Anatomy & Physiology Lab Exam 1 Study Guide

Lab Exam 1 Overview

This study guide covers foundational topics in Anatomy & Physiology, focusing on anatomical terminology, body organization, serous membranes, metric system usage, and solution calculations. Mastery of these concepts is essential for success in introductory college-level Anatomy & Physiology courses.

Anatomical Terminology

Understanding anatomical terminology is crucial for accurately describing locations and relationships of body structures.

• Directional Terms: Words used to describe the positions of structures relative to each other (e.g., superior, inferior, anterior, posterior).

• Example: The patella (kneecap) is inferior to the femur (thigh bone).

• Key Terms: Superior, inferior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, superficial, deep.

Body Cavities

The human body contains several major cavities that house vital organs.

• Cranial Cavity: Contains the brain.

• Thoracic Cavity: Contains the heart and lungs.

• Abdominal Cavity: Contains digestive organs.

• Pelvic Cavity: Contains reproductive organs and bladder.

• Example: The cranial cavity is superior to the thoracic cavity.

Anatomical Areas and Planes

Identifying anatomical areas and planes is essential for understanding body organization and medical imaging.

• Planes of the Body:

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right parts.

  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

  • Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

• Example: The sternal area refers to the region over the sternum in the thorax.

Serous Membranes

Serous membranes line body cavities and cover organs, providing lubrication and protection.

• Pleura: Surrounds the lungs.

• Pericardium: Surrounds the heart.

• Peritoneum: Surrounds abdominal organs.

• Layers: Each membrane has a parietal (lines cavity) and visceral (covers organ) layer.

• Function: Reduces friction between organs and cavity walls.

Abdominal Organization

The abdomen is divided for clinical and anatomical reference.

• Quadrants: Right Upper (RUQ), Left Upper (LUQ), Right Lower (RLQ), Left Lower (LLQ).

• Regions: Nine regions including epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric, and others.

• Associated Organs: Each quadrant/region contains specific organs (e.g., liver in RUQ).

Anatomical Positions

Standard anatomical position is used as a reference for describing locations and directions.

• Definition: Body standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

• Importance: Ensures consistency in anatomical descriptions.

Major Organ Systems

The body is organized into systems, each with specific organs and functions.

• Examples:

  • Digestive System: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines; processes food.

  • Respiratory System: Lungs, trachea; gas exchange.

  • Cardiovascular System: Heart, blood vessels; transports nutrients and oxygen.

Fetal Pig Organs

Fetal pig dissection is commonly used to study organ systems due to anatomical similarities with humans.

• Key Organs: Heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, kidneys.

• Application: Identifying these organs helps understand human anatomy.

Metric System and Measurement

The metric system is the standard for scientific measurement in Anatomy & Physiology.

• Units: Meter (length), gram (mass), liter (volume).

• Conversions: Use conversion factors to switch between units.

• Example: 1 kilogram = 1000 grams.

Common Metric Units and Conversions

Quantity	Unit	Symbol	Conversion
Length	Meter	m	1 m = 100 cm
Mass	Gram	g	1 kg = 1000 g
Volume	Liter	L	1 L = 1000 mL

Measurement Tools

Various tools are used to measure length, mass, and volume in the laboratory.

• Ruler: Measures length.

• Balance: Measures mass.

• Graduated Cylinder: Measures volume.

Specific Gravity, Mass, Volume, Density

These physical properties are important for understanding substances in biological systems.

• Specific Gravity: Ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water.

• Density: Mass per unit volume.

• Formula for Density:

$\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$

• Application: Used to identify substances and prepare solutions.

Solution Calculations

Calculating concentrations and preparing solutions is a key laboratory skill.

• Molarity (M): Moles of solute per liter of solution.

• Formula for Molarity:

$M = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}}$

• Calculating Mass Needed: Use molar mass and desired volume/concentration.

• Example: To make 1 L of 1 M NaCl solution, dissolve 58.44 g NaCl (molar mass) in water.

English-Metric Conversions

Converting between English and metric units is often required in laboratory settings.

• Common Conversion Factors:

  • 1 inch = 2.54 cm

  • 1 pound = 454 g

  • 1 ounce = 28.35 g

English-Metric Conversion Table

English Unit	Metric Equivalent
Inch	2.54 cm
Pound	454 g
Ounce	28.35 g

Additional info: Academic context and examples have been added to expand upon the brief points in the original file, ensuring the notes are self-contained and suitable for exam preparation.