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Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology - Chapter 1

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the primary focus of anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the body's structure, including the shape and organization of body parts.

  • What does physiology study?

    Physiology is the study of the body's function, or how body parts work and carry out life-sustaining activities.

  • Explain the principle of complementarity of structure and function.

    Structure exists to perform a function. To understand why an organ is shaped a certain way, you must understand what it does. Function is determined by structure.

  • List the levels of organization in the human body from smallest to largest.

    Atomic and molecular level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, organism level.

  • What is homeostasis?

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

  • Give three examples of physiological variables under homeostatic control.

    Blood pH (7.35-7.45), internal body temperature (97°F to 99.5°F), blood glucose levels (70-90 mg/dL fasting).

  • Why is the anatomical position important?

    It provides a universally accepted reference position for describing body parts and directional terms to minimize medical errors and improve communication.

  • Describe the anatomical position.

    Body upright, face forward, feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

  • What are directional terms and why are they used?

    Directional terms describe the location of one body part relative to another, always assuming the body is in anatomical position.

  • Define superior and inferior.

    Superior: toward the head or upper part of a structure.
    Inferior: away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

  • Define medial, lateral, ipsilateral, and contralateral.

    Medial: toward the midline.
    Lateral: away from the midline.
    Ipsilateral: same side of the body.
    Contralateral: opposite side of the body.

  • What do anterior and posterior mean?

    Anterior: toward the front of the body.
    Posterior: toward the back of the body.

  • Explain proximal and distal in relation to limbs.

    Proximal: closer to the point of attachment.
    Distal: farther from the point of attachment.

  • What is the difference between superficial and deep?

    Superficial: closer to the surface of the body.
    Deep: farther from the surface of the body.

  • Name the major body cavities and their general contents.

    Posterior (dorsal) cavity: cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord).
    Anterior (ventral) cavity: thoracic cavity (heart, lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs).

  • What are serous membranes and their function?

    Thin double-layer membranes that line body cavities and cover organs, producing serous fluid to reduce friction during organ movement.

  • Name the four serous membranes and the cavities they surround.

    Pleurae: surround lungs.
    Pericardium: surrounds heart.
    Peritoneum: surrounds most abdominal organs.

  • What are the abdominopelvic quadrants?

    Four regions divided by vertical and horizontal lines through the navel: Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ), Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ), Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ).

  • What are the nine abdominopelvic regions?

    Right and Left Hypochondriac, Epigastric, Right and Left Lumbar, Umbilical, Right and Left Inguinal, Hypogastric.

  • Describe the three anatomical planes.

    Frontal (coronal): divides body into anterior and posterior.
    Sagittal: divides body into left and right.
    Transverse: divides body into superior and inferior.