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Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 1 Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (27)

  • Hierarchy of biological organization

    The levels are Subatomic Particles > Atoms > Molecules > Organelles > Cells > Tissues > Organs > Organ System > Organism.

  • Difference between Anatomy and Physiology

    Anatomy studies body structure; Physiology studies body function.

  • Homeostasis

    The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

  • Positive feedback

    A feedback mechanism that amplifies a change or output in the system.

  • Negative feedback

    A feedback mechanism that reduces or counteracts a change to maintain stability.

  • Dorsal body cavity components

    Includes the cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord).

  • Ventral body cavity major divisions

    Includes the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity.

  • Serous membranes and their associated organs

    Pleura surrounds lungs, Pericardium surrounds heart, Peritoneum surrounds digestive organs.

  • Integumentary system function

    Provides protection as the external body covering.

  • Skeletal system functions

    Provides support, protection, and storage of minerals.

  • Muscular system functions

    Enables movement and thermoregulation.

  • Nervous system function

    Provides fast communication through electrical signals.

  • Endocrine system function

    Provides slow communication through hormones.

  • Cardiovascular system function

    Responsible for transportation of blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes.

  • Lymphatic system function

    Provides internal protection and immune defense.

  • Respiratory system function

    Facilitates gas exchange between air and blood.

  • Digestive system function

    Responsible for nutrient acquisition and waste disposal of solids.

  • Urinary system function

    Removes liquid waste and regulates fluid balance.

  • Reproductive system function

    Enables procreation and continuation of species.

  • Frontal (coronal) plane

    Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

  • Sagittal plane

    Divides the body into left and right parts; includes mid (equal halves) and para (unequal) sagittal planes.

  • Transverse (cross-section) plane

    Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

  • Anterior vs Posterior

    Anterior means front; Posterior means back.

  • Superior vs Inferior

    Superior means above; Inferior means below.

  • Medial vs Lateral

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

  • Proximal vs Distal

    Proximal means closer to the point of attachment; Distal means farther from the point of attachment.

  • Deep vs Superficial

    Deep means farther from the surface; Superficial means closer to the surface.