1
Q
abdomen
A
The body cavity that contains many of the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
2
Q
acetabulum
A
The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
3
Q
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
A
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
4
Q
adrenal glands
A
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
5
Q
adrenergic
A
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
6
Q
aerobic metabolism
A
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
7
Q
agonal gasps
A
Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
8
Q
alpha-adrenergic receptors
A
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
9
Q
alveoli
A
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
10
Q
anaerobic metabolism
A
Metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
11
Q
anatomic position
A
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
12
Q
anatomy
A
The study of the physical structure of the body and its components.
13
Q
aorta
A
The main artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.
14
Q
appendicular skeleton
A
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
15
Q
appendix
A
A small, tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
16
Q
arterioles
A
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
17
Q
articular cartilage
A
A pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.
18
Q
atrium
A
One of the two upper chambers of the heart.
19
Q
autonomic nervous system
A
The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily.
20
Q
axial skeleton
A
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
21
Q
axons
A
Extensions of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the dendrites (receivers) of another neuron.
22
Q
ball-and-socket joint
A
A joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.
23
Q
beta-adrenergic receptors
A
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.
24
Q
biceps
A
The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.
25
bile ducts
The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.
26
blood pressure (BP)
The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.
27
brachial artery
The major vessel in the upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm.
28
brain
The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgment.
29
brainstem
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.
30
calcaneus
The heel bone.
31
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.
32
cardiac muscle
The heart muscle.
33
cardiac output (CO)
A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.
34
carotid artery
The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.
35
carpals
Small bones that compose the wrist.
36
cartilage
The smooth connective tissue that forms the support structure of the skeletal system and provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portions of the outer ear.
37
cecum
The first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.
38
cellular metabolism
A set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy; includes both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism.
39
central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord.
40
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.
41
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges.
42
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.
43
cervical spine
The portion of the vertebral column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.
44
chordae tendineae
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.
45
chyme
The substance that leaves the stomach; a combination of eaten foods with added stomach acids.
46
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.
47
clavicle
The collarbone; lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.
48
coccyx
The last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone.
49
coronal (frontal) plane
An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts.
50
coxae
The hip bones (singular: coxa).
51
cranium
The part of the skull that encloses the brain and is composed of eight bones.
52
cricoid cartilage
A firm ridge of cartilage that forms the lower part of the larynx.
53
cricothyroid membrane
A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.
54
dead space
Any portion of the airway that does contain air and cannot participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi.
55
dermis
The inner layer of the skin, containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.
56
diaphragm
A muscular dome that forms the undersurface of the thorax. Contraction (with chest wall muscles) brings air into the lungs; relaxation allows air to be expelled.
57
diastole
The relaxation, or period of relaxation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles.
58
diffusion
Movement of a gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
59
digestion
The processing of food that nourishes the individual cells of the body.
60
dorsalis pedis artery
The artery on the anterior surface of the foot between the first and second metatarsals.
61
endocrine system
The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.
62
enzymes
Substances designed to speed up the rate of specific biochemical reactions.
63
epidermis
The outer layer of skin, sealed cells forming a watertight protective covering.
64
epiglottis
A thin, leaf-shaped valve that allows air to pass into the trachea but prevents food and liquid from entering.
65
epinephrine
A body-produced substance (adrenaline) and drug that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; drug of choice for anaphylaxis.
66
esophagus
A collapsible tube from the pharynx to the stomach; muscle contractions propel food and liquids through it.
67
expiratory reserve volume
Amount of air that can be exhaled following a normal exhalation; ~1,200 mL in the average adult man.
68
extension
The straightening of a joint.
69
fallopian tubes
Tubes connecting each ovary with the uterus; primary site of fertilization.
70
femoral artery
Major artery of the thigh; supplies lower abdominal wall, external genitalia, and legs; palpable in the groin.
71
femoral head
Proximal end of the femur that articulates with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.
72
femur
The thighbone; longest and one of the strongest bones.
73
fibula
Smaller, lateral lower-leg bone.
74
flexion
The bending of a joint.
75
foramen magnum
Large opening at the skull base where the brain connects to the spinal cord.
76
frontal bones
The cranial bones forming the forehead.
77
gallbladder
Sac beneath the liver that stores bile and discharges it into the duodenum via the common bile duct.
78
genital system
The reproductive system in men and women.
79
germinal layer
Deepest epidermal layer where new skin cells are formed.
80
greater trochanter
Bony prominence on the proximal lateral thigh, just below the hip joint.
81
hair follicles
Small organs that produce hair.
82
heart
Hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
83
heart rate (HR)
Number of heartbeats per minute.
84
hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
85
hinge joints
Joints that bend/straighten but don’t rotate; motion limited to one plane.
86
hormones
Substances from specialized glands that regulate many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and temperature.
87
humerus
Upper-arm bone.
