Chapter 6 - The Human Body Flashcards
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 3 component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
Adam’s Apple
a firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx. It is more prominent in men than women. Also called the thyroid cartilage.
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); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
aerobic metabolism
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
agonal gasps
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
alpha-adrenergic receptors
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels
alveoli
[Club Aveoli!] The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide take place.
anaerobic metabolism
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
anatomic position
the position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
aorta
the main artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.
appendicular skeleton
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises that 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
articular cartilage
a pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints
atrium
one of the two upper chambers of the heart
automatic 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 of the skull, spinal column, and rib cage.
ball-and-socket joint
a joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending
beta-adrenergic receptors
portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, an increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation.
biceps
the large muscle that covers the front of the humerus
bile ducts
the ducts that convey bile between the liver and intestine
blood pressure (BP)
the pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them
brachial artery
the major vessel in the upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm
brain
the controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment
brain stem
the area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respirations
capillary vessels
the tiny blood vessels between the arterioles and venules that permit transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between body tissues and the blood.
cardiac muscle
the heart muscle
cardiac output (CO)
a measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate
carotid artery
the major artery that supplied blood to the head and brain
cartilage
the smooth connective tissue that forms the support structure of the skeletal system and provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portions of the outer ear