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A&P Terminology
Introduction of Anatomy & Physiology Termininology
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Anatomy | study of the structures of the human body and their positional relationships to one another. |
Physiology | the study of how the body and its individual parts function in normal body processes |
Comparative physiology | the study of similarities and differences in vital body processes |
Developmental physiology | the study of embryonic development |
Pathophysiology | the study of the disease |
Root | the main part of a word, or its foundation |
prefix | placed before a root word to alter its meaning |
suffix | placed after a root word to alter its meaning |
chemical | chemical elements or biochemistry of the body |
tissue | groups of cells that have a similar structure and perform specific functions |
organ | composed of complex structures containing of two or more tissue types that perform specialized functions |
organ system | group of related organs with complementary functions |
organism | a living entity |
Cell | The smallest structural and functional unit that can exist as a self-sustaining entity. |
histology | the study of tissues |
ground substance | Also called matrix. the substance in which tissue, cells, and intercellular structures are embedded or suspended |
Epithelial Tissue | provides protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, and sensation;; covers external and internal structures |
Connective Tissue | framework for organs/glands/body; provides transportation and defensive functions, as well as connecting and supporting other tissues |
Muscle tissue | This tissue produces movement, posture maintenance, and heat production |
Nervous tissue | located in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This tissue interprets sensory information and coordinates bodily processes |
Interstitial fluid | found in extracellular spaces between tissues; bathes cells and provides a transport medium for nutrients, gases, and wastes |
Membranes | thin, soft, pliable sheets of tissue that cover and protect internal and external surfaces, line tubes, and anchor structures to each other. Membranes also secrete lubricating fluids |
Cutaneous Membranes | cover external body surfaces and include the skin |
Mucous Membranes | line open body cavities such as the digestive, repiratory, and urogenital tracts and secrete mucus |
Serous Membranes | line closed body cavities. These membranes consist of two layers—a parietal layer and a visceral layer |
parietal layer | covers the walls of body cavities |
visceral layer | covers the visceral organs located within the body cavity |
Synovial Membranes | ine cavities or spaces between bones and joints, mainly freely movable joints such as the shoulder, hip, and knee. |
Homeostasis | he tendency of the body's internal environment to remain relatively constant with a narrow range of change |
Skeletal System | includes bones and joints, as well as their associated structures, such as cartilage and ligaments |
Muscular System | skeletal muscles and associated structures, such as tendons, aponeurosis, and related fascial structures |
Integumentary System | includes the skin, hair, nails, and skin glands |
Nervous System | ncludes the brain; spinal cord; cranial and spinal nerves; sense organs, such as eyes and tongue; and neurotransmitters |
Endocrine System | includes the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreatic islets, ovaries, testes, and hormones |
Reproductive System | includes the gonads, gametes or sex cells, the duct systems, and male/female accessory organs and glands |
Cardiovascular System | includes the blood, blood vessels, and the heart |
Lymphatic System | includes lymph, lymphatic vessels, structures, tissues, and cells |
Respiratory System | includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli, and lungs |
Digestive System | includes the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and accessory structures, such as the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder |
Urinary System | includes the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder |