Abdomen - Answers The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion and excretion. It is
located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
Acetabulum - Answers The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in
which the femoral head fits snugly.
Adam's Apple - Answers A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx. It is.
more prominent in men than in women. Also called the thyroid cartilage.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) - Answers The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store
energy.
Adrenal Glands - Answers Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when
stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenergic - Answers Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or
noradrenaline (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response); also pertains to the receptors acted on
by norepinephrine.
Aerobic Metabolism - Answers Metabolism that can proceed only int he presence of oxygen.
Agonal Gasps - Answers Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow, gasping breaths, sometimes
seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
Alpha-Adrenergic Receptors - Answers Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause
constriction of blood vessels.
Alveoli - Answers The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes
place.
Anaerobic Metabolism - Answers The matabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main
by-product is lactic acid.
Anatomical Position - Answers The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward,
arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
Aorta - Answers The main artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood
to the body.
Appendicular Skeleton - Answers The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs,
pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
Appendix - Answers A small, tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum tin the
lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
, Arterioles - Answers The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
Articular Cartilage - Answers A pearly layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces
(contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in the synovial joints.
Atrium - Answers One of the two upper chambers of the heart.
Autonomic Nervous System - Answers The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as
digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily.
Axial Skeleton - Answers The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, spinal column, and rib cage.
Ball-and-Socket Joint - Answers A join that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.
Beta-Adrenergic Receptors - Answers 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 - Answers The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.
Bile Ducts - Answers The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intenstine.
Blood Pressure (BP) - Answers The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it
passes through them.
Brachial Artery - Answers The major vessel int he upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm.
Brain - Answers 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 - Answers The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerabrum, surrounded by the
cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration.
Capillary Vessels - Answers The tiny blood vessels between the arterioles and venules that permit
transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and wasted between body tissues and the blood.
Cardiac Muscle - Answers The heart muscle.
Cardiac Output (CO) - Answers A measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute,
calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.
Carotid Artery - Answers The major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.
Cartilage - Answers 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.
Cecum - Answers The first part of the large intenstine, into which the ileum opens.