88
hydrostatic pressure
Pressure of water against the walls of its container.
89
hypercapnia
Abnormally high carbon dioxide level in the blood; hypercarbia
90
hypoperfusion (shock)
Circulatory failure to maintain normal cellular function.
91
hypoxia
Deficient oxygen concentration in tissues.
92
hypoxic drive
“Backup system” for respiration responding to low blood oxygen.
93
ilium
One of three bones that form the pelvic ring.
94
inferior vena cava
One of the two largest veins; returns blood from lower body to the heart.
95
inspiratory reserve volume
Additional air inhaled after a normal breath.
96
interstitial space
Space between cells.
97
intervertebral disks
Tough, elastic pads between vertebrae acting as shock absorbers.
98
intracellular space
Space within a cell or cells.
99
involuntary muscle
Muscle not under conscious control.
100
ischium
One of three bones forming the pelvic ring.
101
joint
Place where two bones meet; articulation.
102
joint capsule
Fibrous sac enclosing a joint
103
kidneys
Retroperitoneal organs that excrete metabolic end-products as urine and regulate salt/water balance.
104
labored breathing
Use of chest/back/abdominal muscles to expand chest when airflow is impaired.
105
lactic acid
By-product of glucose breakdown during anaerobic metabolism.
106
large intestine
Cecum, colon, and rectum; regulates water balance and eliminates solid waste.
107
lesser trochanter
Medial/superior projection on the femur.
108
ligaments
Fibrous bands connecting bone to bone; support/strengthen joints.
109
liver
RUQ solid organ; produces bile, stores glucose, and produces many immune-regulating substances.
110
lumbar spine
Lower back formed by five nonfused vertebrae.
111
lymph
Straw-colored fluid carrying oxygen, nutrients, hormones to cells and removing wastes.
112
lymph nodes
Tiny oval structures along lymph vessels that filter lymph.
113
malleolus
Rounded bony prominence on either side of the ankle
114
mandible
Lower-jaw bone.
115
manubrium
Upper quarter of the sternum.
116
maxillae
Upper jawbones forming the orbit, nasal cavity, and palate; hold upper teeth.
117
medulla oblongata
Brainstem tissue continuous with spinal cord; coordinates vital functions.
118
metacarpals
Hand bones between carpals and phalanges.
119
metatarsals
Foot bones between tarsals and phalanges.
120
midbrain
Brain region helping regulate consciousness.
121
midsagittal (midline) plane
Midline dividing body into equal left/right halves.
122
minute volume (minute ventilation)
Tidal volume × respiratory rate.
123
motor nerves
Nerves carrying commands from CNS to muscles.
124
mucous membranes
Linings of body cavities/passages communicating with the outside.
125
mucus
Watery secretion that lubricates body openings.
126
musculoskeletal system
Bones and voluntary muscles of the body
127
myocardium
Heart muscle.
128
nasopharynx
Upper part of the pharynx above the palate.
129
neurons
Nerve cells; functional units of the nervous system.
130
norepinephrine
Neurotransmitter/drug that causes vasoconstriction; used in shock.
131
occipital bone
Most posterior cranial bone.
132
oncotic pressure
Water movement (typically into capillaries) due to plasma proteins.
133
orbit
Eye socket formed by maxilla and zygoma.
134
oropharynx
Vertical passage from back of mouth to esophagus and trachea.
135
ovaries
Primary female reproductive organs producing ova.
136
pancreas
Flat organ below liver/stomach; source of digestive enzymes and insulin.
137
parasympathetic nervous system
Autonomic subdivision mediated largely by the vagus nerve and acetylcholine.
138
parietal bones
Bones between temporal and occipital regions.
139
patella
Kneecap within the quadriceps tendon.
140
pathophysiology
Study of how disease affects normal physiology.
141
pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle)
Clavicles + scapulae attaching arms to axial skeleton.
142
pelvic girdle
Structure connecting legs to axial skeleton.
143
perfusion
Adequate circulation of oxygenated blood to tissues.
144
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
31 spinal nerve pairs + 12 cranial nerve pairs; sensory, motor, or connecting.
145
peristalsis
Wavelike smooth-muscle contraction propelling contents.
146
phalanges
Finger and toe bones.
147
physiology
Study of normal functions of living organisms and parts.
148
plasma
Sticky, yellow fluid carrying blood cells/nutrients and transporting wastes.
149
platelets
Tiny discs essential to initial blood-clot formation.
150
pleura
Serous membranes covering lungs and lining thorax.
151
Pleural space
Potential space between parietal and visceral pleura.
152
pons
Brainstem structure with sleep/respiration centers.
153
posterior tibial artery
Artery behind the medial malleolus to the foot.
154
prostate gland
Gland around male urethra near bladder; contributes to ejaculatory fluid.
155
pubic symphysis
Midline cartilaginous joint joining the pelvic halves.
156
pubis
One of the three pelvic bones.
