The Body Flashcards
abdomen
space below the chest that contains organs such as the stomach, liver, intestines, and gallbladder. Lies between the diaphragm and the pelvis
adenoids
enlarged lymphatic tissue in the upper part of the throat near the nasal passageways
adnexa uteri
accessory structures of the uterus (ovaries and fallopian tubes)
adrenal cortex
outermost part of the adrenal gland. Secretes steroid hormones such as glucocorticoids (cortisone)
adrenal glands
two endocrine glands, each above a kidney. Produce hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and hydrocortisone (cortisol)
adrenaline
hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Released into bloodstream in response to stress, such as from fear or physical injury. Also known as epinephrine
adrenocorticotropic hormone
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Stimulates the adrenal gland (cortex or outer region) to secrete the hormone cortisone. Also called ACTH
albuminuria
albumin (protein) found in urine; it indicates a malfunction of the kidney
Air sacs
thin-walled sacs within the lung. Inhaled oxygen passes into the blood from the sacs, and carbon dioxide passes out from the blood into the sacs to be exhaled
albumin
a large-molecule protein found in blood and tissues
alkaline phophatase
an enzyme present in blood and body tissues, such as bone and liver. Elevated in diseases such as those of bone and liver
alveolar
pertaining to air sacs (alveoli) within the lungs
alveolus
an air sac within the lung
androgen
hormone that controls the development of masculine characteristics
angiotensin
hormone that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and raises blood pressure
anterior
located in the front
aorta
largest artery, leads from lower left chamber of heart to arteries all over the body
apex
pointed end of an organ
appendix
small sac that hangs from the juncture of the small and large intestines in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen
arachnoid membrane
the middle membrane of the meninges
arteriole
small artery
artery
largest blood vessel, carry blood away from heart
AST
aspartate transferase, enzyme normally present in blood and tissues such as heart and liver
atrium
upper chamber of the heart
auditory canal
passageway leading into ear from outside of body
auditory nerve
nerve that carries messages from the inner ear to the brain
aural discharge
fluid or material from the ear
axial
pertaining to an axis. Axial views are seen in CT and MRI scans
axillary
pertaining to the armpit or underarm
bilateral
pertaining to two sides
bile
yellow or orange fluid produced by the liver. Breaks up large fat globules and helps in digestion of fats
bile duct
tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine
bilirubin
a red blood cell pigment excreted with bile from the liver into the intestine (released from hemoglobin breakdown and processed in the liver)
bone
hard, rigid type of connective tissue that makes up most of the skeleton
bone marrow
soft, sponge-like material in inner part of bones
bronchial tube
one of two tubes that carry air from the trachea to the lungs
bronchiole
small bronchial tube
bursa
sac of fluid near a joint
calcaneus
heel bone
callus
bony deposit formed between and around the broken ends of a fractured bone. Also, a painless thickening of skin cells in areas of external pressure or friction
capillary
smallest blood vessel
carpals
wrist bones
cartilage
flexible, fibrous connective tissue, found as part of the nose, ears, trachea, larynx and chiefly attached to bones at joints
cauda equina
bundle of nerve fibers and nerve roots extending from the end of the spinal cord (L3) to the sacral and coccygeal nerves (latin for horse’s tail, which describes its appearance)
cephalic
pertaining to the head
caudal
pertaining to the tail or the lower portion of the body
cerebellum
lower, back part of brain that coordinates muscle movement and balance
cerebrospinal fluid
fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord
cerebrum
largest part of brain, controls thought processes, hearing, speech, vision and body movements
cervical
pertaining to the neck of the body or the neck of the uterus
cervical region/cervical vertebra
seven backbones in area of the neck
cholesterol
fatty substance made in the liver and found in the bloodstream. Important part of all cells and is necessary for creating hormones. It may accumulate in the lining of arteries, such as in the heart, causing heart disease, or in the gallbladder to form gallstones. Normal adult levels are 120 to 200 mg/dL
