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234 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

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 woman

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 Gasps

Slow, 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 absence of oxygen, the principal 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 foward

Anterior

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

Aorta

The principal artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to 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 thhe 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 the two upper chamber of the heart

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily

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

In anatomy, a body part that appears on both sides of the midline

Bile Duct

The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine

Blood Pressure (BP)

The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes though them

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 judgement

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 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 that 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 through 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 spinel 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

Any portion of the airway that does contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi

Deep

Further inside the body and away from the skin

Dermis

The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve4 endings, and blood vessels

Diaphragm

A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the thorax, separating the chest from the abdominal cavity. Connection 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

Movement of a gas 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

Dorsalis Pedis Artery

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

Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG)

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

Endocrine System

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

Enzymes

Substances catalysts desugned to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin, which is made up of cells that are sealed together to form a watertight protective covering for the body

Epiglottis

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

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that has vital role in the function of the sympathetic nervous system

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 1200 mL

Extend

To straighten

Extension

The straightening of a joint

Fallopian Tubes

Long, slender tubes that extend from the uterus to the region of the ovary on the same side and through which the ovum passes from the ovary to the uterus

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 through out 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 the three bones that fuse to form the pelvic ring

Inferior

Below a body part or 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 (articulation)

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

The use of muscles of the chest, back, and abdomen to assist in expanding the chest; occurs when air movements is impaired

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 structure

Medulla Oblongata

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

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 part of the pharynx that lies above the level of the roof of the mouth, or palate

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

A tubular structure that extends vertically from the back of the mouth to the esophagus and trachea

Ovaries

Female glands that produces sex hormones and ova (eggs)

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

The circulation of oxygenated blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells current needs

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 parts 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 feet

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 respiration 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 and cartiliginous prominence found at the midline in the lowermost portion of the abdomen where the two halves of the pelvic ring are joined by the cartilage at a joint with minimal motion

Pubis

One of the 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 wave of pressure created as the heart contracts and forces blood out the left ventricle and into the major 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 inhaling and exhaling of air; the physiologic process that exchanges carbon dioxide for fresh air

Respiratory System

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

Reticular Activating System

Located in the upper brain stem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, especially 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 the 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

An abnormal state associated with inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the metabolic apparatus of the cell

Shoulder Girdle

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

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

Above a body part or 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

The portion of the circulatory system outside of the heart and lungs

Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

The resistance that blood must overcome to be able to move within the blood vessels. SVR is related to the amount of dilation or constriction in the blood vessel

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 lumber 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 large of the two bones of the lower leg

Tidal Volume

The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs in one relaxed breathe; about 500 mL for an adult

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 well, 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

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

A muscular distensible tube that connects the uterus with the vulva (the external female genitalia), also called the birth canal

Vasa Deferentia

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

Ventilation

The movement of air between the lungs and the environment

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 lower chambers of the heart

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

V/Q Ratio

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

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