Openstax Anatomy and Physiology: Chapter 1 Key Terms

abdominopelvic cavity - Answer - division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the abdominal and pelvic viscera anabolism - Answer - assembly of more complex molecules from simpler molecules anatoical position - Answer - standard reference position used for describing locations and directions on the human body anatomy - Answer - science that studies the form and composition of the body's structures anterior - Answer - describes the front or direction toward the front of the body; also referred to as the ventral anterior cavity - Answer - larger body cavity located anterior to the posterior (dorsal) body cavity; includes the serous membrane-lined pleural cavities for the lungs, pericardial cavity for the heart, and peritoneal cavity for the abdominal and pelvic organs; also referred to as ventral cavity catabolism - Answer - breaking down of more complex molecules into simpler molecules caudal - Answer - describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column); also referred to as inferior cell - Answer - smallest independently functioning unit of all organisms; in animals, a cell contains cytoplasm, composed of fluid and organelles computed tomography (CT) - Answer - medical imaging technique in which a computer-enhanced cross-sectional X-ray image is obtained control center - Answer - compares values to their normal range; deviations cause the activation of an effector cranial - Answer - describes a position above or higher than part of the body proper; also referred to as superior cranial cavity - Answer - division of the posterior (dorsal) cavity that houses the brain deep - Answer - describes a po