The Human Body - Vocabulary Flashcards
A field of study that focuses on the physical structure of the body and its systems
Anatomy
Examines the normal functions and activities of the biological components of the body
Physiology
The study of functional changes that accompany a particular disease or syndrome
Pathophysiology
Navel
Umbilicus
The body cavity that contains many of the major organs of digestion and excretion
Abdomen
Location of the abdomen
Below the diaphragm and above the pelvis
The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly
Acetabulum
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Endocrine glands located on 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; 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
Alpha-adrenergic receptors
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
Alveoli
Metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid
Anaerobic metabolism
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 of bones in synovial joints
Articular cartilage
Contact surfaces on the ends of bones
Articular surfaces
One of the two upper chambers of the heart
Atrium
The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage
Axial skeleton
Extensions of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the dendrites (receivers) on another neuron
Axons
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 (BP)
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
Brainstem
The heel bone
Calcaneus
The tiny blood vessels between the arterioles and venues that permit transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between body tissues and the blood
Capillary vessels
The heart muscle
Cardiac muscle
A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute
Cardiac output (CO)
How is cardiac output calculated?
Multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate
The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain
Carotid artery
Small bones that compose the wrist
Carpals
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
A set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy. Include both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism
Cellular metabolism
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 and bathes the meninges
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality
Cerebrum
The portion of the vertebral 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 of the eaten foods with added stomach acids
Chyme
The complex arrangement of connected tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venues, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body
Circulatory system
The collarbone; 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 (frontal) plane
The hip bones
Coxae
Coxae singular
Coxa
The part of the skull that encloses the brain and is composed of eight bones
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 are 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
Substances 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 thin, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering
Epiglottis
A substance produced by the body, and a drug produces by pharmaceutical companies that increases the pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is commonly called ___
Adrenaline
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
Expiratory reserve volume
Average expiratory reserve volume of the average adult man
About 1200 mL
The straightening of a joint
Extension
The tubes that connect each ovary with the uterus and are the primary location for fertilization of the ovum
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 for the hip joint
Femoral head
The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body
Femur
The smaller of the two bones that form the lower leg, located on the lateral side
Fibula
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 bones of the cranium that form the forehead
Frontal bones
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
Heart rate (HR)
An oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells
Hemoglobin
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
An abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
Hypercapnia
Hypercapnia is also called ___
Hypercarbia
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular functions
Hypoperfusion
Hypoperfusion is also called ___
Shock
Deficient oxygen concentration in the tissues
Hypoxia
A “backup system” to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood
Hypoxic drive
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 inanition to the normal tidal volume
Inspiratory reserve volume
The space between the cells
Interstitial space
Tough, elastic structures between adjoining vertebrae that act as shock absorbers
Intervertebral disks
The space within a cell or cells
Intracellular space
The muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many automatic regulating systems of the body
Involuntary muscle
The three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring
Ischium, ilium, and pubis
The place where two bones come into contact
Joint
A joint is also called ___
An articulation
The fibrous sac that encloses a joint
Joint capsule
Two retroperitoneal organs that excrete the end products of metabolism as urine and regulate the body’s salt and water content
Kidneys
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
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
Bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to bones. Support and strengthen a joint
Ligaments
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 confused vertebrae
Lumbar spine
The lumbar spine is also called ___
The dorsal 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
A rounded bony prominence on either side of the ankle
Malleolus
The malleolus is also called ___
The ankle bone
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
Bones of the hand, situated between the carpals and phalanges
Metacarpals
Bones of the foot, situated between the tarsals and phalanges
Metatarsals
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 umbilicus (naval) to the floor, dividing the body into equal left and right halves
Midsagittal (midline) plane
The volume of air that moves in and out of the lungs per minute; circulated 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 the body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body
Mucous membranes
The watery secretions of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body opening
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
The functional units of the nervous system
Neurons
Neurons are also called ___
Nerve cells
A neurotransmitter and drug sometimes used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha-stimulator properties
Norepinephrine
The most posterior bone of the cranium
Occipital bone
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 and trachea
Oropharynx
The primary female reproductive organs that produce an ovum, or egg, that, if fertilized, will develop into a fetus
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 bones 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 supporting structure for the arms, which attaches the arms to the axial skeleton. It comprises the clavicles and scapulae
Pectoral girdle
The pectoral girdle is also called ___
The shoulder girdle
The supporting structure for the legs, which serves to connect the legs to the axial skeleton
Pelvic girdle
The circulation of oxygenated blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the current needs of the cells
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
The bones of the fingers and toes
Phalanges
The study of the normal functions of living organisms and their parts
Physiology
A sticky, yellow fluid that carries the blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waster 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 visceral pleura; described as “potential” because under normal conditions, the space does not exist
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
A hard, bony, and cartilaginous prominence found at the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen where the two halves of the pelvic ring are joined by cartilage at a joint with minimal motion
Pubic symphysis
One of the 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
Pulmonary circulation
Pulmonary circulation is also called ___
The lesser 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
Red blood cells
Red blood cells are also called ___
Erythrocytes
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 brainstem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically one’s level of arousal
Reticular activating system (RAS)
Behind the abdominal cavity
Retroperitoneal
The connection point between the pelvis and vertebral column
Sacroiliac joint
One of the three 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
A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular functions
Shock
Shock is also called ___
Hypoperfusion
Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary muscle
Skeletal muscle
The framework of the body, composed of bones and other connective tissues, that supports and protects internal organs and other body tissues
Skeletal system
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 tube. 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 corneum
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
The adrenergic part of the autonomic peripheral nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response
Sympathetic nervous system
Joints that have grown together to form a very stable connection
Symphyses
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 group of bones situated between the lower leg bones and the metatarsal bones of the foot
Tarsals
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 that lie between the cervical 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
Thyroid cartilage
The thyroid cartilage is also called ___
The Adam’s apple
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
Tidal volume
Tidal volume of average adult
About 500 mL
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 middle and thickest layer of tissue of a blood vessel wall, composed of elastic tissue and smooth muscle cells that allow the vessel to expand or contract in response to changed in blood pressure and tissue demand
Tunica media
The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb
Ulna
The naval; also called the belly button
Umbilicus
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
The outermost cavity of a woman’s reproductive tract, the lower part of the birth canal
Vagina
The movement of air between the lungs and the environment
Ventilation
One of two lower chambers of the heart
Ventricle
The bones of the vertebral column
Vertebrae
The structure formed by the 33 vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks. It houses and protects the spinal cord
Vertebral column
The vertebral column is also called ___
The spinal column
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
V̇/Ṡ ratio
Blood cells that have a role in the body’s immune defense mechanism against infection
White blood cells
White blood cells are also called ___
Leukocytes
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
