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Anatomy & Physiology Core Concepts

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Terms in this set (24)

  • What is Anatomy?
    Anatomy is the study of the structure of an organ, organ system, or organism, such as the structure of the heart.
  • What is Physiology?
    Physiology is the study of the function of an organ, organ system, or organism, such as how the heart pumps blood.
  • What is Gross Anatomy and its subdivisions?
    Gross Anatomy studies structures visible to the naked eye. Subdivisions: Regional (specific areas), Systemic (systems), Surface (internal structures related to skin surface).
  • What is Microscopic Anatomy and its branches?
    Microscopic Anatomy studies structures requiring a microscope. Branches: Cytology (cells), Histology (tissues).
  • Define the Principle of Complementarity of Structure and Function.
    Function always reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its specific form, e.g., microvilli increase surface area for absorption.
  • List the levels of structural organization in the human body.
    1) Chemical, 2) Cellular, 3) Tissue, 4) Organ, 5) Organ System, 6) Organismal.
  • What are the four main tissue types?
    Epithelial (covers/lines), Connective (supports/protects), Muscular (movement), Nervous (communication).
  • Name the 11 human organ systems.
    Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic/Immune, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary/Renal, Reproductive.
  • What are the main functions of the Integumentary System?
    Protects external body, synthesizes Vitamin D, senses external stimuli like pain and pressure.
  • Describe the main function of the Cardiovascular System.
    Heart pumps blood; blood vessels transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.
  • What are the five necessary survival needs for humans?
    Nutrients, Oxygen, Water, Normal Body Temperature, Atmospheric Pressure.
  • Define Homeostasis.
    A state of dynamic equilibrium maintaining stable internal conditions despite external or internal changes.
  • What are the four components of a homeostatic control system?
    1) Stimulus, 2) Receptor (sensor), 3) Control Center, 4) Effector.
  • Explain Negative Feedback in homeostasis.
    Response reduces or shuts off original stimulus to return variable to set point, e.g., sweating to cool body.
  • Explain Positive Feedback in homeostasis.
    Response enhances original stimulus to accelerate activity until a specific outcome, e.g., blood clotting or childbirth contractions.
  • What is the function of the Skeletal System?
    Protects and supports organs, provides framework for muscles, stores minerals, and forms blood cells.
  • What is the function of the Muscular System?
    Enables locomotion, facial expression, speech, movement of internal fluids, and heat production.
  • What is the role of the Nervous System?
    Fast-acting control system that responds to stimuli via nerve impulses to muscles and glands.
  • What is the function of the Endocrine System?
    Slow-acting control system that secretes hormones into the bloodstream to regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
  • What is the function of the Respiratory System?
    Keeps blood supplied with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
  • What is the function of the Digestive System?
    Breaks down food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible waste as feces.
  • What is the function of the Urinary System?
    Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance in blood.
  • What is the function of the Reproductive System?
    Produces offspring and sex hormones; site of fertilization and fetal development in females.
  • What are the necessary life functions?
    Maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, growth.