Chp 6 Vocab Flashcards
abdomen
The body cavity that contains many of 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.
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 (eg, 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
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
anaerobic metabolic
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.
anatomy
The study of the physical structure of the body and its components.
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 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.
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.
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, vertebral column, and rib cage.
axons
Extensions of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the dendrites (receivers) of another neuron.
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 the 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.
brainstem
The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration.
calcaneus
The heel bone
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 supplies blood to the head and brain.
carpals
Small bones that compose the wrist.
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.
cecum
The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.
cellular metabolism
A set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy. Includes both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism.
central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord.
cerebellum
One of the three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the little brain; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements.
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges.
cerebrum
The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality.
cervical spine
The portion of the vertebral column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.
chordae tendineae
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.
chyme
The substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of all of the eaten foods with added stomach acids.
circulatory system
The complex arrangement of connected tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body.
clavicle
The collarbone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.
coccyx
The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone.
coronal (frontal) plane
An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts.
coxae
The hip bones (singular: coxa).
cranium
The part of the skull that encloses the brain and is composed of eight bones.
cricoid cartilage
A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx.
cricothyroid membrane
A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.
dead space
Any portion of the airway that does contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi.
dermis
The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.
diaphragm
A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the thorax, separating the chest from the abdominal cavity. Contraction of this (and the chest wall muscles) brings air into the lungs. Relaxation allows air to be expelled from the lungs.
diastole
The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles.
diffusion
Movement of a gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
digestion
The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.
dorsalis pedis artery
The artery on the anterior surface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.
endocrine system
The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.
enzymes
Substances designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.
epidermis
The outer layer of skin, which is made up of cells that are sealed together to form a watertight protective covering for the body.
epiglottis
A thin, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering.
epinephrine
A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.
esophagus
A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; muscle contractions propel food and liquids through it to the stomach.
expiratory reserve volume
The amount of air that can be exhaled following a normal exhalation; average volume is about 1,200 mL in the average adult man.
extension
The straightening of a joint.
fallopian tubes
The tubes that connect each ovary with the uterus and are the primary location for fertilization of the ovum.
femoral artery
The major artery of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery. It supplies blood to the lower abdominal wall, external genitalia, and legs. It can be palpated in the groin area.
femoral head
The proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.
femur
The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body.
fibula
The smaller of the two bones that form the lower leg, located on the lateral side.
flexion
The bending of a joint.
foramen magnum
A large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.
frontal bones
The bones of the cranium that form the forehead.
gallbladder
A sac on the undersurface of the liver that collects bile from the liver and discharges it into the duodenum through the common bile duct.
genital system
The reproductive system in men and women.
germinal layer
The deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are formed.
greater trochanter
A bony prominence on the proximal lateral side of the thigh, just below the hip joint.
hair follicles
The small organs that produce hair.
heart
A hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
heart rate (HR)
The number of heartbeats during a specific time (usually 1 minute).
hemoglobin
An oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells.
hinge joints
Joints that can bend and straighten but cannot rotate; they restrict motion to one plane.
hormones
Substances formed in specialized organs or glands and carried to another organ or group of cells in the same organism; they regulate many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and body temperature.
humerus
The supporting bone of the upper arm.
hydrostatic pressure
The pressure of water against the walls of its container.
hypercapnia
An abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream; also called hypercarbia.
hypoperfusion
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular function; also called shock.
hypoxia
Deficient oxygen concentration in the tissues.
hypoxic drive
A “backup system” to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood.
ilium
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
inferior vena cava
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the lower extremities and the pelvis and the abdominal organs to the heart.
inspiratory reserve volume
The amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation; the amount of air that can be inhaled in addition to the normal tidal volume.
interstitial space
The space in between the cells.
intervertebral disks
Tough, elastic structures between adjoining vertebrae that act as shock absorbers.
intracellular space
The space within a cell or cells.
involuntary muscle
The muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many automatic regulating systems of the body.
ischium
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
joint
The place where two bones come into contact; also called an articulation.
joint capsule
The fibrous sac that encloses a joint.
kidneys
Two retroperitoneal organs that excrete the end products of metabolism as urine and regulate the body’s salt and water content.
labored breathing
The use of muscles of the chest, back, and abdomen to assist in expanding the chest; occurs when air movement is impaired.
lactic acid
A metabolic by-product of the breakdown of glucose that accumulates when metabolism proceeds in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic metabolism).
large intestine
The portion of the digestive tube that encircles the abdomen around the small bowel, consisting of the cecum, the colon, and the rectum. It helps regulate water balance and eliminate solid waste.
lesser trochanter
The projection on the medial/superior portion of the femur.
ligaments
Bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to bones. Ligaments support and strengthen a joint.
