Introduction to the body Flashcards
What is the definition of anatomy?
It is the study of the structure of the body and the physical relationship between its parts.
What is the definition of physiology?
Study of how the systems work and the way they maintain the health of an individual.
What is the definition of pathology?
Study of abnormalities and considers how they affect body functions causing illnesses.
What is the name of the 11 body systems?
- Cardiovascular
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Exocrine
- Lymphatic
- Skeletal
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Renal
- Reproductive
- Respiratory
What is the definition of endocrine?
This is a gland that secretes chemical messengers called hormones directly into the bloodstream or tissue.
What is the definition of exocrine?
This is a gland that’s secretes products like enzymes into ducts opening to an epithelium rather than straight into the blood stream.
Give an example of an organ that is both endocrine and exocrine.
And explain. (3)
The pancreas.
Endocrine - secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels in the body.
Exocrine - secretes enzymes to breakdown proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids produced from food.
Why do we need medical terms?
4
- To describe the location of injury.
- To make it easier to understand.
- Decipher medical notes and conditions quicker.
- Professional and ensures a better handover.
What is the standard anatomical position? (5)
Person standing straight. Feet facing forwards. Arms to the side. Palms of the hands facing interior (forwards). Fingers pointing straight down.
What is the purpose of the standard anatomical position?
Used to describe locations easier and make position references.
What are body planes?
Body planes include sagittal, coronal and transverse planes which are all positioned 90 degrees to each other.
What is the sagittal plane?
It divides the body or organ into right and left hand sides.
What is the coronal/frontal plane?
It divides the body or an organ into anterior and posterior portions.
What is the transverse/horizontal/cross-sectional plane?
It divides the body or organ into superior or inferior portions.
Name the four body cavities.
- Cranial
- Thoracic
- Abdominal
- Pelvic
Why is knowledge on body cavities important?
Because these are potential spaces for blood or air to enter.
What does superior and inferior mean in terms of direction?
Give an example.
Superior - above
Inferior - below
e.g. The elbow is superior to the hand.
What does anterior and posterior mean in terms of direction?
Anterior - towards the front (chest side) of the body.
Posterior - towards the back.
What does proximal and distal mean in terms of direction?
Give an example.
Proximal - closest to the point of origin.
Distal - farthest away.
e.g. Tibia - proximal end would be the end close to the knee (the knee itself). Distal end would be close to the foot (further away).
What does medial and lateral mean?
Medial - towards the midline of the body.
Lateral - means away from the midline.
What does superficial and deep mean?
Superficial - towards the body surface.
Deep - Farthest from the body surface.
What does supine, prone and lateral mean?
Supine - laying on the back.
Prone - laying on the front.
Lateral - laying sideways.
What does abduction mean?
Movement of the body part away from the body.
What does adduction mean?
Movement of the body part towards the body.
