Chapter 6: The Human Body Flashcards
The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
Abdomen
The depression on the lateral pelvis, where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly. (The socket of the hipbone)
Acetabulum
a firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx. It is more prominent in men than in women. Also called the thyroid cartilage.
Adam’s apple
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenal glands
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline; also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
Adrenergic
Part of the autonomic nervous system
Metabolism that can only proceed in the presence of oxygen.
Aerobic metabolism
Occasional, gasping breaths that occur after the heart has stopped; seen in dying patients.
Agonal gasps
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiological source; it is the least harmful penetrating type of radiation and cannot travel more than a few inches or penetrate most objects.
Alpha
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
Alpha-adrenergic receptors
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Alveoli
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
anaerobic metabolism
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
anatomic position
The main artery leaving the left side of the heart, which receives blood from the left ventricle and delivers it to all the other arteries that carry blood to the tissues of the body.
Aorta
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and the shoulder girdle.
Appendicular skeleton
A small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Appendix
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
Arterioles
A blood vessel, consisting of three layers of tissue and smooth muscle, that carries blood away from the heart.
Artery