liver
A large, solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores glucose for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.
lumbar spine
The lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five nonfused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine.
lymph
A thin, straw-colored fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the cells and carries waste products of metabolism away from the cells and back into the capillaries so that they may be excreted.
lymph nodes
Tiny, oval-shaped structures located in various places along the lymph vessels that filter lymph.
malleolus
A rounded bony prominence on either side of the ankle; also called the ankle bone.
mandible
The bone of the lower jaw.
manubrium
The upper quarter of the sternum.
maxillae
The upper jawbones that assist in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the palate and hold the upper teeth.
medulla oblongata
Nerve tissue that is continuous inferiorly with the spinal cord; serves as a conduction pathway for ascending and descending nerve tracts; coordinates heart rate, blood vessel diameter, breathing, swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing.
metabolism
The biochemical processes that result in production of energy from nutrients within cells.
metacarpals
Bones of the hand, situated between the carpals and phalanges.
metatarsals
Bones of the foot, situated between the tarsals and phalanges
midbrain
The part of the brain that is responsible for helping to regulate the level of consciousness.
midsagittal (midline) plane
An imaginary vertical line drawn from the middle of the forehead through the nose and the umbilicus (navel) to the floor, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.
minute volume
The volume of air that moves in and out of the lungs per minute; calculated by multiplying the tidal volume and respiratory rate; also called minute ventilation.
motor nerves
Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.
mucous membranes
The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body.
mucus
The watery secretion of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body openings.
musculoskeletal system
The bones and voluntary muscles of the body.
myocardium
The heart muscle.
nasopharynx
The part of the pharynx that lies above the level of the roof of the mouth, or palate.
nervous system
The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary.
neurons
The functional units of the nervous system; also called nerve cells.
norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter and drug sometimes used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha- stimulator properties.
occipital bone
The most posterior bone of the cranium
oncotic pressure
The pressure of water to move, typically into the capillary, as the result of the presence of plasma proteins.
orbit
The eye socket, made up of the maxilla and zygoma.
oropharynx
A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea.
ovaries
The primary female reproductive organs that produce an ovum, or egg, that, if fertilized, will develop into a fetus.
pancreas
A flat, solid organ that lies below the liver and the stomach; it is a major source of digestive enzymes and produces the hormone insulin.
parasympathetic nervous system
A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, involved in control of involuntary functions, mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine.
parietal bones
The bones that lie between the temporal and occipital regions of the cranium.
patella
The knee cap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle.
pathophysiology
The study of how normal physiologic processes are affected by disease.
pectoral girdle
The supporting structure for the arms, which attaches the arms to the axial skeleton. It comprises the clavicles and scapulae; also called the shoulder girdle.
pelvic girdle
The supporting structure for the legs, which serves to connect the legs to the axial skeleton.
perfusion
The circulation of oxygenated blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the current needs of the cells.
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves; these may be sensory nerves, motor nerves, or connecting nerves.
peristalsis
The wavelike contraction of smooth muscle by which the ureters or other tubular organs propel their contents.
phalanges
The bones of the fingers and toes.
physiology
The study of the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
plasma
A sticky, yellow fluid that carries the blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion.
platelets
Tiny, disc-shaped elements that are much smaller than the cells; they are essential in the initial formation of a blood clot, the mechanism that stops bleeding.
pleura
The serous membranes covering the lungs and lining the thorax, completely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space.
pleural space
The potential space between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura; described as “potential” because under normal conditions, the space does not exist.
pons
An organ that lies below the midbrain and above the medulla and contains numerous important nerve fibers, including those for sleep, respiration, and the medullary respiratory center.
posterior tibial artery
The artery just behind the medial malleolus; supplies blood to the foot.
prostate gland
A small gland that surrounds the male urethra where it emerges from the urinary bladder; it secretes a fluid that is part of the ejaculatory fluid.
pubic symphysis
A hard, bony, and cartilaginous prominence found at the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen where the two halves of the pelvic ring are joined by cartilage at a joint with minimal motion.
pubis
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
pulmonary artery
The major artery leading from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs; carries oxygen-poor blood.
pulmonary circulation
The flow of blood from the right ventricle through the pulmonary arteries and all of their branches and capillaries in the lungs and back to the left atrium through the venules and pulmonary veins; also called the lesser circulation.
pulmonary veins
The four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
pulse
The wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out the left ventricle and into the major arteries.
radial artery
The major artery in the forearm; it is palpable at the wrist on the thumb side.
radius
The bone on the thumb side of the forearm.
rectum
The lowermost end of the colon.
red blood cells
Cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues; also called erythrocytes.
renal pelvis
A cone-shaped area that collects urine from the kidneys and funnels it through the ureter into the bladder.
