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Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (27)

  • What is anatomy?

    Anatomy is the scientific study of the body’s structures and how they relate to each other.

  • What is physiology?

    Physiology is the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of body structures and how they work together to support life functions.

  • What is the principle of complementarity in anatomy and physiology?

    It states that anatomy and physiology are interrelated; anatomy explains structure, physiology explains function, and both are needed to understand the human body.

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

    Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissue → Organ → Organ systems → Organism

  • What are the functional requirements of life?

    Organization, Metabolism, Responsiveness, Movement, Development, Growth, and Reproduction.

  • Define metabolism and its two types.

    Metabolism is the sum of all anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) reactions in the body.

  • What is homeostasis?

    A dynamic state of internal balance around a set point that the body continuously monitors and adjusts to maintain stability.

  • Name the three parts involved in homeostatic regulation.

    Receptor (sensor), Control Center, and Effector.

  • What is the role of the receptor in homeostasis?

    Monitors a physiological value, senses changes, and sends signals to the control center.

  • What does the control center do in homeostasis?

    Determines the set point, receives signals from the receptor, and decides if and how to respond.

  • What is the function of the effector in homeostasis?

    Receives commands from the control center and performs the response, usually a muscle or gland.

  • Explain negative feedback in homeostasis.

    A mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point to maintain body parameters within normal range.

  • Give examples of negative feedback mechanisms.

    Body temperature regulation, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and blood pH balance.

  • What is positive feedback and when is it normal?

    Positive feedback intensifies a change and moves the system away from normal; it is normal only with a definite end point, such as childbirth.

  • What happens if homeostasis is disrupted?

    Severe consequences or diseases like diabetes and hypertension may result; the ability to restore homeostasis decreases with age.

  • Describe the standard anatomical position.

    Body standing upright, feet shoulder-width and parallel, palms and toes facing forward.

  • Define the directional term 'anterior' (ventral).

    Refers to the front or direction toward the front of the body.

  • Define the directional term 'posterior' (dorsal).

    Refers to the back or direction toward the back of the body.

  • What is the difference between superior and inferior?

    Superior means above or higher; Inferior means below or lower in position.

  • Explain the terms proximal and distal.

    Proximal is nearer to the point of attachment or trunk; Distal is farther from the point of attachment or trunk.

  • What are the three main body planes?

    Sagittal plane (divides left and right), Frontal (coronal) plane (divides front and back), and Transverse (horizontal) plane (divides top and bottom).

  • What is the difference between a plane and a section?

    A plane is an imaginary 2D surface passing through the body; a section is the actual cut surface made along a plane.

  • Name the major body cavities and their subdivisions.

    Dorsal cavity (cranial and vertebral) and Ventral cavity (thoracic and abdominopelvic).

  • What is the function of serous membranes?

    Thin double-layer membranes that cover organs and cavity walls, reducing friction with fluid between layers.

  • Name the three serous cavities and their associated membranes.

    Pericardium (heart), Pleurae (lungs), and Peritoneum (abdominopelvic organs).

  • How is the abdominopelvic cavity divided for clinical reference?

    Into nine regions and four quadrants to localize organs and describe pain or abnormalities.

  • List the four abdominopelvic quadrants.

    Right upper quadrant (RUQ), Left upper quadrant (LUQ), Right lower quadrant (RLQ), Left lower quadrant (LLQ).