WGU D312 Anatomy and Physiology 1 Detailed Exam 2026

WGU D312 Anatomy and Physiology 1 Detailed Exam 2026 Transverse plane - -Horizontal plane that divides the body into the top and bottom Coronal plane - -Vertical plane that divides the body into front and back sections Sagittal plane - -Plane that divides the body into left and right sections Cephalic - -Toward the head -same as superior for a human Caudal - -Toward the tail -same as inferior for a human Dorsal - -Toward the back - same as posterior for a human Ventral - -Toward the belly -same as anterior for a human Superior - -Above or toward the head Inferior - -Below or toward the feet Distal - -Farther from the trunk or origin Proximal - -Closer to the trunk or origin Superficial - -Toward or on the surface Deep or internal - -Away from the surface Anterior or ventral - -Toward the front or toward the belly Posterior or dorsal - -Toward the rear or toward the back Medial - -Toward the midline Lateral - -Toward the side Cephalic - -Head Orbital - -Eye WGU D312 WGU D312 WGU D312 Nasal - -Nose Buccal - -Cheek Oral - -Mouth Cervical - -Neck Brachial - -Arm Carpal - -Wrist Manual - -Hand Digital - -Finger or toe Crural - -Legs Coxal - -Hip Femoral - -Upper leg Pedal - -Feet Thoracic - -Below the neck and above the abdomen Abdominal - -Between the chest and the pelvis Pelvic - -Around the pelvis Inguinal - -Groin Dorsal - -Back Vertebral - -Along center line of back Lumbar - -Lower back Sacral - -Base of the spine Dorsal region - -Region of the body along the back. 2 major cavities - the cranial cavity and the vertebral canal (spinal cavity) Cranial cavity - -Contains the brain and is enclosed by the skull WGU D312 WGU D312 Vertebral canal - -Contains the spinal cord and is enclosed by the bones that compose the spinal column also known as the spinal cavity Ventral cavities - -Located in the front of the body and contain most of the internal organs. 3 major cavities - thoracic, abdominal and pelvic. Thoracic cavity - -Contains the lungs and heart and is enclosed by the rib cage. The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm Abdominal cavity - -Contains most of the digestive organs - stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines - and some of the urinary structures - the kidney and the ureters. The upper boundary is the diaphragm and the lower boundary is the brim of the pelvis (landmark of the pelvis bones) Pelvic cavity - -Contains the bladder, anus and reproductive organs and is enclosed by the pelvis Abdominopelvic cavity - -Since there is no anatomical division between the 2 cavities they are occasionally referred to as 1 region Homeostasis - -The dynamic physiological process that helps people maintain an internal environment suitable for normal function Feedback loop - -A system used to control the level of a variable in which there is an identifiable receptor (sensor) control center (integrator or comparator) effectors, and methods of communication Variables - -Parameters that are monitored and controlled or affected by the feedback system Receptors or sensors - -Detect changes in the variable Control centers or integrators - -Compare the variable in relation to a set point and signal the effectors to generate a response. These centers sometimes consider info other than just the level of variable in decision making, such as time of day, age, external conditions, etc. Effectors - -Execute the necessary changes to adjust the variable Methods of communication - -Components of the feedback loop that are necessary in order for it to function. This often occurs through nerves or hormones. In some cases the receptors and control centers are the same structures so there is no need for these signaling modes in that part of the loop WGU D312 WGU D312 Feedback cycle - -Any situation in which a variable is regulated and the level of the variable impacts the direction in which the variable changes (i.e. increases or decreases) even if there is not clearly identified loop components Stimulus - -Change in the environment Set point - -Ideal level of homeostasis Positive feedback loop - -Change in a given direction causes additional change in the same direction. An example is contractions during labor which amplify over time until the birth. Negative feedback loop - -Change in a given direction causes change in the opposite direction. An example is the way our body helps maintain normal body temperature. Pituitary gland - -Controls the release of hormones from many other endocrine glands Parathyroid hormone - -Secreted by the parathyroid gland when blood calcium is low. The hormone causes effector organs I.e. kidney and bones to respond. The kidneys prevent calcium from being excreted in the urine. Osteoclasts in bones break down bone tissue and release calcium. Organ system - -Integrated collection of organs in the body that work together to perform a function. Organ systems contribute to at least 1 of 4 vital functions of life. Four vital functions of life - -1) exchange with the environment 2) transport fluid and materials throughout the body 3) provide structure, support, protection and movement 4) regulate and control processes Exchange with environment - -To sustain life, body must take in oxygen and nutrients and release carbon dioxide and other wastes into the environment. The respiratory and digestive systems are the primary organ systems that provide these exchange functions. Fluid transport - -Distributes oxygen and nutrients to cells. It is the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems (made up of vessels) that provide this delivery. Urinary system also helps regulate the level of fluids in other systems as well as removes waste (also plays a role in exchange with environment) Structure, support, protection and movement - -These systems include integumentary system (skin is main organ), skeletal system and the muscular system Control and regulation - -Nervous and endocrine systems are main systems that provide communication and control among the body's organs and tissues. WGU D312 WGU D312 Digestive system - -Organs of digestive tract extend in a roughly superior to inferior direction from mouth to anus in the following order: mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anu