Introduction & Terminology Flashcards
Define anatomy.
The study of the structure of the human body.
What are the methods of medical imaging.
Radiography, Computed tomography (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan).
Discuss the variability of human anatomy.
Not a lot of people have “normal” position of organs. There are many variations in both internal and external anatomy. Some of the anatomy taught in an introductory course is true of as little as 70% or so of the population.
List (in order) the levels of structural complexity of the body, from atom to organism.
Atoms, molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms. Gross anatomy (organism to organ levels). Microscopic anatomy (organ to cellular level). Cytology (cellular to molecular). Ultrastructure (organelle to molecular).
Acronym (AMMOCTOSO)
Name the human organ systems.
Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, male reproductive, and female reproductive.
What are the 3 fundamental anatomical planes of the body?
- Sagittal (right/left portions), including median (midsagittal) plane (equal halves), and parasagittal (unequal portions)
- Frontal (coronal), including dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions
- Transverse (horizontal), including dividing the body into superior and inferior portions
Define physiology.
The study of the function of the human body.
What are anomalies?
These are the rules, not the exceptions.
What is gross anatomy?
Large-scale structure visible to the naked eye.
What is surface anatomy?
Structure that can be seen without cutting, as in routine patient examination.
What is radiological anatomy?
Use of imaging methods to view the internal anatomy of a living person.
What is systemic anatomy?
The study of one organ system at a time, and is the approach of most intro textbooks.
What is regional anatomy?
The study of all organs in a given body region such as the head or thorax, and is the usual approach in training doctors and surgeons.
What is comparative anatomy?
The study of one or more than one species in order to understand common themes and evolutionary trends in body structure.
What is microscopic anatomy?
It is the microscopic analysis of cells. It involves the microscopic study of the tissues (histology), examination of tissues for signs of disease (histopathology), studying at a cellular level (cytology), and the study at the cellular to molecular level, usually with the electron microscope (ultrastructure).
What are the methods of study?
Inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and dissection.
Define inspection.
Looking at surface appearance.
Define palation.
Feeling a structure.
Define auscultation.
Listening to normal sounds. For example, listening to body sounds.
Define percussion.
Tapping and listening. For example, listening to sounds reverberating from a tap on the surface.
Define dissection.
Cutting and separating of tissues to study internal structure.
Describe radiography.
Radiography photographs internal structures with x-rays, which help see pathologies in dense tissues such as bones and teeth, and can help diagnose tumors. Contrast medium can be used for visualization of hollow organs. Angiography falls under this and will show blood vessels.
Describe computed tomography (CT scan)
This is a sophisticated application of x-rays that relies on computer analysis to reveal 3D, soft tissue anatomy.
Describe sonography.
This relies on sonar technology using ultrasound waves. It is frequently used in obstetrics to assess fetal age and position. It can also show a beating heart (echocardiography).
Describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
This uses magnetic fields to visualize soft tissues, and has been effective images of the spinal cord and brain. For example, a functional MRI reveals moment to moment changes in tissue activity associated with brain function.
Describe positron emission tomography (PET scan)
This is used to assess metabolic status of tissues. It produces color images that show which area is using the greatest amount of glucose. This allows for gamma ray detection. Also a part of nuclear medicine using radioisotopes.
How have PET scans and functional MRIs revolutionized our understanding of brain function?
They have the ability to produce images while a person is performing a specific task such as movement or cognitive tests that reveal what part of the brain is active during specific activities.
Describe nucelar medicine.
This is any medical use of radioisotopes for imaging, diagnostic, or treatment purposes (such as PET scans or cancer radiation therapy).
What is a dynamic spatial reconstructor (DSR)?
A modified CT scanner that produces 3D video images to show motion and volume changes.
Define the organs and functions of the integumentary system.
Organs: Skin, hair, nails, cutaneous glands
Functions: Protection, water retention, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis, cutaneous sensation, nonverbal communication