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Anatomy & Physiology: Human Body Orientation and Basic Chemistry

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Terms in this set (23)

  • What is anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and its parts, including gross (macroscopic) and microscopic levels.

  • What is physiology?

    Physiology is the study of the function of living organisms and their parts, focusing on dynamic processes.

  • List the levels of structural organization in the human body.

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

  • What are the characteristics of life?

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

  • What is homeostasis?

    Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous environmental changes, regulated by feedback mechanisms.

  • Name the three components of homeostatic control.

    Receptor (sensor), control center, and effector.

  • Describe negative feedback.

    A response that reduces or shuts off the original stimulus to maintain homeostasis, e.g., body temperature regulation.

  • Describe positive feedback.

    A response that enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, often controlling infrequent events like labor contractions.

  • What are the two major body divisions?

    Axial (head, neck, trunk) and appendicular (limbs).

  • Name the three common body planes.

    Sagittal (divides right and left), frontal/coronal (divides front and back), and transverse (divides top and bottom).

  • What are the main body cavities?

    Dorsal cavity (cranial and vertebral) and ventral cavity (thoracic and abdominopelvic).

  • What is the function of serous membranes?

    Thin double-layered membranes that cover organs and cavity walls, secreting fluid to reduce friction.

  • What are the four abdominopelvic quadrants?

    Right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower quadrants.

  • What elements make up 96% of the human body?

    Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

  • Define molecule and compound.

    A molecule is two or more atoms bonded; a compound is a molecule with two or more different kinds of atoms.

  • What are the three types of mixtures?

    Solutions (homogeneous), colloids (heterogeneous, do not settle), and suspensions (heterogeneous, settle out).

  • What are the three main types of chemical reactions?

    Synthesis (combination), decomposition (breakdown), and exchange (both synthesis and decomposition).

  • What is the difference between exergonic and endergonic reactions?

    Exergonic reactions release energy; endergonic reactions absorb energy.

  • Why is water vital to life?

    Water has high heat capacity, solvent properties, reactivity, and cushioning roles essential for body functions.

  • What are the main functions of triglycerides?

    Energy storage, insulation, and protection.

  • What distinguishes phospholipids structurally?

    They have two fatty acid tails (nonpolar, hydrophobic) and a polar, hydrophilic head, making them key for cell membranes.

  • What roles do proteins play in the body?

    Structural support, enzymes, transport, immunity, and regulation of growth and development.

  • What are nucleic acids and their functions?

    DNA and RNA; DNA stores genetic information and directs protein synthesis, RNA helps in protein production.