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Anatomy & Physiology Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (25)

  • Osteon

    An osteon is the fundamental functional unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric layers of calcified matrix surrounding a central Haversian canal.

  • Haversian canal

    The Haversian canal is a central channel in an osteon that contains blood vessels and nerves supplying the bone.

  • Parathyroid hormone

    Parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption and calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys.

  • Calcitonin

    Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting calcium deposition in bones.

  • Paranasal sinuses

    Paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull bones that lighten the skull and enhance voice resonance.

  • Articular cartilage

    Articular cartilage is smooth, hyaline cartilage covering the ends of bones in synovial joints to reduce friction and absorb shock.

  • Bursae

    Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tendons, ligaments, and bones near joints.

  • Abduction

    Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.

  • Adduction

    Adduction is the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.

  • Dorsiflexion

    Dorsiflexion is the movement that decreases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the leg, lifting the foot upward.

  • Plantar flexion

    Plantar flexion is the movement that increases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the leg, pointing the foot downward.

  • Amphiarthroses

    Amphiarthroses are slightly movable joints connected by cartilage or ligaments.

  • Synarthroses

    Synarthroses are immovable joints where bones are tightly joined by fibrous tissue.

  • Diarthroses

    Diarthroses are freely movable synovial joints with a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid.

  • Synovial joints

    Synovial joints have a fluid-filled cavity, articular cartilage, and ligaments allowing wide range of motion.

  • Menisci

    Menisci are crescent-shaped fibrocartilage pads in some synovial joints that improve fit and absorb shock.

  • Tendon sheaths

    Tendon sheaths are tubular bursae that surround tendons to reduce friction during movement.

  • Ligaments of the knee and their functions

    Knee ligaments stabilize the joint: ACL prevents anterior tibial movement, PCL prevents posterior tibial movement, and collateral ligaments prevent sideways motion.

  • Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage breakdown, leading to pain and stiffness.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation and joint damage.

  • Regions of vertebral column

    The vertebral column has five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

  • Factors influencing hair growth

    Hair growth is influenced by genetics, hormones, nutrition, age, and health conditions.

  • Layers of the epidermis (superficial to deep)

    The epidermis layers are: stratum corneum (dead cells), stratum lucidum (only in thick skin), stratum granulosum (keratinization), stratum spinosum (strength), and stratum basale (cell division).

  • Types of sweat glands

    There are eccrine glands (temperature regulation) and apocrine glands (active at puberty, found in armpits and groin).

  • Melanomas vs basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas

    Melanomas are aggressive skin cancers from melanocytes; basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are less aggressive and arise from epidermal cells.