(Human) Anatomy
The study of the structure and organization of the body and the relationships of the body parts to one another.
Gross Anatomy
The dissection and examination of various parts of the body without magnifying lenses.
Microanatomy (histology)
The examination of tissues and cells with various magnification techniques.
(Human) Physiology
The study of the function of the body and its parts.
Levels of Organization (Smallest to Largest)
Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organismal.
(atom - molecule - macromolecule - organelle - cell - tissue - organ - organ system - organism)
Chemical (Organizational Level)
An organizational level consisting of atoms, molecules, and macromolecules.
Atoms
The fundamental building blocks of chemicals.
Molecule
Formed by combining atoms in specific ways.
Organelle
A microscopic subunit of cell that carries out specific functions within a cell.
Cellular (Organizational Level)
An organizational level that contains the basic structural and functional units of the body. The lowest level of organization that is alive.
Tissue (Organizational Level)
An organizational level consisting of an aggregation of similar cells that perform similar functions.
Organ (Organizational Level)
An organizational level composed of two or more tissues that work together, enabling the organ to perform its specific function.
Organ System (Organizational Level)
An organizational level in which organs of the body are arranged into functional groups so that their independent functions are coordinated to perform specific system functions.
Organism (Organizational Level)
An organizational level regarding the individual as a whole.
The Organ Systems of the Body
Cardiovascular
Lymphatic
Immune System (*some text put lymphatic and immune together)
Respiratory
Endocrine
Muscular
Digestive
Reproductive
Integumentary
Nervous
Skeletal
Excretory (Urinary)
Directional Terms
Describes the relative position of a body part in relationship to another body part.
Anatomical Position
The body standing upright with the upper limbs at the sides and palms of the hands facing forward.
Axial Portion
Refers to the head, neck, and trunk.
Appendicular Portion
Refers to the upper and lower limbs and their gridles.
Anterior (Ventral)
Toward the front or abdominal surface of the body.
Posterior (Dorsal)
Toward the back of the body.
Superior (Cephalic)
Toward the top/head.
Inferior
Away from the top/head.
Medial
Toward the midline of the body.
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body.
Parietal
Pertaining to the outer boundary of the body cavities.
Visceral
Pertaining to the internal organs.
Superficial (External)
Toward or on the body surface.
Deep (Internal)
Beneath the body surface.
Proximal
Closer to the beginning of a body part.
Distal
Farther from the beginning of a body part.
Transverse (Horizontal) Plane
A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions
Sagittal Plane
A plane that divides the body into right and left portions.
Frontal Plane
A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.
Body Cavity
Protects and cushions the contained organs and permits changes in their size and shape without impacting surrounding tissues.
Dorsal (Posterior) Cavity
A body cavity that is located at the posterior and superior portions of the body and is subdivided into the Cranial Cavity and the Vertebral Cavity.
Cranial Cavity
A body cavity that is located within the Dorsal Cavity and contains the brain.
Vertebral Cavity
A body cavity that is located within the Dorsal Cavity and contains the spinal cord.
Ventral Cavity
A body cavity that is located at the anterior and in the trunk of the body and is subdivided into the Thoracic Cavity and the Abdominopelvic Cavity. The Diaphram separates the two cavities.
Thoracic Cavity
A body cavity that is protected by the rib cage and contains the heart and lungs.
Abdominopelvic Cavity
A body cavity that is subdivided into the superior Abdominal Cavity and the inferior Pelvic Cavity.
Abdominal Cavity
A body cavity that is located within the Abdominopelvic Cavity. Contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys.
Pelvic Cavity
A body cavity that is located within the Abdominopelvic Cavity. Contains the urinary bladder, sigmoid colon, rectum, and internal reproductive organs.
Membrane
Lines body cavities and organs to support and protect internal organs.
Meninges
Three layers of protective membranes within the Dorsal Cavity. The most superficial membrane is attached to the walls of the Dorsal Cavity and the deepest membrane tightly envelops the brain and spinal cord.
Serosae (Serous Membranes)
Thin layers of tissue within the Ventral Cavity that line the cavity and cover the internal organs.
Parietal Membrane
The membrane that lines the walls of the Ventral Cavity.
Visceral Membrane
The membrane that covers the organs within the Ventral Cavity.
Serous Fluid
A watery lubricating fluid that is formed between and secreted by the parietal and visceral layers.
Pleurae (Pleural Membranes)
The serous membranes that line the Thoracic Cavity and its organs.
Parietal Pleurae
A serous membrane that lines the walls of the Thoracic Cavity.
Visceral Pleurae
A serous membrane that lines the lungs within the Thoracic Cavity.
Pleural Cavity
The potential space between the parietal and visceral membranes within the thoracic cavity.
Mediastinum
A membranous partition that divides the left and right portions of the Thoracic Cavity. Contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, and trachea.
Pericardium
A serous membrane that envelops the heart and the sac around the heart.
Parietal Pericardium
A serous membrane that lines the deep surface of a loosely fitting sac around the heart
Visceral Pericardium
A serous membrane that is tightly adhered to the surface of the heart.
Pericardial Cavity
The potential space between the visceral and parietal membranes in the heart's sac.
Peritoneum (Peritoneal Membrane)
A serous membrane that lines the walls and organ surfaces of the abdominal cavity.
Parietal Peritoneum
A serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, but not the pelvic cavity.
Visceral Peritoneum
A serous membrane that lines the surface of the organs within the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneal Cavity
The potential space between the parietal and visceral membranes within the abdominal cavity.
Metabolism
Collectively refers to the sum of all the chemical reactions that occur in the body.
Anabolism
The process that uses energy and nutrients to build complex organic molecules.
Catabolism
The process that releases energy and break down complex molecules.
Survival Needs
Food, Water, Oxygen, Body Temperature, Atmospheric Pressure, Hydrostatic (blood) Pressure
Homeostasis
The process of maintaining a stable internal body environment within a certain range.
Negative Feedback
A mechanism that affects the normal body environment and causes a response in the opposite direction. Examples are sweating to regulate body temperature and regulation of blood glucose levels.
Positive Feedback
A mechanism used when the originating stimulus needs to be amplified and continued in order for the desired result to occur. Examples are clotting and labor.
Organ Systems
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Functions of Organ Systems
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