The Human Body: An Orientation Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is Anatomy?
Anatomy: The study of
structures and their
relationships to one
another
What is Physiology?
Physiology: The study of
how the structures
function
Two topics of anatomy
- Microscopic
- Macroscopic
Levels of organization, largest to smallest
- Organism
- Organ system
- Organ
- Tissue
- Cellular
- Chemical
What keeps the organism
alive and healthy?
- Maintaining boundaries
- Movement
- Responsiveness (irritability)
- Digestion
- Metabolism
- Excretion
- Reproduction
- Growth & Differentiation
Homeostasis
The body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions even though the external environment is changing
Integumentary system
- Protects against environmental
hazards - Helps control body temperature
- Houses sensory receptors
Skeletal system
- Protects & supports organs
- Mineral storage
- Blood formation
Muscular system
- Allows locomotion
- Maintains posture
- Produces heat
Nervous system
Immediately responds to internal
& external stimuli by activating
other organ systems
Endocrine system
Glands secrete hormones
that regulate the activities of
other organ systems
Cardiovascular system
Transports blood, which
carries oxygen, carbon
dioxide, nutrients, & wastes
Lymphatic system
- Transports leaked fluid back to
the cardiovascular system - Houses white blood cells
Respiratory system
- Gas exchange: supplies blood with oxygen while removing carbon
dioxide
Digestive system
- Break down of food into absorbable molecules
- Excretion of indigestible food
Urinary system
- Excretion of nitrogenous wastes
- Regulates water, salts, and pH
Reproductive system
- Produces sex cells and
hormones - Site of fertilization and
development of fetus (Female
only)
Anatomical Position
The positioning of the body when it is standing upright and facing forward with each arm hanging on either side of the body, and the palms facing forward.
Anatomical Directions
- Anterior
- Posterior
- Superior
- Inferior
- Medial
- Lateral
- Proximal
- Distal
- Superficial
- Deep
Anterior
toward the front of the
body
Posterior
toward the back part of
the body
Superior
toward the upper part of
the body
Inferior
toward the lower part of
the body
Medial
toward the midline of the
body
