Term | Definition |
Anatomy | the study of the structure of an organism |
Cell | mass of protoplasm; the basic unit of structure of all animals and plants |
Cell Membrane | Outer, protective, semipermeable covering of a cell |
Centrosome | the area of cell cytoplasm that contains two centrioles; important in reproduction of the cell |
Chromatin | that structure in the nucleus of a cell that contains chromosomes with genes, which carry inherited characters |
Connective Tissues | body tissue that connects, supports, or binds body organs |
Cytoplam | the fluid inside a cell; contains water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, and salts |
Dehydration | insufficient amounts of fluid in the tissues |
Edema | swelling; excess amounts of fluid in the tissues |
Endoplasmic Reticulum | fine network of tubular structure in the cytoplasm of a cell; allows for the transport of material in and out o the nucleus and aids in the synthesis and storage of protein |
Epithelial Tissue | tissue that forms the skin and parts of the secretes glands, and that lines the body cavities |
Genes | the structures on chromosomes that carry inherited characteristics |
Genome | the total mass of genetic instruction humans inherited from their parents |
Golgi Apparatus | that structure in the cytoplasm of a cell that produces, stores, and packages secretions for discharge from the cell |
Lysosomes | those structures in the cytoplasm of a cell that contain digestive enzymes to digest and destroy old cells, bacteria, and foreign materials |
Meiosis | the process of cell division that occurs in gametes, or sex cells (ovum and spermatozoa) |
Mitochondria | those structures in a cell that provide energy and are involved in the metabolism of the cell |
Mitosis | Process of asexual reproduction by which cells divide into two identical cells |
Muscle Tissue | body tissue composed of fibers that produce movement |
Nerve Tissue | body tissue conducts or transmits impulses throughout the body |
Nucleolus | the spherical body in the nucleus of a cell that is important in reproduction of the cell |
Nucleus | the structure in a cell that controls cell activities such as growth, development, and health |
Organ | body part made of tissues that have joined together to perform a special function |
Organelles | structures in the cytoplasm of a cell, including the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, and Golgi apparatus |
Pathophysiology | study of how disease occurs and the responses of living organisms to disease processes |
Physiology | the study of the processes or functions of living organisms |
Protoplasm | thick,viscous substance that is the physical basis of all living organisms |
Stem Cells | important cells that can become any specialized cell type needed in the human body |
System | a group of organs and other parts that work together to perform a certain function |
Tissue | a group of similar cells that join together to perform a particular function |
Vacuoles | a membrane-bound organelle which is present in all plant and fungal cells and some protist, animal and bacterial cells |
Abuse | any care that results in physical harm or pain, or mental anguish |
Advance Directives | a legal document designed to indicate a person's wishes regarding in care in case of a terminal illness or during the dying process |
Agent | someone who has the power or authority to act as the representative of another |
Civil Law | the focus on the legal relationships between people and the protection of a person's rights |
Confidentiality | not to be shared or told; to be held in confidence, or kept to oneself |
Contract | to shorten, decrease in size, or draw together; an agreement between two or more persons |
Criminal Law | the focus on behavior known as crime; deals with the wrongs against a person |
Defamation | slander or libel; a false statement that causes ridicule or damage to a reputation |
Designation of Health Care Surrogate or Durable Power of Attorney | a document that permits an individual (known as a principal) to appoint another person (known as an agent) to make any decisions regarding health care if the principal should become unable to make decisions |
Ethics | principles of right or good conduct |
Expressed Contracts | stated in distinct and clear language, either orally or in writing |
False Imprisonment | refers to restraining an individual or restricting an individual's freedom |
Informed Consent | permission granted voluntarily by a person who is of sound mind and aware of all factors involved. |
Invasion of Privacy | revealing person information about an individual without his or her consent |
Legal | authorized based on law |
Legal Disability | a condition in which a person does not have legal capacity and is therefore unable to enter into a legal agreement (for example, as is the case with a minor) |
Libel | false written statement that causes a person ridicule or contempt or causes damage to the person's reputation |
Living Wills | a legal document stating a person's desires on what measures should or should not be taken to prolong life when his or her condition is terminal |
Malpractice | providing improper or unprofessional treatment or care that results in injury of another person |
Negligence | failure to give care that is normally expected, resulting in injury to another person |
Patients' Rights | factors of care that all patients can expect to receive |
Privileged Communications | all personal information given to health personnel by a patient; must be kept confidential |
Slander | spoken comment that causes a person ridicule or contempt or damages the person's reputation |
Tort | a wrongful or illegal act of civil law not involving a contract |
Communication | process of transmission; exchange of thoughts or information |
Competence | able, capable |
Cultural Diversity | differences among individuals based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors |
Dependability | capable of being relied on; trustworthy |
Discretion | ability to use good judgment and self-restraint in speech or behavior |
Empathy | identifying with another's feelings byt being unable to change or solve the situation |
Enthusiasm | intense interest or excitement |
Goal | desired result or purpose toward which one is working |
Honesty | truthfulness; integrity |
Leadership | ability to lead, guide, and direct others |
Listening | to pay attention, make an effort to hear |
Nonverbal Communication | without words or speech |
Patience | ability to wait, persevere; capability for calm endurance |
Personal Hygiene | care of the body including bathing, hair and nail care, shaving, and oral hygiene |
Responsibility | being held accountable for actions or behaviors; willing to meet obligations |
Self-Motivation | ability to begin or to follow through with a task without the assistance of others |
Stress | body's reaction to any stimulus that requires a person to adjust to a changing environment |
Time Management | system of practical skills that allows an individual to use time in the most effective and productive way |
Battery | unlawfully touching another person without that person's consent |
Assault | physical or verbal attack on another person; treatment or care given to a person without obtaining proper consent |
Genome | the total mass of genetic instruction humans inherit from their parents |
Body Planes | imaginary lines drawn through the body at various parts to separate the body into sections |
Transverse Plane | horizontal plane that divides the body into a top half and a bottom half |
Superior | parts above other parts |
Inferior | parts below other parts |
Cranial | body parts located near the head |
Caudal | body parts located near the sacral region of the spinal column |
Midsagittal or Median Plane | divides the body into a right and left side |
Medial | body parts close to the midline or plane |
Lateral | body parts away from the midline |
Frontal or Coronal Plane | divides the body into a front section and a back section |
Ventral or Anterior | body parts in front of the plane, or on the front of the body |
Dorsal or Posterior | body parts on the back of the body |
Proximal | body parts close to the point of reference |
Distal | body parts distant from the point of reference |
Body Cavities | spaces within the body that contain vital organs |
Dorsal Cavity | one long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body |
Cranial Cavity | contains the brain |
Spinal Cavity | contains the spinal cord |
Ventral Cavities | separated into two distinct cavities by the dome-shaped muscle (diaphragm) |
Thoracic Cavity | located in the chest and contains the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, heart, and large blood vessels |
Abdominal Cavity or Abdominopelvic Cavity | divided into an upper part and a lower part |
Upper Part of Abdominal Cavity | the upper part contains the stomach, small intestines, most of the large intestine, appendix, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen |
Lower Part of Abdominal Cavity | the lower part or pelvic cavity contains the urinary bladder, the reproductive organs, and the last of the large intestine |
Orbital Cavity | for the eyes |
Nasal Cavity | for the nose structures |
Buccal Cavity or Mouth | for the teeth and tonuge |
Epigastric | above the stomach |
Umbilical | near the umbilicus or belly button |
Hypogastric | below the stomach |
Hypochondriac | below the ribs |
Lumbar | near the large bones of the spinal cord |
Iliac | near the groin |