clavicle
collarbone
coccygeal
pertaining to the tailbone (coccyx)
coccygeal region
four fused bones at the base of the spinal column
connective tissue
fibrous tissue that supports and connects internal organs, bones, and walls of blood vessels
corium
middle layer of the skin below the epidermis; (dermis)
cornea
transparent layer over the front of the eye; bends light to focus it on sensitive cells at the back of the eye
coronary arteries
blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to the heart muscle
cortex
outer part of an organ
costochondral
pertaining to a rib and its cartilage
cranial cavity
space surrounded by the skull and containing the brain and other organs
creatinine
nitrogen-containing waste that is removed from the blood by the kidney and excreted in urine
cross-section
division of an organ or the body into upper and lower portions (transverse plane)
cusp
any one of the small flaps on the valves of the heart. Also, a sharp projection extending from the surface of a tooth
dermal
pertaining to the skin
dermis
fibrous mdidle layer of the skin below the epidermis. Contains nerves and blood vessels, hair roots, and oil and sweat glands
diaphragm
muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen
disk
pad of cartilage that is between each backbone
diverticula
small pouches or sacs created by herniation of mucous membrane linings, most commonly in the colon
duodenal
pertaining to the duodenum
duodenum
first part of the small intestine
dura mater
outermost of the three layers of the meninges surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Toughest of the three layers
eardrum
membrane separating the outer and middle parts of the ear; the tympanic membrane
electrolyte
substance that conducts an electrical current and is found in blood (serum) and body cells. Examples: sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride
embryo
organism in early stage of development, 2-6 weeks
endocrine glands
organs that produce (secrete) hormones
endoscope
instrument used to view a hollow organ or body cavity
enteric
pertaining to the small intestine
epidermis
outer layer of the skin
epiglottis
flap of cartilage that covers the mouth of the trachea when swallowing, occurs so that food cannot enter the airway
esophagus
tube leading from throat to stomach
esophageal
pertaining to the esophagus
eustachian tube
channel connecting the middle part of the ear with the throat
exocrine glands
glands that produce (secrete) chemicals that leave the body through tubes (ducts), e.g. tears, sweat
extracranial
pertaining to outside of skull
extrahepatic
pertaining to outside the liver
extrapulmonary
outside the lungs
femur
thigh bone
fetus
from 8 weeks until birth
gallbladder
sac below the liver that stores bile and delivers it to the small intestine
gland
group of cells that secretes chemicals to the outside of the body or hormones directly into the bloodstream
glial cells
supporting cells of nervous tissue in the brain. Examples include astrocytes, microglia and oligodendroglia. Source of primary brain tumors
glucocorticoid
hormone secreted by the adrenal gland (cortex) to raise blood sugar levels, e.g. cortisone and cortisol
growth hormone
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the growth of bones and the body in general. Also called somatotropin
hepatic
pertaining to the liver
high-density lipoprotein
combination of fat and protein in the blood. Carries cholesterol to the liver
hilum
depression at that part of an organ where blood vessels and nerves enter
hormone
chemical made by a gland and sent directly into the bloodstream, not to the outside of the body
humerus
upper arm bone
ilium
side, high portion of the hip bone (pelvis)
inguinal
pertaining to the groin
insulin
hormone produced by pancreas and released into bloodstream, allows sugar to leave blood and enter body cells
intervertebral
pertaining to lying between two backbones
intra-abdominal
pertaining to within the abdomen
intravesical
pertaining to within the urinary bladder
jejunum
second part of small intestine
laryngeal
pertaining to the larynx
larynx
located at top of trachea and containing vocal cords
lateral
pertaining to the side
lens
structure behind pupil of eye that bends light rays so they are properly focused on the retina at the back of the eye
liver
organ in upper right quadrant of abdomen; produces bile, stores sugar, produces blood-clotting proteins
low-density lipoprotein
has high cholesterol content and is associated with formation of plaques in arteries
