Ch.1-The Human body: An Orientation

• Anatomy


  The study of body structure and shape
• Anatomy means to


  to cut (tomy) apart (ana)
• Phyisology


  the study of how the body and its parts work or function
• Gross Anatomy


  large structures, easily observable
• Microscopic Anatomy


  very small structures, can only be viewed with a microscope
• abdominopelvic cavity


  division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the abdominal and pelvic viscera
• anabolism


  assembly of more complex molecules from simpler molecules
• anatomical position


  standard reference position used for describing locations and directions on the human body
• catabolism


  breaking down of more complex molecules into simpler molecules
• caudal


  describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column); also referred to as inferior
• cell


  smallest independently functioning unit of all organisms; in animals, a cell contains cytoplasm, composed of fluid and organelles
• computed tomography (CT)


  medical imaging technique in which a computer-enhanced cross-sectional X-ray image is obtained
• cranial


  describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper; also referred to as superior
• cranial cavity


  division of the posterior (dorsal) cavity that houses the brain
• deep


  describes a position farther from the surface of the body
• Levels of Structural Organization

  1.)Atoms 2.) Molecules 3.) Cells 4.) Tissue 5.) Organs 6.) Organ System 7.) Organism

  
• differentiation


  process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function
• growth


  process of increasing in size
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)


  medical imaging technique in which a device generates a magnetic field to obtain detailed sectional images of the internal structures of the body
• metabolism


  sum of all of the body's chemical reactions
• normal range


  range of values around the set point that do not cause a reaction by the control center
• nutrient


  chemical obtained from foods and beverages that is critical to human survival
• organ


  functionally distinct structure composed of two or more types of tissues
• organ system


  group of organs that work together to carry out a particular function
• Organism


  living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life
• Pericardium


  sac that encloses the heart
• Peritoneum


  serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there
• development


  changes an organism goes through during its life
• pleura


  serous membrane that lines the pleural cavity and covers the lungs
• integumentary system


  Consists of the skin; Forms the external body covering-waterproof; Cushions and protect deeper tissue from injury; Excrete salt and urea in sweat; Helps regulate temperature(Homeostasis); Synthesizes vitamin D; Location of cutaneous nerve receptors
• positron emission tomography (PET)


  medical imaging technique in which radiopharmaceuticals are traced to reveal metabolic and physiological functions in tissues
• Regional Anatomy


  study of the structures that contribute to specific body regions
• skeletal system


  Protects and supports body organs; Provides muscle attachment for movement; Sight of blood self formation; Stores minerals
• renewal


  process by which worn-out cells are replaced
• set point


  ideal value for a physiological parameter; the level or small range within which a physiological parameter such as blood pressure is stable and optimally healthful, that is, within its parameters of homeostasis
• systemic anatomy


  study of the structures that contribute to specific body systems
• pressure


  force exerted by a substance in contact with another substance
• ultrasonography


  application of ultrasonic waves to visualize subcutaneous body structures such as tendons and organs
• X-ray


  form of high energy electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength capable of penetrating solids and ionizing gases; used in medicine as a diagnostic aid to visualize body structures such as bones
• Muscular System


  Only one function - To contract or shorten; Allows locomotion; Maintains posture; Produces heat; Three main types: Skeletal smooth and Cardiac