Chp 1: Major Themes of Anatomy and Physiology – Flashcards
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Negative Feedback
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a self-corrective mechanism that underlies most homeostasis, in which a bodily change is detected and responses are activated that reverse the change
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Vasoconstriction
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the narrowing of a blood vessel due to muscular constriction of its tunica media
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Theory
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An explanatory statement, or set of statements, that concisely summarizes the state of knowledge on a phenomenon and provides direction for further study
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Hypothesis
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An informed conjecture about a phenomenon that is capable of being tested and potentially falsified by experimentation or data collection
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Differentiation
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Development of a relatively unspecialized cell into one with a more specific structure and function.
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Vasodilation
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The widening of a blood vessel due to relaxation of the muscle of its tunica media and the outward pressure of the blood exerted against the wall.
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Cell
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The smallest subdivision of a tissue considered to be alive; consists of a plasma membrane enclosing cytoplasm and, in most cases, a nucleus.
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Dynamic Equilibrium
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A state of continual change that is controlled within narrow limits, as in homeostasis and chemical equilibrium.
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Adaptation
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An evolutionary process leading to the establishment of species characteristics that favor survival and reproduction
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Stimulus
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A chemical or physical agent in a cell's surroundings that is capable of creating a physiological response in the cell; especially agents detected by sensory sells, such as chemicals, light, and pressure.
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Bipedalism
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The habit of walking on two legss; a defining characteristic of the family hominidae that underlies many skeletal and other characteristics of humans.
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X Ray
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A high-energy, penetrating electromagnetic ray with wavelenghts in the range of 0.1 to 10 nm; used in diagnosis and therapy.
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Anatomy
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The study of the structure of the body.
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Cytology
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The study of cell structure and function.
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Human
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Any species of primate classified in the family hominidae, characterized by bipedal locomotion, relatively large brains, and usually articulate speech; currently represented only by homo sapiens but including extinct species of homo and Australopithecus.
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Physiology
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The study of the functional processes of the body.
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Abdominal Cavity
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The body cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic brim.
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Body
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The entire organism.
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in situ
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In the normal anatomical location.
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Anatomical Position
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A reference posture that allows for standardized anatomical terminology. A subject in anatomical position is standing with the feet flat on the floor and slightly apart, arms down to the sides, and the palms (supine) and eyes directed forward.
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Position Emission Tomography
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A method of producing a computerized image of the physiological state of a tissue using injected radioisotopes that emit positrons. PET scan.
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Receptor
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A cell or organ specialized to detect stimulus, such as a taste cell or the eye.
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Computerized Tomography
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A method of medical imaging that uses x-rays and a computer to create an image of a thin section of the body, CT scan
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Organ
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Any anatomical structure that is composed of at least dwo different tissue types, has recognizable structural boundaries, and has a discrete function different from the structures around it. Many organs are microscopic and many organs contain smaller organs, such as the skin containing numerous microscopic sense organs.
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Serous Membrane
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A membrane such as the peritoneum, pleura, or pericardium that lines a body cavity or covers the external surfaces of the viscera; composed of simple squamos mesothelium and a twin layer of areolar connective tissue.
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Evolution
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A change in the relative frequencies of alleles in a population over a period of time; the mechanism that produces adaptations in human form and function.
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Parietal
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Pertaining to a wall, as in the parietal cells of the gastric glands and parietal bone of the skull.
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Characteristics of Organisms (9)
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Organization, cellular composition, metabolism, responsiveness, homeostasis, development, evolution, variability, feedback
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Positive Feedback
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A self-amplifying cycle in which a physiological change leads to even greater change in the same direction. Eg. Production of Oxytocin during labor.
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Organism
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A single, complete individual.
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Tissue
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A mass of similar cells and cell products that form a discrete region of an organ and performs a specific function
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situs inversus
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The organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities are reversed between right and left.
