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Anatomy & Physiology: Introduction and Basic Concepts

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?
    Anatomy is the study of the body’s structure, while physiology is the study of the body’s function.
  • What is the principle of complementarity in anatomy and physiology?
    Structure exists to perform a function. To understand why an organ is shaped a certain way, you must understand what it does, and vice versa.
  • List the levels of organization in the human body from smallest to largest.
    Atomic and molecular level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, organism level.
  • What is anatomical variation and why is it important?
    Anatomical variation refers to differences in body structures among individuals. It is important because textbooks show a 'standard' body, but variations can affect medical procedures.
  • What is the anatomical position?
    Body upright, face forward, feet shoulder-width apart, toes forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward. Left and right refer to the body's own left and right.
  • Define the terms anterior, posterior, ventral, and dorsal.
    Anterior: toward the front; Posterior: toward the back; Ventral: toward the belly; Dorsal: toward the back. In humans, anterior and ventral are the same.
  • What do medial, lateral, ipsilateral, and contralateral mean?
    Medial: toward the midline; Lateral: away from the midline; Ipsilateral: same side; Contralateral: opposite side.
  • Explain proximal and distal in relation to limbs.
    Proximal: closer to the limb's attachment point; Distal: farther from the limb's attachment point.
  • What do superficial and deep describe?
    They describe depth within the body. Superficial means closer to the surface; Deep means farther from the surface.
  • Name the major organ systems grouped by function.
    Protection/support: integumentary, skeletal, muscular. Communication/integration: nervous, endocrine. Transport/immunity: circulatory, lymphatic. Exchange: respiratory, digestive, urinary. Reproduction: reproductive system.
  • What is homeostasis?
    Maintenance of a stable internal environment within narrow limits despite external changes.
  • What are negative and positive feedback loops?
    Negative feedback opposes changes to maintain homeostasis. Positive feedback amplifies changes, moving the system away from set point.
  • Give an example of a negative feedback loop.
    Body temperature regulation: If body temperature rises, sweating cools the body; if it falls, shivering generates heat.
  • Give an example of a positive feedback loop.
    Labor contractions: Oxytocin release causes contractions, which increase pressure on the cervix, causing more oxytocin release.
  • What are the three components of a negative feedback loop?
    Receptor: detects change; Control center: processes info and signals response; Effector: carries out response to restore set point.
  • What is the function of the thoracic cavity?
    Houses the heart and lungs, protected by the rib cage and sternum.
  • What organs are found in the abdominopelvic cavity?
    Abdominal cavity contains digestive organs and kidneys; pelvic cavity contains bladder and internal reproductive organs.
  • What is the difference between the peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneum?
    Peritoneal cavity is a serous membrane-bound space surrounding most abdominal organs; retroperitoneum is behind the peritoneum housing kidneys, pancreas, and rectum.
  • Why is anatomical position important in medicine?
    It provides a consistent reference for describing body parts and directions, minimizing errors and improving communication.
  • What is bilateral symmetry in humans?
    The body has mirror-image left and right sides, except for some internal organs.