Chapter 6 The Human Body Flashcards
(212 cards)
Abdomen
The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
Acetabulum
The depression on the lateral pelvis where it’s three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
Adams apple
A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx. It is more prominent in men than women. Also called the thyroid cartilage
Adenosine triphosphate ATP
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
Adrenal gland
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
adrenergic
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenalin; also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine
Aerobic metabolism
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen
Agonal gasps
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breath’s, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
Alpha-adrenergic receptors
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
alveoli
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
Anaerobic metabolism
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main byproduct is lactic acid
Anatomic position
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward
Aorta
The main artery leading the left side of the heart and caring freshly oxygenated blood to the body
Appendicular skeleton
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle
Appendix
A small, tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen
Arterioles
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries
Articular cartilage
April he layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints
Atrium
One of the two upper chambers of the heart
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily
Axial skeleton
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, spinal column, and rib cage
Ball and socket joint
A joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending
Beta adrenergic receptors
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, and increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation
Biceps
The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus
Bile ducts
The ducts that convey pile between the liver and the intestine