lumbar
pertaining to the loins; part of the back and sides between the chest and the hip
lumbar region
pertaining to the backbones that lie between the thoracic and sacral vertebrae
lumbar vertebra
a backbone in the region between the chest and lower back
lung capillaries
tiny blood vessels surrounding lung tissue and through which gases pass into and out of the bloodstream
lymphatic vessels
carry lymph from tissues to bloodstream
mediastinal
pertaining to the mediastinum
mediastinum
space between the lungs in the chest. Contains the heart, large blood vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus gland, and lymph nodes
medulla oblongata
lower part of the brain near the spinal cord. Controls breathing and heartbeat
medullary
pertaining to the inner, or soft, part of an organ
meninges
membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
menorrhea
normal discharge of blood and tissue from the uterine lining during menstruation
metacarpals
bones of the hand between the wrist bones (carpals) and the finger bones (phalanges)
hypochondriac
pertaining to lateral regions of the upper abdomen beneath the lower ribs. Also, describes a person who has chronic concern about his or her health and body functions
hypodermic
pertaining to under or below the skin
hypophyseal
pertaining to the pituitary gland
ligament
connective tissue that joins bones to other bones
ligamentous
pertaining to a ligament
metatarsals
foot bones
monocyte
white blood cell with one large nucleus
muscle
connective tissue that contracts to make movements possible
musculoskeletal system
organs that support the body and allow it to move, including the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues
myelin sheath
fatty covering around part (axon) of nerve cells. Insulates the nerve, helping to speed conduction of nerve impulses
myocardial
pertaining to the muscle of the heart
neonatal
pertaining to new birth; the first 4 weeks after birth
nervous system
organs (brain, spinal cord and nerves) that transmit electrical messages throughout the body
neural
pertaining to nerves
nevus
pigmented lesion on the skin; a mole
ocular
pertaining to the eye
optic nerve
nerve in the back of the eye that transmits light waves to the brain
organ
independent part of the body composed of different tissues working together to do a specific job
pancreas
gland that produces digestive juices (exocrine function) and the hormone insulin (endocrine function)
parathyroid glands
four endocrine glands behind the thyroid gland. Concerned with maintaining the proper levels of calcium in the blood and bones
parathyroid hormone
hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands to maintain a constant concentration of calcium in the blood and bones
patella
kneecap
pelvic
pertaining to the bones of the hip area
pelvic cavity
space contained within the hip bones (front and sides) and the lower part of the backbone (sacrum and coccyx)
pelvis
lower part of the trunk of the body including the hip bone, tailbone, and sacrum
percutaneous
pertaining to through the skin
perianal
pertaining to surrounding the anus
pericardium
membrane surrounding the heart
periosteum
membrane that surrounds bone
peritoneal
pertaining to the peritoneum
peritoneal fluid
fluid produced in the abdominal cavity
peritoneum
membrane that surrounds the abdomen and holds the abdominal organs in place
phalanges
finger and toe bones
pharyngeal
pertaining to the pharynx (throat)
pharynx
organ behind the mouth that receives swallowed fod and delivers it into the esophagus. Also receives air from the nose and passes it to the trachea
phrenic
pertaining to diaphragm
pilosebaceous
pertaining to hair and its associated sebaceous gland
pineal gland
small endocrine gland within the brain that secretes the hormone melatonin. In lower animals, is a receptor for light
pituitary gland
organ at the base of the brain that secretes hormones. These enter the blood to regulate other organs and endocrine glands
platelet
cell in the blood that aids clotting; a thrombocyte
pleura
double membrane that surrounds the lungs
pleural cavity
space between each pleura surrounding the lung
pneumothorax
abnormal accumulation of air in the space between the pleurae
posteroanterior
pertaining to direction from back to front
posterior
located in the back portion of a structure or of the body
progesterone
hormone secreted by the ovaries to prepare to maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy
prostate gland
male gland that surrounds base of urinary bladder. Produces semen.
