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Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 1 Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (22)

  • Anatomy

    Anatomy is the study of the form or structure of body parts and how they relate to one another. It focuses on static images.

  • Physiology

    Physiology is the study of the functioning of the body's structural machinery and how body parts carry out life-sustaining activities. It involves dynamic processes.

  • Complementarity of structure and function

    This concept means function always reflects structure. What a structure can do depends on its specific form.

  • Hierarchy of structural organization

    The body is organized from simple to complex levels: atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism.

  • Homeostasis

    Homeostasis is the ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite changing external environments, a dynamic state of equilibrium.

  • Gross anatomy subdivisions

    Gross anatomy includes regional anatomy (all structures in one body part) and systemic anatomy (study of body systems).

  • Microscopic anatomy subdivisions

    Microscopic anatomy includes cytology (study of cells) and histology (study of tissues).

  • Functional characteristics of life

    Includes maintenance of boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

  • Survival needs of the body

    Essential needs include nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

  • Control mechanisms in homeostasis

    Homeostasis control involves three components: receptor (monitors environment), control center (sets set point), and effector (responds to stimulus).

  • Negative feedback

    Negative feedback reduces or shuts off the original stimulus to maintain homeostasis, e.g., blood glucose regulation.

  • Positive feedback

    Positive feedback enhances the original stimulus, accelerating the response, e.g., blood clotting and labor contractions.

  • Anatomical position

    The body is erect, feet together, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body. This is the reference for anatomical terms.

  • Superior vs Inferior

    Superior means toward the head; inferior means away from the head or toward the lower part of the body.

  • Anterior vs Posterior

    Anterior means toward the front of the body; posterior means toward the back.

  • Medial vs Lateral

    Medial means toward the midline; lateral means away from the midline.

  • Proximal vs Distal

    Proximal means nearer to the trunk or point of attachment; distal means farther from the trunk.

  • Body planes

    Major planes: sagittal (divides right and left), frontal (divides front and back), transverse (divides top and bottom).

  • Dorsal body cavity

    Located near the back, includes the cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord).

  • Ventral body cavity

    Located anteriorly, subdivided into the thoracic cavity (lungs, heart) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive and reproductive organs).

  • Serous membranes

    Double-layered membranes with a parietal layer lining the cavity walls and a visceral layer covering organs, separated by lubricating serous fluid.

  • Abdominopelvic quadrants

    The abdomen is divided into four quadrants: right upper, right lower, left upper, left lower for locating organs.