Anatomy Bowl Prep Intro Structure & Function of the Body by Lisa Sappenfield

Know and understand these terms.

Atoms The smallest particle of a pure substance that still

has the chemical properties of that substance; composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons

Molecules Particle of mater composed of one of more

smaller units called atoms Cell

The basic biological and structural unit of the body consisting of a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm and enclosed by a membrane

Tissue A group of similar cells that perform a common function

Organ Group of special tissues that performs a special function

Systems A group of organs arranged so that the group can

perform a more complex function than any one organ can perform alone

Body Unified and complex assembly of structurally and

functionally interactive components

Supine & Prone Supine means that the body is facing upward Prone means that the body is facing downward

Superior & Inferior Superior means towards the head Inferior means below or towards the feet

Anterior & Posterior Anterior means front or in front of Posterior means back or in the back of

Medial & Lateral Medial means towards the midline of the body Lateral means away from the midline of the

body Proximal & Distal

Proximal means closest to the trunk of the body Distal means farthest away from the trunk of

the body Superficial & Deep

Superficial means nearer to the surface Deep means farther away from the surface

Sagittal plane Lengthwise plane that divides a structure into right

and left sections Midsagittal plane

Sagittal plane that divides the body into two equal halves

Frontal plane Lengthwise plane that divides a structure into an

anterior and posterior section Transverse plane

Horizontal plane that divides a structure into upper and lower sections

Ventral cavity Thoracic▪ Mediastinum▪ midportion of thoracic cavity; heart, trachea located here

▪ Pleural cavities▪ right and left lungs located here

Abdominopelvic cavity▪ Abdominal cavity contains stomach, small intestine, liver,

gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and most of the large intestine▪ Pelvic cavity contains reproductive organs, urinary bladder,

and the remaining large intestine including the rectum Dorsal cavity

Cranial cavity contains brain Spinal cavity contains spinal cord

Homeostasis Maintaining internal stability Survival depends on homeostasis

Feedback Loops Positive-stimulatory▪ Example: Increasingly rapid sticking together of blood

cells called platelets to form a plug that brings formation of a blood clot. (The process increases rapidly until the positive feedback loop is stopped by formation of a clot)

Negative-oppose or negate a change in the controlled condition▪ Example: excretion of larger than usual volumes of urine

when the volume of fluid in the body is greater than the normal, ideal amount.