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Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of body structure and the relationships among body parts.

  • What is Physiology?

    Physiology is the study of how living things perform their vital functions, with homeostasis as its central principle.

  • Define Cytology.

    Cytology is the study of cells, including their structure and function.

  • What does Histology study?

    Histology is the study of tissues.

  • What is Embryology?

    Embryology is the study of development before birth.

  • What is Surface Anatomy?

    Surface Anatomy studies the general form and superficial markings of the body.

  • Define Regional Anatomy.

    Regional Anatomy studies all superficial and internal features in a specific area of the body.

  • What is Pathological Anatomy?

    Pathological Anatomy studies structural changes caused by disease.

  • What is Systemic Physiology?

    Systemic Physiology studies the functions of specific organ systems.

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

    Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism level.

  • Define Homeostasis.

    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

  • What happens when homeostasis fails?

    Failure of homeostasis leads to disease, illness, or death.

  • Compare the nervous and endocrine systems in control of body functions.

    Nervous system produces rapid, immediate responses; endocrine system directs long-term responses via hormones.

  • What is the effect of negative feedback on a stimulus?

    Negative feedback reduces or reverses the original stimulus.

  • What is the effect of positive feedback on a stimulus?

    Positive feedback amplifies or enhances the original stimulus.

  • Give an example of negative feedback.

    Body temperature regulation or blood glucose regulation.

  • Give an example of positive feedback.

    Childbirth contractions or blood clotting.

  • What is the anatomical position?

    Body standing upright, palms facing forward, arms at sides, head and eyes facing forward, feet flat and slightly apart.

  • Define the term 'proximal'.

    Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or trunk (e.g., elbow is proximal to wrist).

  • Define the term 'distal'.

    Distal means farther from the point of attachment or trunk (e.g., wrist is distal to elbow).

  • What does 'superior' mean in anatomical terms?

    Superior (also cephalic or cranial) means toward the head.

  • What does 'inferior' mean in anatomical terms?

    Inferior (also caudal) means toward the feet or tail.

  • Name the four abdominopelvic quadrants.

    Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ), Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ), Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ).

  • What organs are in the thoracic cavity?

    The lungs, heart, trachea, and esophagus.

  • What is the mediastinum?

    The central region of the thoracic cavity between the lungs containing the heart, trachea, esophagus, thymus, and major blood vessels.

  • What is the function of serous membranes?

    They line ventral body cavities and cover organs, reducing friction during organ movement.

  • Name the serous membrane covering the lungs.

    Pleura covers the lungs and lines the thoracic cavity.

  • Name the serous membrane covering the heart.

    Pericardium covers the heart and lines the pericardial cavity.

  • What does the suffix '-itis' indicate in medical terminology?

    The suffix -itis denotes inflammation.

  • What is peritonitis?

    Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the abdominal lining.