Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology: Introduction, Chemical Level, and Anatomical Terminology

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/20

Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?
    Anatomy is the study of body structures and their relationships, while physiology is the study of how those structures function.
  • What are the four major divisions of anatomy?
    1. Macroscopic (Gross) - regional and systemic
    2. Microscopic (Histology) - study of tissues and cells
    3. Developmental (Embryology) - study of embryo and fetus development
    4. Neuroanatomy - study of nervous system organization
  • List the five major levels of physiological organization.
    Chemical, Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Organ Systems.
  • What is the chemical level of organization?
    Atoms combine to form molecules, which are the building blocks of cells.
  • Define an atom and its main components.
    An atom is the smallest quantity of an element, composed of protons (+ charge), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (- charge).
  • What are ions and how are they formed?
    Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. Cations are positive, anions are negative.
  • What are the three major types of chemical reactions in the body?
    Synthesis (anabolic), Decomposition (catabolic), and Exchange reactions.
  • What factors affect the rate of chemical reactions?
    Temperature (higher = faster), concentration of particles (greater = faster), particle size (smaller = faster), and presence of catalysts like enzymes.
  • Define metabolism.
    The sum of all chemical reactions in the body, including breaking down and synthesizing substances to produce energy (ATP).
  • What is the standard anatomical position?
    Standing erect, facing forward, feet flat and forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward. Right and left refer to the subject's sides.
  • Name the three anatomical planes.
    Frontal (coronal), Midsagittal (median), and Transverse (horizontal) planes.
  • Define the terms anterior and posterior.
    Anterior means toward the front of the body; posterior means toward the back.
  • What is the difference between medial and lateral?
    Medial means toward the midline of the body; lateral means away from the midline.
  • Explain the terms proximal and distal.
    Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or origin; distal means farther from the point of attachment.
  • What is the difference between deep and superficial?
    Deep refers to structures farther from the body surface; superficial means closer to the surface.
  • Define flexion and extension.
    Flexion is bending or decreasing the angle between body parts; extension is straightening or increasing the angle.
  • What is abduction and adduction?
    Abduction is moving a body part away from the midline; adduction is moving it toward the midline.
  • Describe supination and pronation.
    Supination rotates the forearm so the palm faces anteriorly; pronation rotates it so the palm faces posteriorly.
  • What are the major body cavities?
    Dorsal cavity (cranial and vertebral) and ventral cavity (thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic).
  • What is a body compartment?
    A body compartment is a region separated by joints and fascia, sharing developmental origin, function, and innervation.