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.
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 the 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 (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
Adrenergic
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
Aerobic Metabolism
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
Agonal gasps
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
Apha-adrenergic receptors
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Avleoli
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 and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.
Aorta
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and 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 pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.
Articular Cartilage
One of the two upper chambers of the heart.
Atrium
The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and seating, that are not controlled voluntarily
Autonomic Nervous System
The part of the skull, spinal column, and rib cage.
Axial Skeleton
A joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.
Ball-and-Socket Joint
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.
Beta-adrenergic receptors
The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.
Biceps
The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.
Bile Ducts
The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.
Blood Pressure
The major vessel in the upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm.
Brachial Artery
The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.
Brain
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.
Brain Stem
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.
Capillary vessels
Cardiac muscle
The heart muscle
A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.
Cardiac Output
The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.
Carotid Artery
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.
Cartilage
The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.
Cecum
The brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous system (CNS)
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.
Cerebellum
Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space that bathes the meninges.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made up of serval lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perceptions, emotions, and personality.
Cerebrum
The portion of the spinal column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.
Cervical Spine
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.
Chordae Tendineae
The substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of all the eaten foods with added stomach acids.
Chyme
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.
Circulatory System
The collar bone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.
Clavicle
The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone.
Coccyx
An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts.
Coronal plane
The area of the head above the ears and eyes; the skull. The cranium contains the brain.
Cranium
A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx.
Cricoid Cartilage
A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx
Cricothyroid Membrane
Any portion of the airway that does contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi.
Dead Space
the inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.
Dermis
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 into the lungs. Relaxation allows air to be expelled from the lungs.
Diaphragm
The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles.
Diastole
Movement of a gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Diffusion
The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.
Digestion
The artery on the anterior surface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.
Dorsalis Pedis Artery
The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.
Endocrine System
Substance designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.
Enzymes
The outer layer of skin, which is made up of cells that are sealed together to form a watertight protective covering for the body.
Epidermis
A thing, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering.
Epiglottis
A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that has a vital role in the function of the sympathetic nervous system.
Epinephrine
A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; muscle contractions propel food and liquids through it to the stomach.
Esophagus
The amount of air that can be exhaled following a normal exhalation; average volume is about 1,200ml in the average adult man.
Expiratory Reserve Volume
The straightening of a joint.
Extension
Long, slender tubes that extend from the uterus to the region of the ovary on the same side and through which the ovum passes from the ovary to the uterus.
Fallopian tubes
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 Artery
The proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum to form the hip joint
Femoral Head
The thigh bone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body.
Femur
The bending of a joint
Flexion
A large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.
Foramen Magnum
The portion of the cranium that forms the forehead.
Frontal Bone
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.
Gallbladder
The reproductive system in men and women
Genital System
The deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are formed.
Germinal Layer
A bony prominence on the proximal lateral side of the thigh, just below the hip joint.
Greater Trochanter
The small organs that produce hair.
Hair follicles
A hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
Heart
The number of heartbeats during a specific time (usually 1 minute)
Heart Rate
Joints that can bend and straighten but cannot rotate; they restrict motion to one plane
Hinge Joints
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.
Hormones
The supporting bone of the upper arm.
Humerus
The pressure of water against the walls of its container.
Hydrostatic pressure
A “ backup system” to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood.
Hypoxic drive
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
ilium
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.
Inferior vena cava
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.
Inspiratory Reserve Volume
The space in between the cells
Interstitial space
The muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many automatic regulating systems of the body.
Involuntary muscle
One of the three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
Ischium
The place where two bones come into contact.
Joint (articulation)
The fibrous sac that encloses a joint.
Joint Capsule
The use of muscles of the chest, back, and abdomen to assist in expanding the chest; occurs when air movement is impaired.
Labored breathing
A metabolic by-product of the breakdown of glucose that accumulates when metabolism proceeds in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic metabolism)
Lactic Acid
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.
Large intestine
The projection on the medial/superior portion of the femur.
Lesser Trochanter
A Band of fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint.
Ligament
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.
Liver
The lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five non-fused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine.
Lumbar Spine
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
Tiny, oval-shaped structures located in various places along the lymph vessels that filter lymph.
Lymph nodes
The bone of the lower Jaw
Mandible
The upper quarter of the sternum
Manubrium
The upper jawbones that assist in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the palate and hold the upper teeth.
Maxillae
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.
Medulla Oblongata
The biochemical processes that result in production of energy from nutrients within cells.
Metabolism (cellular respiration)
the part of the brain that is responsible for helping to regulate the level of consciousness.
Midbrain
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.
Midsagittal plane (midline)
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.
Minute Volume
Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.
Motor Nerves
The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body.
Mucous membranes
the watery secretion of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body openings.
Mucus
The bones and voluntary muscles of the body.
Musculoskeletal system
the heart muscle
Myocardium
The part of the pharynx that lies above the level of the roof of the mouth, or palate.
Nasopharynx
The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary.
Nervous System
A neurotransmitter and drug sometimes used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha-stimulator.
Norepinephrine
The past posterior portion of the cranium
Occiput
The pressure of water to move, typically into the capillary, as the result of the presence of plasma proteins.
Oncotic pressure
The eye socket, made up of the maxilla and zygoma.
Orbit
A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus.
