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234 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

??V/Q ratio

A measurement that examines how much gas is being moved effectively and how much blood is gaining access to the alveoli.

abdomen

The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.

abduction

Motion of a limb away from the midline.

acetabulum

The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.

Adam's apple

The firm prominence in the upper part of the larynx formed by the thyroid cartilage. It is more prominent in men than in women.

adduction

Motion of a limb toward the midline.

adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.

adrenal glands

Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.

adrenergic

Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response). The term also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine, that is, the adrenergic receptors.

aerobic metabolism

Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.

agonal respirations

Slow, shallow, irregular respirations or occasional gasping breaths; sometimes seen in dying patients.

alpha-adrenergic receptors

Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.

alveoli

The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

anaerobic metabolism

The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principle product is lactic acid.

anatomic position

The position of reference in which the patient stands facing you, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.

anterior

The front surface of the body; the side facing you in the standard anatomic position.

aorta

The main artery that receives blood from the left ventricle and delivers it to all the other arteries that carry blood to the tissues of the body.

apex (plural apices)

The pointed extremity of a conical structure.

apneustic center

Portion of the pons that increases the length of inspiration and decreases the respiratory rate.

appendicular skeleton

The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle

appendix

A small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

arterioles

The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.

atrium

One of two (right and left) upper chambers of the heart. The right atrium receives blood from the vena cava and delivers it to the right ventricle. The left atrium receives blood from pulmonary veins and delivers it to the left ventricle.

autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and sweating.

axial skeleton

The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, spinal column, and rib cage.

ball-and-socket joint

A joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.

beta-adrenergic receptors

Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, an increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation.

biceps

The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.

bilateral

A body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.

bile ducts

The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.

blood pressure

The pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries

brachial artery

The major vessel in the upper extremity that supplies blood to the arm.

brain

The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.

brain stem

The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration.

capillary vessels

The tiny blood vessels between the arterioles and venules that permit transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between body tissues and the blood.

cardiac muscle

The heart muscle.

carotid artery

The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.

cartilage

The support structure of the skeletal system that provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portions of the outer ear.

cecum

The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.

central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

cerebellum

One of the three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the "little brain"; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges.

cerebrum

The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the "gray matter"; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality.

cervical spine

The portion of the spinal column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.

chordae tendineae

Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.

chyme

The name of the substance that leaves the stomach. It is a combination of all of the eaten foods with added stomach acids.

circulatory system

The complex arrangement of connected tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body.

clavicle

The collarbone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.

coccyx

The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tailbone.

coronal plane

An imaginary plane where the body is cut into front and back parts.

cranium

The area of the head above the ears and eyes; the skull. The cranium contains the brain.

cricoid cartilage

A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx.

cricothyroid membrane

A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.

dead space

The portion of the tidal volume that does not reach the alveoli and thus does not participate in gas exchange.

deep

Further inside the body and away from the skin.

dermis

The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.

diaphragm

A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the thorax, separating the chest from the abdominal cavity. Contraction of the diaphragm (and the chest wall muscles) brings air into the lungs. Relaxation allows air to be expelled from the lungs.

diastole

The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles.

diffusion

A process in which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

digestion

The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.

distal

Farther from the trunk or nearer to the free end of the extremity.

dorsal

The posterior surface of the body, including the back of the hand.

dorsal respiratory group (DRG)

A portion of the medulla oblongata where the primary respiratory pacemaker is found.

dorsalis pedis artery

The artery on the anterior surface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.

endocrine system

The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.

enzymes

Catalysts designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.

epidermis

The outer layer of skin that acts as a watertight protective covering.

epiglottis

A thin, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering.

epinephrine

A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.

esophagus

A collapsible tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach; contractions of the muscle in the wall of the esophagus propel food and liquids through it to the stomach.

expiratory reserve volume

The amount of air that can be exhaled following a normal exhalation; average volume is about 1,200 mL.

extend

To straighten.

extension

The straightening of a joint.

fallopian tubes

The tubes that connect each ovary with the uterus and are the primary location for fertilization of the ovum.

femoral artery

The principal artery of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery. It supplies blood to the lower abdominal wall, external genitalia, and legs. It can be palpated in the groin area.

femoral head

The proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.

femur

The thighbone; the longest and one of the strongest bones in the body.

flex

To bend.

flexion

The bending of a joint.

foramen magnum

A large opening at the base of the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.

gallbladder

A sac on the undersurface of the liver that collects bile from the liver and discharges it into the duodenum through the common bile duct.

genital system

The reproductive system in males and females.

germinal layer

The deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are formed.

greater trochanter

A bony prominence on the proximal lateral side of the thigh, just below the hip joint.

hair follicles

The small organs that produce hair.

heart

A hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

heart rate

The number of heartbeats during a specific time.

Hering-Breuer reflex

A protective mechanism that terminates inhalation, thus preventing overexpansion of the lungs.

hinge joints

Joints that can bend and straighten but cannot rotate; they restrict motion to one plane.

hormones

Substances formed in specialized organs or glands and carried to another organ or group of cells in the same organism. Hormones regulate many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and body temperature.

humerus

The supporting bone of the upper arm.

hydrostatic pressure

The pressure of water against the walls of its container.

hypoxic drive

A "backup system" to control respiration; senses drops in the oxygen level in the blood.

ilium

One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.

inferior

The part of the body or any body part nearer to the feet.

inferior vena cava

One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the lower extremities and the pelvic and the abdominal organs to the heart.

inspiratory reserve volume

The amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation; the amount of air that can be inhaled in addition to the normal tidal volume.

interstitial space

The space in between the cells.

involuntary muscle

The muscle over which a person has no conscious control. It is found in many automatic regulating systems of the body.

ischium

One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.

joint

The place where two bones come into contact.

joint capsule

The fibrous sac that encloses a joint.

kidneys

Two retroperitoneal organs that excrete the end products of metabolism as urine and regulate the body's salt and water content.

labored breathing

Breathing that requires greater than normal effort; may be slower or faster than normal and usually requires the use of accessory muscles.

lactic acid

A metabolic end product of the breakdown of glucose that accumulates when metabolism proceeds in the absence of oxygen.

large intestine

The portion of the digestive tube that encircles the abdomen around the small bowel, consisting of the cecum, the colon, and the rectum. It helps regulate water balance and eliminate solid waste.

lateral

In anatomy, parts of the body that lie farther from the midline. Also called outer structures.

lesser trochanter

The projection on the medial/superior portion of the femur.

ligament

A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones to bones. It supports and strengthens a joint.

liver

A large solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores glucose for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.

lumbar spine

The lower part of the back, formed by the lowest five nonfused vertebrae; also called the dorsal spine.

mandible

The bone of the lower jaw.

manubrium

The upper quarter of the sternum.

maxillae

The upper jawbones that assist in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the palate and hold the upper teeth.

medial

Parts of the body that lie closer to the midline; also called inner structures.

medulla oblongata

Nerve tissue that is continuous inferiorly with the spinal cord; serves as a conduction pathway for ascending and descending nerve tracts; coordinates heart rate, blood vessel diameter, breathing, swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing.

midbrain

The part of the brain that is responsible for helping to regulate the level of consciousness.

midsagittal plane (midline)

An imaginary vertical line drawn from the middle of the forehead through the nose and the umbilicus (navel) to the floor.

minute volume

The amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs per minute minus the dead space. Also called minute ventilation.

motor nerves

Nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.

mucous membranes

The lining of body cavities and passages that communicate directly or indirectly with the environment outside the body.

mucus

The opaque, sticky secretion of the mucous membranes that lubricates the body openings.

musculoskeletal system

The bones and voluntary muscles of the body.

myocardium

The heart muscle.

nasopharynx

The nasal cavity; formed by the union of facial bones and protects the respiratory tract from contaminants.

nervous system

The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary.

norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter and drug sometimes used in the treatment of shock; produces vasoconstriction through its alpha-stimulator properties.

occiput

The most posterior portion of the cranium.

oncotic pressure

The pressure of water to move, typically into the capillary, as the result of the presence of plasma proteins.

orbit

The eye socket, made up of the maxilla and zygoma

oropharynx

Forms the posterior portion of the oral cavity, which is bordered superiorly by the hard and soft palates, laterally by the cheeks, and inferiorly by the tongue.

ovaries

The primary female reproductive organs that produce an ovum, or egg, that, if fertilized, will develop into a fetus.

palmar

The forward facing part of the hand in the anatomic position.

pancreas

A flat, solid organ that lies below the liver and the stomach; it is a major source of digestive enzymes and produces the hormone insulin.

parasympathetic nervous system

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, involved in control of involuntary, vegetative functions, mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine.

parietal regions

The areas between the temporal and occipital regions of the cranium.

patella

The kneecap; a specialized bone that lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle.

pathophysiology

The study of how normal physiologic processes are affected by disease.

perfusion

Circulation of blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet current needs of the cells.

peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These peripheral nerves may be sensory nerves, motor nerves, or connecting nerves.

peristalsis

The wavelike contraction of smooth muscle by which the ureters or other tubular organs propel their contents.

plantar

The bottom surface of the foot.

plasma

A sticky, yellow fluid that carries the blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion.

platelets

Tiny, disk-shaped elements that are much smaller than the cells; they are essential in the initial formation of a blood clot, the mechanism that stops bleeding.

pleura

The serous membranes covering the lungs and lining the thoracic cavity, completely enclosing a potential space known as the pleural space.

pleural space

The potential space between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. It is described as "potential” because under normal conditions, the space does not exist.

pneumotaxic (pontine) center

A portion of the pons that assists in creating shorter, faster respirations.

pons

An organ that lies below the midbrain and above the medulla and contains numerous important nerve fibers, including those for sleep, respiration, and the medullary respiratory center.

posterior

In anatomy, the back surface of the body; the side away from you in the standard anatomic position.

posterior tibial artery

The artery just behind the medial malleolus; supplies blood to the foot.

prostate gland

A small gland that surrounds the male urethra where it emerges from the urinary bladder; it secretes a fluid that is part of the ejaculatory fluid.

proximal

Closer to the trunk.

pubic symphysis

A hard bony prominence that is found in the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen.

pubis

One of three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring.

pulmonary artery

The major artery leading from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs; it carries oxygen-poor blood.

pulmonary circulation

The flow of blood from the right ventricle through the pulmonary arteries and all of their branches and capillaries in the lungs and back to the left atrium through the venules and pulmonary veins; also called the lesser circulation.

pulmonary veins

The four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

pulse

The pressure wave that occurs as each heartbeat causes a surge in the blood circulating through the arteries.

quadrants

The way to describe the sections of the abdominal cavity. Imagine two lines intersecting at the umbilicus dividing the abdomen into four equal areas.

radial artery

The major artery in the forearm; it is palpable at the wrist on the thumb side.

radius

The bone on the thumb side of the forearm.

rectum

The lowermost end of the colon.

red blood cells

Cells that carry oxygen to the body's tissues; also called erythrocytes.

renal pelvis

A cone-shaped collecting area that connects the ureter and the kidney.

residual volume

The air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration.

respiration

The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.

respiratory system

All the structures of the body that contribute to the process of breathing, consisting of the upper and lower airways and their component parts.

reticular activating system

Located in the upper brain stem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically one's level of arousal.

retroperitoneal

Behind the abdominal cavity.

sacroiliac joint

The connection point between the pelvis and the vertebral column.

sacrum

One of three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make up the pelvic ring; consists of five fused sacral vertebrae.

sagittal (lateral) plane

An imaginary line where the body is cut into left and right parts.

salivary glands

The glands that produce saliva to keep the mouth and pharynx moist.

scalp

The thick skin covering the cranium, which usually bears hair.

