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Anatomy & Physiology: Overview and Core Concepts

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of how structures are arranged together in the body.

  • What is Physiology?

    Physiology is the study of how structures function with each other.

  • List the biological levels of organization from simplest to most complex.

    Atom, molecule, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.

  • Name three functions of the integumentary system.

    Protects the body from the external environment, produces vitamin D, retains water, and regulates body temperature.

  • What are the main functions of the muscular system?

    Produces movement, controls body openings, and generates heat.

  • What are the primary roles of the skeletal system?

    Supports the body, protects internal organs, provides leverage for movement, produces blood cells, and stores calcium salts.

  • How does the nervous system regulate body functions?

    By providing fast control and communication through action potentials, regulating sensation, movement, and higher mental functions.

  • What distinguishes the endocrine system's control from the nervous system?

    The endocrine system controls body functions slowly through hormones, while the nervous system acts rapidly via action potentials.

  • What is the main function of the cardiovascular system?

    Pumps and delivers blood throughout the body, exchanging nutrients, gases, and wastes.

  • What role does the lymphatic system play in the body?

    Returns excess tissue fluid to the cardiovascular system and provides immunity against disease.

  • What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

    Exchanges gases with the external environment, delivering oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.

  • What are the main functions of the digestive system?

    Obtains nutrients from ingested food and processes them for absorption.

  • Describe the urinary system's main functions.

    Removes metabolic wastes from the blood, regulates blood volume and composition, and stimulates blood cell production.

  • What are the key functions of the reproductive system?

    Produces and transports gametes, supports fetal development (female), and secretes hormones related to sexual function.

  • What is the anatomical position used for?

    A standard stance to describe body parts and positions: upright, facing observer, feet flat and forward, arms at sides with palms forward.

  • Define the directional terms: anterior vs. posterior.

    Anterior means toward the front; posterior means toward the back of the body.

  • What are the three main body planes?

    Sagittal (divides left and right), frontal (divides anterior and posterior), and transverse (divides superior and inferior).

  • What are body cavities and their purpose?

    Spaces within the body that contain and protect internal organs, such as cranial, vertebral, thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities.

  • What is homeostasis?

    Dynamic equilibrium of internal variables maintained by functional interactions and body fluid balance.

  • What are the three components of a feedback system?

    Receptor (detects change), control center (processes information), and effector (produces response).

  • Differentiate negative and positive feedback.

    Negative feedback inhibits changes to maintain stability; positive feedback enhances changes, e.g., blood clotting.

  • What is the difference between a symptom and a sign?

    A symptom is a subjective change felt by the patient; a sign is an objective, measurable change observed by others.

  • Explain the core principle of structure and function in anatomy and physiology.

    Structure and function are interrelated; the shape of a structure determines its function.

  • How do gradients drive physiological processes?

    Gradients, such as concentration or pressure differences, drive movement and physiological functions.

  • Why is cell-to-cell communication important?

    It coordinates body functions by allowing cells to respond and adapt to changes.