Oropharynx
Female glands that produces sex hormones and ova (eggs)
Ovaries
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.
Pancreas
A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, involved in control of involuntary functions, mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine
Parasympathetic nervous system
the cones that lie between the temporal and occipital regions of the cranium.
Parietal bones
The knee cap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle.
Patella
The study of how normal physiologic processes are affected by disease.
pathophysiology
The circulation of oxygenated blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells’ current needs
perfusion
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.
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The wavelike contraction of smooth muscle by which the ureters or other tubular organs propel their contents.
peristalsis
A sticky, yellow fluid that carries the blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion
plasma
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
platelets
The serous membranes covering the lungs and lining the thorax, completely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space
pleura
The potential space between the parietal pleura and the vesceral
pleural space
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.
pons
The artery just behind the medial malleolus; supplies blood to the foot.
posterior tibial artery
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.
prostate gland
One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.
pubis
The major artery leading from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs; carries oxygen-poor blood.
Pulmonary Artery
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 circulation
The four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
pulmonary veins
The wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out the left ventricle and into the major arteries.
pulse
The major artery in the forearm; it is palpable at the wrist on the thumb side.
radial artery
The bone on the thumb side of the forearm.
radius
The lowermost end of the colon
rectum
Cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues; also called erythrocytes.
red blood cells
A cone-shaped area that collects urine from the kidneys and funnels it through the ureter into the bladder
renal pelvis
The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration.
residual volume
The inhaling and exhaling of air; the physiologic process that exchanges carbon dioxide from fresh air.
respiration
The inability of the body to move gas effectively
respiratory compromise
All the structures of the body that contribute to the process of breathing, consisting of the upper and lower airways and their component parts.
respiratory system
Located in the upper brain stem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness., specifically one’s level of arousal.
reticular activating system
Behind the abdominal cavity
retroperitoneal
The connection point between the pelvis and the vertebral column.
sacroiliac joint
One of three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make up the pelvic ring; consists of five fused sacral vertebrae.
sacrum
An imaginary line where the body is divided into left and right parts.
sagittal (lateral) plane
The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist.
salivary glands
The thick skin covering the cranium, which usually bears hair.
scalp
The shoulder blade
scapula
Glands that produce an oily substance called sebum, which discharges along the shafts of the hairs.
sebaceous glands
Fluid ejaculated from the penis and containing sperm.
semen
Storage sacs for sperm and seminal fluid, which empty into the urethra at the prostate.
seminal vesicles
The nerves that carry sensations such as touch, taste, smell, heat, cold, and pain from the body to the central nervous system.
sensory nerves
An abnormal state associated with inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the cells of the body, also known as hypoperfusion
shock
The proximal portion of the upper extremities made up of the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus
shoulder girdle
Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle.
skeletal muscle
The framework that gives the body its recognizable form; also designed to allow motion of the body and protection of vital organs.
skeleton
The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
small intestine
Involuntary muscle; it constitutes the bulk of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity.
smooth muscle
The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control.
somatic nervous system
Muscles arranged in circles that are able to decrease the diameter of tubes. Examples are found within the rectum, bladder, and blood vessels.
sphincters
A device used to measure blood pressure.
sphygmomanometer
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.
spinal cord
The breast bone
sternum
The outermost or dead layer of the skin.
stratum corneal layer
The volume of blood pumped forward with each ventricular contraction.
stroke volume (SV)
Tissue, largely fat, that lies directly under the dermis and serves as an insulator of the body.
subcutaneous tissue
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities, head, neck, and chest into the heart.
superior vena cava
The glands that secrete sweat, located in the dermal layer of the skin.
sweat glands
A type of joint that has grown together to form a very stable connection.
symphysis
The small amount of liquid within a joint used as lubrication.
synovial fluid
The lining of a joint that secretes synovial fluid into the joint space.
synovial membrane
The portion of the circulatory system outside of the heart and lungs.
systemic circulation
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.
systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
The contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially that of the ventricles.
systole
The lateral bones on each side of the cranium; the temples.
temporal bones
The fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone
tendons
A male genital gland that contains specialized cells that produce hormones and sperm.
testicle
The chest or rib cage.
thoracic cage
The 12 vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. One pair of ribs is attached to each of these vertebrae.
thoracic spine
The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels
thorax
A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx; the Adam’s apple.
thyroid cartilage
The shinbone; the larger of the two bones of the lower leg.
tibia
The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs in one relaxed breath: about 500 mL for an adult.
tidal volume
The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them.
topographic anatomy
The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs.
trachea
An imaginary line where the body is divided into top and bottom parts.
transverse (axial) plane
The muscle in the back of the upper arm.
triceps
The 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.
tunica media
The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb.
Ulna
A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
ureter
The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body.
urethra
A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine.
urinary bladder
The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine.
urinary system
A muscular, distensible tube that connects the uterus with the vulva (the external female genitalia); also called the birth canal.
vagina
The spermatic duct of the testicles; also called vas deferens
vasa deferentia
The movement of air between the lungs and the environment.
ventilation
One of two lower chambers of the heart.
ventricle
The 33 bones that make up the spinal column.
vertebrae
Muscle that is under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.
voluntary muscle
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.
V/Q ratio
Blood cells that have a role in the body’s immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes.
white blood cells
The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.
xiphoid process
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.
zygomas