157
pulmonary artery
Vessel from right ventricle to lungs; carries oxygen-poor blood.
158
pulmonary circulation
Flow from right ventricle through lungs and back to left atrium.
159
pulmonary veins
Four veins returning oxygenated blood to the left atrium.
160
pulse
Pressure wave from ventricular contraction.
161
radial artery
Forearm artery palpable at the wrist (thumb side)
162
radius
Lateral forearm bone (thumb side).
163
red blood cells (erythrocytes)
Cells that carry oxygen to tissues.
164
renal pelvis
Cone-shaped urine collector in kidney leading to ureter.
165
residual volume
Air remaining in lungs after maximal expiration.
166
respiration
Inhaling/exhaling; physiologic gas-exchange process.
167
respiratory compromise
Inability of the body to move gas effectively.
168
respiratory system
All structures involved in breathing.
169
reticular activating system (RAS)
Upper brainstem arousal/ consciousness center.
170
retroperitoneal
Behind the abdominal cavity.
171
sacroiliac joint
Joint between pelvis and vertebral column.
172
sacrum
Five fused sacral vertebrae forming part of pelvic ring.
173
sagittal (lateral) plane
Body divided into left and right parts.
174
salivary glands
Saliva-producing glands
175
scapula
Shoulder blade.
176
sebaceous glands
Oil-producing skin glands.
177
seminal vesicles
Sacs storing sperm/seminal fluid that empty into the urethra.
178
sensory nerves
Nerves carrying sensations to the CNS.
179
shock (hypoperfusion)
Circulatory failure to maintain cellular function.
180
skeletal muscle
Striated, voluntary muscle attached to bones.
181
skeletal system
Framework of bones/connective tissues supporting and protecting body.
182
small intestine
Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum between stomach and cecum.
183
smooth muscle
Involuntary muscle regulating automatic activity.
184
somatic nervous system
Voluntary-control nervous system.
185
sphincters
Circular muscles that decrease tube diameter (rectum, bladder, vessels).
186
sphygmomanometer
Device used to measure blood pressure.
187
spinal cord
Extension of the brain carrying messages, protected by spinal canal.
188
sternum
Breast bone.
189
stratum corneum
Outermost dead skin layer.
190
stroke volume (SV)
Blood volume pumped per ventricular contraction.
191
subcutaneous tissue
Fatty tissue under dermis acting as an insulator.
192
superior vena cava
Large vein returning blood from upper body to heart.
193
sympathetic nervous system
Autonomic division for fight-or-flight
194
symphyses
Very stable joints grown together.
195
synovial fluid
Lubricating joint fluid.
196
synovial membrane
Joint lining that secretes synovial fluid.
197
systemic circulation
Circulation outside heart and lungs.
198
systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
Resistance blood must overcome within vessels.
199
systole
Cardiac contraction phase.
200
tarsals
Bones between tibia/fibula and metatarsals.
201
tendons
Fibrous connective tissue attaching muscle to bone.
202
testicle
Male genital gland producing hormones and sperm.
203
thoracic cage
Chest/rib cage.
204
thoracic spine
12 vertebrae between cervical and lumbar spine; each with rib pair.
205
thorax
Chest cavity with heart, lungs, esophagus, great vessels.
206
thyroid cartilage
Upper laryngeal prominence; Adam’s apple.
207
tibia
Shinbone; larger lower-leg bone.
208
tidal volume
Air moved in/out in one relaxed breath (~500 mL in adults).
209
topographic anatomy
The superficial landmarks of the body that serve as guides to the structures that lie beneath them.
210
trachea
The windpipe; the main trunk for air passing to and from the lungs.
211
transverse (axial) plane
An imaginary line where the body is divided into top and bottom parts.
212
tunica media
The middle and thickest layer 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.
213
ulna
The inner bone of the forearm, on the side opposite the thumb.
214
umbilicus
The navel; also called the belly button.
215
ureter
A small, hollow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
216
urethra
The canal that conveys urine from the bladder to outside the body.
217
urinary bladder
A sac behind the pubic symphysis made of smooth muscle that collects and stores urine.
218
urinary system
The organs that control the discharge of certain waste materials filtered from the blood and excreted as urine.
219
vagina
The outermost cavity of a woman’s reproductive tract; the lower part of the birth canal.
220
ventilation
The movement of air between the lungs and the environment.
221
ventricle
One of two lower chambers of the heart.
222
voluntary muscle
Muscle under direct voluntary control of the brain that can be contracted or relaxed at will; skeletal, or striated, muscle.
223
V/Q ratio
A measurement that compares how much gas is being moved effectively to how much blood is flowing around the alveoli where gas exchange (perfusion) occurs.
224
white blood cells
Blood cells that have a role in the body’s immune defense mechanisms against infection; also called leukocytes.
225
xiphoid process
The narrow, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.
226
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.
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