Compendium 1. Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
Define Homeostasis
The maintenance of a relatively constant environment within an organism
Define Macroscopic
Structures that are large enough that they can be seen without a microscope (tissues and organs)
Define Microscopic
Structures that are too small to be seen without microscope (tissues and cells)
Define Organsim
A living thing
Define Anatomical Position
An erect person who is ;
- Facing forward
- Lying/standing straight
- Feet pointing forwards and flat on the ground
- Arms hanging by their sides
- Palms facing forward
Describe “Anterior”
Closer to the front of the body
Describe “Posterior”
Closer to the back of the body
Describe “Superior”
Above another structure
Describe “Inferior”
Below another structure
Describe “Medial”
Closer to the midline of the body
Describe “Lateral”
Further away from the body
Describe “Proximal”
Closer to the point of attachment
Describe “Distal”
Further away from the point of attachment
Describe “Superficial”
Towards the surface
Describe “Deep”
Deeper in the body, away from the surface
Describe “Caudal”
Closer to the tail
Describe “Cranial”
Closer to the cranium
What are the four main body planes?
- Sagittal Plane
- Frontal Plane
- Transverse Plane
- Oblique Plane
Describe the Sagittal plane
Runs vertically down the body, from head to toe, splitting it into left and right halves.
What does mid-sagittal or median plane mean?
When the body is split into two equal halves (eg right down the middle)
Describe the Frontal plane
Runs vertically down the body, from head to toe, splitting it into anterior and posterior halves.
Also known as the coronal plane.
Describe the Transverse plane
Runs horizontal through the body, splitting it into superior and inferior halves
Describe the Oblique plane
Runs through the body at an angle
What are the three main body cavities?
- Thoracic Cavity
- Abdominal Cavity
- Pelvic Cavity
Describe the Thoracic cavity
- Consists of the Mediastinum (which consists of the Oesophagus, Trachea, Heart)
- It is the cavity above the diaphragm
Describe the Abdominal cavity
- Consists of the stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, pancreas and kidneys
- The cavity below the diaphragm
- The largest of the three cavities
Define Supine and Prone
Supine position - person lying face up
Prone position - person lying face down
What are serious membranes?
- Also known as Serosa
- They line the individual organs and cavities within the body.
What are the two layers of serious membranes?
- Parietal (Lines the trunk aka outer layer)
- Visceral (Lines the organs aka inner layer)
What are the three main serious membranes?
- Heart - pericardium
- Lung and thoracic cavity - pleura
- Abdomiopelvic cavity - peritoneum
What does retro-peritoneum mean?
Refers to the structures that are sitting behind the peritoneum
What is the study of anatomy?
It is the study of the structure of the human body and how each part functions (static field of study)
What is the study of physiology?
The study of the function of living things.
What are the six characteristics of organisms?
- Organisation - The interactions between the different parts of an organism to perform specific functions.
- Metabolism - Chemical reactions that take place within an organism
- Responsiveness - The ability to adjust to changes when necessary
- Growth
- Development - Changes that occur throughout time
- Reproduction - The formation of new cells or a new organism
Define “Medulla”
The inner (or middle) part of an organ
Define “Cortex”
The outer (or peripheral) part of an organ
