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Anatomy & Physiology: Key Concepts and Structures

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?
    Anatomy is the study of body structures, while physiology is the study of the functions of those structures.
  • Define homeostasis and its importance.
    Homeostasis is the maintenance of stable internal conditions necessary for optimal cellular function and overall health.
  • Name the three components of homeostatic regulation.
    1. Receptor: detects changes. 2. Control center: processes information. 3. Effector: responds to restore balance.
  • What is negative feedback in homeostasis?
    A control mechanism where the body counteracts and offsets an original change to maintain stability, like a thermostat.
  • What is positive feedback and give an example?
    A mechanism that exaggerates the original change, pushing conditions to extremes, e.g., blood clotting or childbirth.
  • List the six levels of organization in the human body.
    Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism.
  • What is the anatomical position?
    Body standing upright, feet together, arms at sides, palms facing forward, and joints fully extended except ankles.
  • Define the terms anterior and posterior.
    Anterior means front; posterior means back.
  • What are the four abdominopelvic quadrants and name one organ in each?
    Right upper (liver), Left upper (stomach), Right lower (appendix), Left lower (colon).
  • Name the three major body planes and their divisions.
    Transverse (superior/inferior), Frontal (anterior/posterior), Sagittal (right/left).
  • What are the two main body cavities and their subdivisions?
    Dorsal cavity (cranial and spinal) and ventral cavity (thoracic and abdominopelvic).
  • What membrane lines the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities?
    The serous membrane, consisting of parietal and visceral layers with serous fluid between.
  • Name the four types of body membranes.
    Mucous, serous, cutaneous, and synovial membranes.
  • What is the function of mucous membranes?
    Secrete mucus to lubricate and protect linings of digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
  • Describe the structure of serous membranes.
    Double-layered membranes with a fluid-filled cavity; include parietal (cavity wall) and visceral (organ surface) layers.
  • What is the function of synovial membranes?
    Secrete synovial fluid to lubricate joints, bursae, and the umbilical cord.
  • List the 11 major organ systems.
    Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive.
  • What are the general features of epithelial tissue?
    Closely packed cells with apical, lateral, and basal surfaces; avascular; classified by layers and cell shape.

  • Name 4 types of connective tissue proper.

    Loose connective tissue (areolar, adipose), dense connective tissue (regular, irregular).
  • What are the three types of muscle tissue?

    Skeletal (striated, voluntary), Cardiac (striated, smooth) (non-striated, involuntary).

  • Describe the main functions of neurons and neuroglia.
    Neurons transmit electrical impulses; neuroglia support and protect neurons.
  • What are the layers of the epidermis?
    Stratum germinativum (basal), stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum (superficial dead cells).
  • What are the two types of sweat glands?
    Apocrine glands (associated with hair follicles) and merocrine glands (secrete sweat onto skin surface).
  • What is the role of the arrector pili muscle?
    Smooth muscle that causes hair to stand up (goosebumps).
  • What is the difference between thick and thin skin?
    Thick skin has a thicker stratum corneum and covers palms and soles; thin skin covers most of the body.