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Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What is anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

  • What is physiology?

    Physiology is the study of the function of body parts and how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

  • Name the three subdivisions of anatomy.

    1. Gross or macroscopic anatomy
    2. Microscopic anatomy
    3. Developmental anatomy

  • What does gross anatomy study?

    Gross anatomy studies large, visible structures and includes regional, system, and surface anatomy.

  • What is cytology?

    Cytology is the microscopic study of cells.

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the microscopic study of tissues.

  • What is embryology?

    Embryology is the study of anatomical and physiological development before birth.

  • What are the key methods to study anatomy?

    Mastery of anatomical terminology, observation, manipulation, palpation, and auscultation.

  • What are the two main focuses of physiology?

    1. Organ system functions (e.g., renal, cardiovascular)
    2. Cellular and molecular levels, focusing on chemical reactions in cells.

  • What is the principle of complementarity of structure and function?

    Function always reflects structure; what a structure can do depends on its specific form.

  • List the levels of structural organization in the human body from smallest to largest.

    Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organismal levels.

  • What are the eight necessary life functions?

    Maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, growth.

  • How does the body maintain boundaries?

    Plasma membranes separate cells; skin separates the organism from the environment.

  • What systems allow movement in the body?

    The muscular system enables movement of body parts via skeletal muscles and movement of substances via cardiac and smooth muscles.

  • Define metabolism.

    All chemical reactions in body cells, including catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (synthesis).

  • What is the role of the integumentary system?

    Forms external body covering, protects deeper tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses receptors and glands.

  • What is the main function of the skeletal system?

    Protects and supports organs, provides framework for muscles, forms blood cells, and stores minerals.

  • What is the primary function of the nervous system?

    Fast-acting control system that responds to internal and external changes by activating muscles and glands.

  • What are the survival needs of the human body?

    Nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure.

  • What is homeostasis?

    The maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous environmental changes; a dynamic state of equilibrium.

  • What are the three components of homeostatic control?

    Receptor (sensor), control center, and effector.

  • Describe negative feedback in homeostasis.

    Response reduces or shuts off original stimulus; most common feedback mechanism; variable changes opposite to initial change.

  • Give an example of negative feedback controlling blood glucose.

    Receptors sense high blood glucose; pancreas secretes insulin; insulin causes cells to absorb glucose, lowering blood sugar.

  • Describe positive feedback in homeostasis.

    Response enhances or exaggerates original stimulus; often controls infrequent events; causes variable to continue in same direction.

  • Give examples of positive feedback mechanisms.

    Enhancement of labor contractions by oxytocin and platelet plug formation during blood clotting.