalation
A passive process in which intercostal muscles and the diaphragm relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size forcing air out of the lungs.
Femoral artery
The major artery suppling the leg.
Femur
The large bone of the thigh.
Fibula
The lateral and smaller bone of the lower leg.
Gallbladder
A sac on the underside of the liver that stores bile produced by the liver.
Humorous
The bone of the upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow.
Hypo perfusion
The inability of the body to adequately circulate blood to the body’s cells to supply them with oxygen and nutrients. A life-threatening condition also known as shock.
Ilium
The superior and widest portion of the pelvis.
Inhalation
An active process in which the intercostal muscle and diaphragm contract, expanding the size of the chest cavity causing air to flow into the lungs.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas or taken as medication by many diabetics.
Involuntary muscle
Muscle that responds automatically to the brain signals but can not be consciously controlled.
Ischium
The lower, posterior portions of the pelvis.