What are elements?
Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances
- Elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter.
What are atoms?
Small building blocks of matter that give each element its own physical and chemical properties
- Atoms are composed of subatomic particles.
What subatomic particles make up atoms?
Protons, neutrons, and electrons
- Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
Where are protons and neutrons found in an atom?
In the nucleus (center of an atom)
What determines the atomic mass of an element?
The total number of protons and neutrons
- The atomic mass is approx. = to total the number of protons and neutrons.
Where are electrons located in an atom?
In orbitals around the nucleus within an electron cloud/shell
- Electrons determine the chemical properties of an atom.
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What are valence electrons?
Electrons found in an atom’s outermost shell
- Valence electrons determine the chemical bonding properties of an atom.
What does the octet rule state?
8 electrons are needed to be present in an atom’s outer shell to be stable
- This rule applies to atoms with more than one shell.
What is ionization?
The process where an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, resulting in a charged particle (ion)
- Ionization can result in the formation of cations and anions.
What is the difference between cations and anions?
Cations are positive ions; anions are negative ions
- Cations form when atoms lose electrons, while anions form when atoms gain electrons.
What are electrolytes?
Electrically conducting mixtures formed when ions separate from salts in water
- In the body, electrolytes help transmit electrical signals.
- Electrolytes are crucial for homeostasis & cell function
- Electrolyte balance is one of the most important considerations in patient care.
- A severe electrolyte imbalance can impact muscle contractions, nerve impulses, & even cardiac functions.
What is equilibrium in the context of the body?
The state when the body keeps everything balanced and stable
- This includes temperature, water levels, and energy.
What is the anatomical position?
Body is straight, feet slightly apart (shoulder width), palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body
- This position serves as a reference point for anatomical terminology.
Anterior(ventral)
Toward the front of the body.
What is a sagittal plane?
An imaginary flat surface that divides the body or organs into left and right parts
transverse plane
Divides the body or its organs into upper (superior or proximal) and lower (inferior or distal) parts
* cuts the body horizontally, creating a upper and lower half
- Also known as a cross-section or horizontal plane.
Posterior (dorsal)
Toward the back of the body.
Superior
Toward the head or upper part of the body.
Inferior
Toward the lower part or away from the head.
Medial
Toward the middle or center of the body.
Lateral
Away from the middle or center of the body.
Median
The exact middle line of the body, dividing it into left and right halves.
Superficial
Closer to the surface of the body (like the skin).
Deep
Further away from the surface, closer to the internal organs or bones.
