Chapter 1: Orientation to the Human Body Flashcards
anatomy
the study of the structure of the body
physiology
the study of how the body functions
pathophysiology
the study of the processes that disturb normal function (diseased functioning)
organization of the body
human organism > organ systems > organs > tissues > cells > organelles > molecules > atoms
types of tissue
- epithelial tissue
- connective tissue
- muscle
- nerve tissue
epithelial tissue
- covers or lines body surfaces
- outer layer of skin, walls of capillaries, kidney tubules, etc.
connective tissue
- connects and supports parts of the body
- some transport and store materials
- bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, etc.
muscle
- contracts to produce movement
- skeletal muscles, heart, etc.
nerve tissue
- generates and transmits impulses to regulate body function
- brain, nerves, etc.
organ systems
- integumentary
- skeletal
- muscular
- lymphatic
- respiratory
- urinary
- nervous
- endocrine
- circulatory
- digestive
- female reproductive
- male reproductive
left
the patient’s left
right
the patient’s right
medial
toward the body’s midline
lateral
away from the body’s midline
distal
farthest from the point of origin
proximal
closest to the point of origin
superior
above
inferior
below
anterior (ventral)
toward the front of the body
posterior (dorsal)
toward the back of the body
superficial
at or near the body’s surface
deep
away from the bod’y surface
integumentary system
skin, hair, nails
key functions:
- protection
- temperature regulation
- water retention
- sensation
skeletal system
bones, cartilage and ligaments
key functions:
- protection of body organs
- support
- movement
- blood formation
muscular system
primarily skeletal muscles
key functions:
- movement
- posture
- heat production
lymphatic system
lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymph thymus, spleen, and tonsils
key functions:
- role in fluid balance
- production of immune cells
- defense against disease
respiratory system
nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs
key functions:
- absorption of oxygen
- discharge of carbon dioxide
- acid-base balance
- speech
urinary system
kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra
key functions:
- excretion of wastes
- regulation of blood volume and pressure
- control of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance
nervous system
brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs
key functions:
- control, regulation, and coordination of other systems
- sensation
- memory
endocrine system
pituitary gland, adrenals, pancreas, thyroid, parathyroids, and other organs
key functions:
- hormone production
- control and regulation of other systems
circulatory system
heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries
key functions:
- distribution of oxygen, nutrients, wastes, hormones, electrolytes, immune cells, and antibodies
- fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance
digestive system
stomach, small and large intestines, esophagus, liver, mouth, and pancreas
key functions:
- breakdown and absorption of nutrients
- elimination of wastes
male reproductive system
testes, vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles, and penis
key functions:
- production and delivery of sperm
- secretion of sex hormones
female reproductive system
ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and breasts
key functions
- production of eggs
- site of fertilization and fetal development
- birth
- lactation
- secretion of sex hormones
body planes
- sagittal plane
- transverse plane
- frontal plane
sagittal plane
- divides the body lengthwise into right and left sides
- called a “midsagittal” plane if made exactly at the midline
transverse plane
- divides the body horizontally into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions
- also called the “horizontal plane”
- used by CT scanners to reveal internal organs
frontal plane
- divides the body lengthwise into anterior and posterior portions
- also called the “coronal” plane
