Captain Caveman
The body cavity that contains many of the major organs for digestion and excretion. It is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
Abdomen
The depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
Acetabulum
The nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenal Glands
Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenalin (eg, adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
Adrenergic
The air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Alveoli
The position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with palms of the hands facing forward.
Anatomic Position
Metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
Aerobic Metabolism
A small tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Appendix
Portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of the blood vessels.
Alpha Adrenergic Receptors
The main artery that receives blood from the left ventricle and delivers it to all the other arteries that carry blood to the tissues of the body.
Aorta
The study of the physical structure of the body and its components.
Anatomy
The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
Anaerobic Metabolism
The large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.
Biceps
The part of the nervous system that controls the involuntary activities of the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion of food.
Autonomic Nervous System
The smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network of capillaries.
Arterioles
The portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
Appendicular Skeleton
Part of the skeleton comprising the skull, vertebral column, and the rib cage.
Axial Skeleton
The ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.
Bile Ducts
Extension of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the dendrites (receivers) of another neuron.
Axons
One of two upper chambers of the heart.
Atrium
A pearly white layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.
Articular Cartilage
Joints that allow internal and external rotation, as well as bending.
Ball and Socket Joints
The pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.
Blood Pressure
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.
Beta-Adrenergic Receptors