scapula

The shoulder blade.

sebaceous glands

Glands that produce an oily substance called sebum, which discharges along the shafts of the hairs.

semen

Seminal fluid ejaculated from the penis and containing sperm.

seminal vesicles

Storage sacs for sperm and seminal fluid, which empty into the urethra at the prostate.

sensory nerves

The nerves that carry sensations of touch, taste, heat, cold, pain, and other modalities from the body to the central nervous system.

shock

A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to enable every body part to perform its function; also called hypoperfusion.

shoulder girdle

The proximal portion of the upper extremity, made up of the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus.

skeletal muscle

Muscle that is attached to bones and usually crosses at least one joint; striated, or voluntary, muscle.

skeleton

The framework that gives the body its recognizable form; also designed to allow motion of the body and protection of vital organs.

small intestine

The portion of the digestive tube between the stomach and the cecum, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

smooth muscle

Involuntary muscle; it constitutes the bulk of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity.

somatic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control.

sphincters

Muscles arranged in circles that are able to decrease the diameter of tubes. Examples are found within the rectum, bladder, and blood vessels.

sphygmomanometer

A device used to measure blood pressure.

spinal cord

An extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It lies inside of and is protected by the spinal canal.

sternum

The breastbone.

stratum corneal layer

The outermost or dead layer of the skin.

stroke volume (SV)

The volume of blood pumped forward with each ventricular contraction.

subcutaneous tissue

Tissue, largely fat, that lies directly under the dermis and serves as an insulator of the body

superficial

Closer to or on the skin.

superior

The part of the body or any body part nearer to the head.

superior vena cava

One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities, head, neck, and chest into the heart.

sweat glands

The glands that secrete sweat, located in the dermal layer of the skin.

symphysis

A type of joint that has grown together forming a very stable connection.

synovial fluid

The small amount of liquid within a joint used as lubrication.

synovial membrane

The lining of a joint that secretes synovial fluid into the joint space.

systemic circulation

systemic vascular resistance (SVR)

systole

The contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially that of the ventricles.

temporal regions

The lateral portions on each side of the cranium.

tendons

The fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

testicle

A male genital gland that contains specialized cells that produce hormones and sperm.

thoracic cage

The chest or rib cage.

thoracic cavity

The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels.

thoracic spine

The 12 vertebrae that lie between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. One pair of ribs is attached to each of the thoracic vertebrae.

thorax

The chest cavity that contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels.

thyroid cartilage

A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx; the Adam's apple.

tibia

The shin bone, the larger of the two bones of the lower leg.

tidal volume

The amount of air (in milliliters) that is moved in or out of the lungs during one breath.

topographic anatomy

The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them.

torso

The trunk without the head and limbs.

trachea

The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs.

transverse (axial) plane

An imaginary line where the body is cut into top and bottom parts.

triceps

The muscle in the back of the upper arm.

tunica media

The middle and thickest layer of tissue of a blood vessel wall, composed of elastic tissue and smooth muscle cells that allow the vessel to expand or contract in response to changes in blood pressure and tissue demand.

ulna

The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb.

ureter

A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

urethra

The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body.

urinary bladder

A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine

urinary system

The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine.

vagina

The outermost cavity of a woman's reproductive system; the lower part of the birth canal.

vasa deferentia

The spermatic duct of the testicles; also called vas deferens.

ventilation

Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT.

ventral

The anterior surface of the body.

ventral respiratory group (VRG)

A portion of the medulla oblongata that is responsible for modulating breathing during speech.

ventricle

One of two (right and left) lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium (upper chamber) and delivers blood to the aorta. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary artery.

vertebrae

The 33 bones that make up the spinal column.

voluntary muscle

Muscle that is under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.

white blood cells

Blood cells that have a role in the body's immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes.

xiphoid process

The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.

zygomas

The quadrangular bones of the cheek, articulating with the frontal bone, the maxillae, the zygomatic processes of the temporal bone, and the great wings of the sphenoid bone.