BackIntroduction to Anatomy & Physiology
3:06
Terms in this set (24)
Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts.
Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts function.
Gross anatomy studies structures visible to the naked eye, while microscopic anatomy studies structures too small to see without a microscope.
The anatomical position is standing upright, facing forward, feet flat, arms at sides with palms facing forward.
They refer to the right and left sides of the body as viewed from the person's own perspective, not the observer's.
The integumentary system protects the body, regulates temperature, and prevents water loss.
The skeletal system provides support, protects organs, and enables movement by serving as attachment points for muscles.
The muscular system enables movement, maintains posture, and produces heat.
The nervous system controls body activities by transmitting signals and processing information.
The endocrine system regulates body functions through hormones.
The cardiovascular system transports blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.
The lymphatic system returns fluid to the blood, defends against infection, and absorbs fats.
The respiratory system exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and air.
The digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
The urinary system removes waste from blood and maintains water and electrolyte balance.
The reproductive system produces sex cells and hormones for reproduction.
Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
The 3 components are: receptor (detects change), control center (processes info), and effector (responds to restore balance).
Afferent pathways carry signals to the control center; efferent pathways carry signals away to effectors.
Negative feedback reverses a change to return the body to its normal state, maintaining homeostasis.
Examples include body temperature regulation and blood glucose control.
Positive feedback amplifies a change, pushing the body further from normal temporarily.
Examples include blood clotting and labor contractions.
Negative feedback occurs more frequently to maintain homeostasis.