Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology Key Concepts

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/30

Terms in this set (30)

  • Systematic Anatomy

    Examines individual organ systems in the body.

  • Regional Anatomy

    Studies the body by specific regions like the head and neck.

  • Surface Anatomy

    Focuses on external body markings to understand underlying structures.

  • Gross Anatomy

    Examines structures visible to the naked eye, such as the spinal cord.

  • Microscopic Anatomy

    Studies cells (cytology) and tissues (histology) using a microscope.

  • Abdominal Quadrants and Organs

    Right Upper: gall bladder, pancreas, liver; Right Lower: urinary bladder, appendix, large intestines; Left Upper: stomach, spleen, left kidney; Left Lower: urinary bladder, small intestines, colon.

  • Serous Membrane Layers

    Visceral layer contacts organs; parietal layer attaches to surrounding structures; serous cavity is the fluid-filled gap between layers.

  • Peritoneum

    The serous membrane lining the walls of the abdominal cavity.

  • Intraperitoneal vs Retroperitoneal Organs

    Intraperitoneal organs are fully covered by peritoneum; retroperitoneal organs are covered only anteriorly.

  • X-Ray Imaging

    Uses ionizing radiation to visualize dense structures like bones and tumors.

  • MRI Imaging

    Uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images, especially useful for soft tissues like torn ligaments.

  • Homeostasis

    The stable internal environment of the body necessary for survival.

  • Negative Feedback Loop

    Reverses a stimulus to restore homeostasis, e.g., sweating to cool the body when hot.

  • Positive Feedback Loop

    Enhances a stimulus to amplify a response, e.g., increasing platelet count to stop bleeding.

  • Steps of Negative Feedback Loop

    Stimulus > Receptor > Control Center > Effector > Response to restore balance.

  • Gradients in Physiology

    Differences in concentration between two connected areas, moving substances from high to low concentration.

  • Cell Communication Systems

    Endocrine uses chemical signals through body fluids; nervous uses electrical signals between neighboring cells.

  • Tight Junctions

    Seal cells tightly to prevent fluid leakage, found in stomach and bladder linings.

  • Desmosomes

    Provide strength and flexibility by anchoring cells, found in cardiac muscle and epidermis.

  • Epithelial Tissue Functions

    Protection, immune defense, secretion, transport, and sensation.

  • Simple Squamous Epithelium

    Single flat cell layer for diffusion and filtration; found in lung air sacs and blood vessels.

  • Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium

    Multiple layers with dead keratinized cells on top; protects against abrasion; found in epidermis.

  • Connective Tissue ECM Functions

    Directs cell placement, regulates mitosis and survival, and holds cells in place.

  • Collagen Fibers

    Strong protein fibers providing strength and flexibility; 20-25% of body protein.

  • Elastic Fibers

    Provide elasticity and distensibility, allowing tissues to stretch and return to shape.

  • Skin Pigments

    Carotene (yellow-orange), melanin (red to brown), and hemoglobin (red from blood).

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma

    Most common skin cancer from keratinocytes in stratum basale, often forms nodules with ulcerated centers.

  • ABCDE Rule for Melanoma

    Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolving shape or size.

  • Types of Hair

    Lanugo: newborn fine hair; Terminal: thick, pigmented hair; Vellus: thin, nonpigmented hair.

  • Sebaceous Glands

    Oil glands producing sebum via holocrine secretion.