residual volume
The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration.
respiration
The inhaling and exhaling of air; the physiologic process that exchanges carbon dioxide from fresh air.
respiratory compromise
The inability of the body to move gas effectively.
respiratory system
All the structures of the body that contribute to the process of breathing, consisting of the upper and lower airways and their component parts.
reticular activating system (RAS)
Located in the upper brainstem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically one’s level of arousal.
retroperitoneal
Behind the abdominal cavity.
sacroiliac joint
The connection point between the pelvis and the vertebral column.
sacrum
One of three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make up the pelvic ring; consists of five fused sacral vertebrae.
sagittal (lateral) plane
An imaginary line where the body is divided into left and right parts.
salivary glands
The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist.
scalp
The thick skin covering the cranium, which usually bears hair.
scapula
The shoulder blade.
sebaceous glands
Glands that produce an oily substance called sebum, which discharges along the shafts of the hairs.
semen
Fluid ejaculated from the penis and containing sperm.
seminal vesicles
Storage sacs for sperm and seminal fluid, which empty into the urethra at the prostate.
sensory nerves
The nerves that carry sensations such as touch, taste, smell, heat, cold, and pain from the body to the central nervous system.
shock
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular functions; also called hypoperfusion.
skeletal muscle
Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle.
skeletal system
The framework of the body, composed of bones and other connective tissues, that supports and protects internal organs and other body tissues.
small intestine
The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
smooth muscle
Involuntary muscle; it constitutes the bulk of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity.
somatic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control.
sphincters
Muscles arranged in circles that are able to decrease the diameter of tubes. Examples are found within the rectum, bladder, and blood vessels.
sphygmomanometer
A device used to measure blood pressure.
spinal cord
An extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It lies inside of and is protected by the spinal canal.
sternum
The breast bone.
stratum corneum
The outermost or dead layer of the skin.
stroke volume (SV)
The volume of blood pumped forward with each ventricular contraction.
subcutaneous tissue
Tissue, largely fat, that lies directly under the dermis and serves as an insulator of the body.
superior vena cava
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities, head, neck, and chest into the heart.
sweat glands
The glands that secrete sweat, located in the dermal layer of the skin.
sympathetic nervous system
The adrenergic part of the autonomic peripheral nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
symphyses
Joints that have grown together to form a very stable connection.
synovial fluid
The small amount of liquid within a joint used as lubrication.
synovial membrane
The lining of a joint that secretes synovial fluid into the joint space.
systemic circulation
The portion of the circulatory system outside of the heart and lungs.
systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
The resistance that blood must overcome to be able to move within the blood vessels; related to the amount of dilation or constriction in the blood vessel.
systole
The contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially that of the ventricles.
tarsals
The group of bones situated between the lower leg bones (ie, tibia and fibula) and the metatarsal bones of the foot.
temporal bones
The lateral bones on each side of the cranium; the temples.
tendons
The fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
testicle
A male genital gland that contains specialized cells that produce hormones and sperm.
thoracic cage
The chest or rib cage.
thoracic spine
The 12 vertebrae that lie between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. One pair of ribs is attached to each of these vertebrae.
thorax
The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels.
thyroid cartilage
A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx; the Adam’s apple
tibia
The shinbone; the larger of the two bones of the lower leg.
tidal volume
The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs in one relaxed breath; about 500 mL for an adult.
topographic anatomy
The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them.
trachea
The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs.
transverse (axial) plane
An imaginary line where the body is divided into top and bottom parts.
triceps
The muscle in the back of the upper arm
tunica media
The middle and thickest layer of tissue of a blood vessel wall, composed of elastic tissue and smooth muscle cells that allow the vessel to expand or contract in response to changes in blood pressure and tissue demand.
ulna
The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb
umbilicus
The navel; also called the belly button.
ureter
A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
urethra
The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body.
urinary bladder
A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine.
urinary system
The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine.
vagina
The outermost cavity of a woman’s reproductive tract; the lower part of the birth canal.
ventilation
The movement of air between the lungs and the environment.
ventricle
One of two lower chambers of the heart.
vertebrae
The bones of the vertebral column.
vertebral column
The structure formed by the 33 vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks. It houses and protects the spinal cord; also called the spinal column.
voluntary muscle
Muscle that is under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.
V/Q ratio
A measurement that examines how much gas is being moved effectively and how much blood is flowing around the alveoli where gas exchange (perfusion) occurs.
white blood cells
Blood cells that have a role in the body’s immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes.
xiphoid process
The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.
zygomas
The quadrangular bones of the cheek, articulating with the frontal bone, the maxillae, the zygomatic processes of the temporal bone, and the great wings of the sphenoid bone.