pulmonary
pertaining to the lungs
pulmonary artery
artery carrying blood from the right ventricle to the lungs
pulmonary circulation
passage of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart
pupil
black centre of eye through which light enters
radius
one of two lower arm bones. Located on the thumb side of the hand
rectum
end of colon. Delivers wastes to the anus for elimination
renal
pertaining to the kidney
renal pelvis
central section of the kidney where urine collects
retina
layer of sensitive cells at the back of the eye. Light is focused on the retina and then transmitted to the optic nerve, which leads to the brain
retrogastric
pertaining to behind the stomach
retroperitoneal
pertaining to behind the peritoneum
rib
one of twelve paired bones surrounding the chest. Seven ribs (true ribs) attach directly to the breastbone, three (false ribs) attach to the seventh rib, and two (floating ribs) are not attached at all
sacral
pertaining to the sacrum
sacral region
five fused bones in the loewr back, below the lumbar bones and wedged between two parts of the hip (ileum)
sacrum
triangular bone in the lower back, below the lumbar bones and formed by five fused bones
sagittal plane
an imaginary plane that divides an organ or the body into right and left portions. Midsagittal plane divides a structure equally into right and left halves
scapula
shoulder bone
sclera
white, outer coat of eyeball
sella turcica
cup-like depression at the base of the skull that holds the pituitary gland
sigmoid colon
S-shaped lower portion of the colon
sinus
a cavity or space, such as in a bone. Also refers to sinoatrial node or pacemaker of the heart
small intestine
organ that receives food from the stomach. Divided into the duodenum, jejunum and ileum
spinal cavity
space in the back that contains the spinal cord and is surrounded by the backbones
spleen
organ in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Stores blood cells and destroys red blood cells while producing white blood cells (lymphocytes)
sternum
breastbone
subcostal
pertaining to below the ribs
subcutaneous tissue
lower layer of the skin composed of fatty tissue
subgastric
pertaining to below the stomach
subhepatic
pertaining to below the liver
subscapular
pertaining to under the shoulder bone
subtotal
less than total
subungual
pertaining to under a nail
suprarenal glands
two endocrine glands, each located above a kidney
systemic circulation
passage of blood from the heart to tissues of body and back to heart
systemic lupus erythematosus
chronic inflammatory disease affecting many systems of the body (joints, skin, kidneys and nerves). Red (erythematous) rash over the nose and cheeks is characteristic
tendon
connective tissue that joins muscles to bones
thoracic
pertaining to the chest
thoracic cavity
space above abdomen that contains heart, lungs, and other organs
thoracic region
backbones attached to ribs and located in the region of the chest, between the neck and the waist
thrombocyte
clotting cell; platelet
thymus gland
endocrine gland in the middle of the chest that produces the hormone thymosin. Much larger in children, aids immune system by stimulating the production of lymphocytes
thyroid gland
endocrine gland in the neck that produces hormones that act on cells all over the body. The hormones increase activity of cells by stiulating metabolism and release of energy
thyroid-stimulating hormone
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce its hormones, such as thyroxine
thyroxine
hormone secreted by the thyroid gland
tibia
larger of the two lower leg bones; the shin bone
tissue capillaries
tiny blood vessels that lie near cells and through whose walls gases, food and waste materials pass
tonsils
llymphatic tissue in the back of the mouth near the throat
trachea
tube that carries air from the throat to the bronchial tubes
transabdominal
pertaining to across the abdomen
transdermal
pertaining to through the skin
transgastric
pertaining to through/across the stomach
transhepatic
pertaining to across/through the liver
transurethral
pertaining to across/through the urethra
transverse plane
imaginary plane that divides an organ or the body into an upper and a lower portion; a cross-sectional view
tricuspid valve
fold of tissue between the upper and lower chambers on the right side of the heart. Has three cusps or points and prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium when heart is pumping blood
triglyceride
fat consisting of three molecules of fatty acid and glycerol
ulna
one of two lower arm bones. Located on little finger side of hand
unilateral
pertaining to one side
ureter
one of two tubes that lead from the kidney to the urinary bladder
valve
natural or artificial structure that prevents backward flow of fluid
vascular
pertaining to blood vessels
ventricle
one of two lower chambers of heart. Right receives blood from right atrium and sends it to the lungs. Left receives blood from left atrium and sends it to the body through the aorta
venule
small vein
vesical
pertaining to the urinary bladder
visceral
pertaining to the internal organs