Because structure determines function, the form of a body part dictates what it can do, known as the principle of complementarity of structure and function.
What are the levels of structural organization in the human body from simplest to most complex?
Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ systems → Organism.
What is the basic structural and functional unit of a living organism?
The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of a living thing, capable of maintaining and perpetuating life.
What are the four basic tissue types in the human body?
Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
What defines an organ in the human body?
An organ is a structure composed of at least two (usually four) tissue types that performs a specific function for the body.
What is an organ system?
Organs that work closely together to accomplish a common purpose.
What is the standard anatomical position?
Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward with thumbs pointing away from the body.
What does 'proximal' mean in anatomical directional terms?
Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
What does 'distal' mean in anatomical directional terms?
Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
What are the two fundamental divisions of the body by region?
1. Axial part: head, neck, and trunk; 2. Appendicular part: limbs attached to the axis.
Name the three common body planes.
Frontal (coronal), sagittal (median), and transverse (horizontal) planes.
What are the major dorsal body cavities and what do they contain?
Cranial cavity (houses the brain) and vertebral (spinal) cavity (houses the spinal cord).
What are the major divisions of the ventral body cavity?
Thoracic cavity (pleural and pericardial cavities) and abdominopelvic cavity (abdominal and pelvic cavities).
What is homeostasis?
The maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous external changes; a dynamic state of equilibrium.
What are the three components required for homeostatic regulation?
Receptor (sensor), control center, and effector.
How does negative feedback maintain homeostasis?
By reducing or shutting off the original stimulus to prevent sudden, severe changes.
Give an example of a positive feedback mechanism.
Blood clotting or enhancement of labor contractions by oxytocin, where the response exaggerates the original stimulus.
What role does the autonomic nervous system play in homeostasis?
It controls involuntary responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and digestion without conscious awareness.
What is a hormone?
A chemical substance released into extracellular fluid that regulates the metabolic function of other cells.
How does the hypothalamus contribute to homeostasis?
It acts as the master control center, coordinating responses via the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system.