Organization of the Human Body Flashcards
1. Form and function 2. Hierarchy of structures 3. Requirements for life 4. Homeostasis and feedback 5. Anatomical terms, directions, regions, and planes
Placement of a structure along the axis of the body ABOVE
Superior
Placement of a structure along the axis of the body BELOW
Inferior
TOWARDS the midline
Medial
AWAY from the midline
Lateral
Most FORWARD of the body
Anterior
Towards the BACKSIDE of the body
Posterior
Study of the STRUCTURE of body parts and their relationship to one another
Anatomy
Study of the FUNCTION of the body parts; how they WORK to carry out life sustaining activities
Physiology
Subdivisions of anatomy
Gross Anatomy, Microscopic Anatomy, Developmental Anatomy
Study of LARGE, VISIBLE structures
Gross Anatomy or Macroscopic Anatomy
Deals with structure TOO SMALL to be seen by the naked eye
Microscopic Anatomy
Microscopic study of CELLS
Cytology
Microscopic study of TISSUES
Histology
Studies ANATOMICAL and PHYSIOLOGICAL development
Developmental Anatomy
Study of developments BEFORE BIRTH
Embryology
Human body organization: atoms, molecules, organelles
Chemical Level
Chemical Level
Atoms, molecules, organelles
Human body organization: single cell
Cellular Level
Human body organization: groups of similar cells
Tissue Level
Human body organization: contains two or more types of tissues
Organ Level
Human body organization: organs that work closely together
Organ System Level
Human body organization: all organ systems combined to make the whole organism
Organismal Level
Separation between external and internal environments must exist
Maintaining Boundaries
Forms the EXTERNAL BODY COVERINGS and protects deeper tissues from injury
Integumentary System
Protects and supports body organs, and provides framework for muscles
Skeletal System
Allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion and facial expression. Maintains posture and produces heat
Muscular System
Fast-acting control system of the body, it
responds to internal and external changes by activating
appropriate muscles and glands
Nervous System
Glands secrete hormones that regulate processes
such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use
(metabolism) by body cells.
Endocrine System
Blood vessels transport blood, which carries oxygen,
carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes, etc. The heart
pumps blood.
Cardiovascular System
Picks up fluid leaked from blood vessels and returns it
to blood. Disposes of debris in the lymphatic stream.
Houses white blood cells (lymphocytes) involved in
immunity.
The immune response mounts the attack against
foreign substances within the body.
Lymphatic System
Keeps blood constantly supplied with oxygen and
removes carbon dioxide. The gaseous exchanges
occur through the walls of the air sacs of the lungs.
Respiratory System
Breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the
blood for distribution to body cells and Indigestible
foodstuffs are eliminated as feces.
Digestive System
Eliminates nitrogenous wastes from the body.
Regulates water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of
the blood.
Urinary System
Overall function is production of offspring.
Reproductive System
Chemicals for energy and cell building
Nutrients
Major source of energy
Carbohydrates
Needed for cell building and cell chemistry
Protein
long-term energy storage
minerals and vitamins: involved in
chemical reactions as well as for
structural purposes
Fats
Essential for release of energy from foods
Oxygen
Most abundant chemical in body; provides the
watery environment needed for chemical
reactions
Water
If body temp falls below or goes above 37°C,
rates of chemical reactions are affected
Normal Body Temperature
Specific pressure of air is needed for
adequate breathing and gas exchange in
lungs
Appropriate atmospheric pressure
the maintenance of relatively stable
internal conditions despite continuous changes in
environment
Homeostasis
factors that can change (blood
sugar, body temperature, blood volume, etc.)
Variables
Monitors the environment and responds to stimuli
Receptors
Determines set point at which variable is
maintained
Receives input from receptor
Determines appropriate response
Control center
Provides the means to respond
Response either reduces stimulus
(negative feedback) or enhances
stimulus (positive feedback)
Effector
Variable changes in opposite
direction of initial change
Negative Feedback
Response enhances or exaggerates the
original stimulus
Positive Feedback
If negative feedback mechanisms become
overwhelmed, destructive positive feedback
mechanisms may take over
Disturbance of Homeostasis
Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing
forward with thumbs pointing away from body
Anatomical Position
Two major divisions of body : Head, neck, trunk
Axial
Two major divisions of body : Limbs
Appendicular
Divides body vertically into right and left parts
Sagittal Plane
Divides body vertically into anterior and posterior parts (front and back)
Frontal Plane
Divides body horizontally (90° to vertical
plane) into superior and inferior parts (top and
bottom)
Transverse Plane
Result of cuts at angle other than 90° to
vertical plane
Oblique Section
Protects fragile nervous system Two subdivisions
Dorsal Body Cavity
Encases brain
Cranial Cavity
Encases spinal cord
Vertebral Cavity
Houses the internal organs
Ventral Cavity
Houses the the pleural cavities, mediastinum, and the pericardial cavity
Thoracic Cavity
Cavity that surrounds the lung
Pleural Cavity
surrounds the pericardial cavity and the rest of the thoracic organs
Mediastinum
Encloses the heart
Pericardial Cavity
Thin, double-layered membranes
that cover surfaces in ventral body
cavity
Serosa
Pericardium
Heart
Pleurae
Lungs
