Unit 1: Chapter 1- An Introduction to the Human Body Flashcards
Abdominopelvic Cavity
The largest cavity in the body
Anabolism
The process in which smaller, simpler molecules are combined into larger, more complex substances the body can assemble (by utilizing energy), the complex chemicals it needs by combining small molecules derived from the foods eaten
Anatomical Position
The standard body “map”, the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward. The upper limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward
Anatomy
The scientific study of the body’s structures
Anterior
Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body
Anterior Cavity
Both thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
Catabolism
The process in which larger, more complex substances are broken down into smaller, similar molecules; also releases energy. The complex molecules found in foods are broken down so the body can use their parts to assemble the structures and substances needed for life
Caudal
Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail
Cell
Cell
Computed Tomography (CT)
A noninvasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross sectional x-rays in order to reveal minute details about structures in the body
Control Center
The component in a feedback system that compares the value to the normal range
Cranial
Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body
Cranial Cavity
Houses the brain
Deep
Describes a position farther from the surface of the body
Development
Unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function to perform certain tasks in the body (also involved in the process of growth and repair)
Differentiation
Look @ Development
Distal
Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body
Dorsal
Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body
Dorsal Cavity
One of the largest body compartments, contains and protects delicate internal organs
Effector
The component in a feedback system that causes a change to reverse the situation and return the value to the normal range
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
The plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion
Gross Anatomy
The study of the larger structures of the body (those visible without the aid of magnification)
Growth
The increase in body size
Homeostasis
The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things
Inferior
Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail
Lateral
Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A noninvasive medical imaging technique in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves emit radio signals (precise imaging, no radiation)
Medial
Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body
Metabolism
The sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place in the body (both occur simultaneously and continuously)
Microscopic Anatomy
The study of structures that can be observed only with the use of a microscope or other magnification devices
Negative Feedback
A mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point. Maintains body parameters within their normal range (homeostasis)
Normal Range
The restricted set of values that is optimally healthful and stable
Nutrient
A substance in foods and beverages that is essential to human survival
Organ
Two or more different tissues combine
Organ System
Two or more organs work closely together to perform the functions of a body system
Organism
Many organ systems work harmoniously together to perform the functions of an independent organism
Pericardium
The serous membrane that surrounds the heart in the pericardial cavity
Peritoneum
The serous membrane that surrounds several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity
Physiology
The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways in which they work together to support the functions of life
Plane
An imaginary two-dimensional surface that passes through the body
Pleura
The serous membrane that surrounds the lungs in the pleural cavity
Positive Feedback
Intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition rather than reversing it. Normal only when there is a definite end point
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A medical imaging technique involving the use of radiopharmaceuticals (substances that emit radiation that is short-lived and therefore relatively safe)
Posterior
Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body
Posterior Cavity
One of the largest body compartments, contains and protects delicate internal organs
Pressure
A force exerted by a substance that is in contact with another substance
Prone
A face-down orientation
Proximal
Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body
Regional Anatomy
The study of the interrelationships of all the structures in a specific body region. How muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other structures work together to serve a particular body region
Renewal
???
Reproduction
The formation of a new organism from parent organisms
Responsiveness
The ability to adjust changes in our internal/external environment
Sagittal Plane
The plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides
Section
A two-dimensional surface of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut
Sensor
Also referred to as a receptor, a component of a feedback system that monitors a physiological value (that is then reported to the control center)
Serosa
One of the thin membranes that cover the walls and organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
Serous Membrane
One of the thin membranes that cover the walls and organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
