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Anatomy & Physiology: Human Body Orientation and Systems

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  • What is anatomy?

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

  • What are the subdivisions of anatomy?

    Gross (macroscopic), microscopic (cytology and histology), and developmental anatomy (including embryology).

  • What is physiology?

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

  • What principle explains the relationship between anatomy and physiology?

    The principle of complementarity of structure and function: function always reflects structure.

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

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

  • Name the necessary life functions.

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

  • What is the role of the muscular system in movement?

    Allows 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 are the 11 organ systems designed to do?

    They work together to maintain life by servicing the cells and meeting their survival needs.

  • List the five 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.

  • What are the three components of homeostatic control?

    Receptor (sensor), control center, and effector.

  • Explain negative feedback in homeostasis.

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

  • Explain positive feedback in homeostasis.

    A response that enhances the original stimulus, often seen in infrequent events like blood clotting or labor contractions.

  • What is the standard anatomical position?

    Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward with thumbs pointing away from the body.

  • What are the three main body planes?

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

  • What are the two main body cavities?

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

  • What is the function of serous membranes?

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

  • Name the four abdominopelvic quadrants.

    Right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left lower quadrant (LLQ).

  • What is a hiatal hernia?

    When part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity, causing acid reflux or heartburn.