Ch. 1 & 4
In the hierarchy of biological organization, this sequence goes from the most complex level—the organism—to the simplest, the molecular level.
What is organism → system → organ → tissue → cellular → molecular?
This outermost epidermal layer contains the highest concentration of keratin, making it the primary barrier against abrasion and water loss.
What is the stratum corneum?
During skeletal muscle contraction, this region of the sarcomere expands as actin and myosin filaments slide past one another.
What is the zone of overlap?
This protective fluid circulating through the ventricles and subarachnoid space is actively produced by specialized ependymal cells within the choroid plexus.
What is cerebrospinal fluid?
Unlike other sensory pathways that relay through the thalamus first, this special sense projects directly to the cerebral cortex.
What is olfaction?
This branch of microscopic anatomy studies individual cells—just as examining a liver cell compares to studying the liver itself.
What is cytology?
Located just deep to the dermis, this layer of loose connective and adipose tissue helps stabilize the skin while allowing independent movement.
What is the subcutaneous layer?
This term describes the fixed attachment point of a muscle—the one that does not move when the muscle contracts.
What is the origin?
This major structural division of the brain includes the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain, and is essential for autonomic control of breathing and heart rate.
What is the brain stem?
Secreted by the thyroid’s C cells, this hormone lowers blood calcium levels by increasing calcium deposition in bone.
What is calcitonin?
In anatomical terminology, the chin holds this directional relationship to the nose.
What is inferior?
Irregularly shaped small bones found between the flat bones of the skull are known by this name.
What are sutural bones?
At this membrane potential, the chemical and electrical forces acting on Na⁺ are balanced, creating sodium’s equilibrium point.
What is +66 mV?
Located in the papillary layer of the dermis, these encapsulated mechanoreceptors are responsible for detecting light touch and low-frequency vibration.
What are tactile (Meissner) corpuscles?
The bending of incoming light rays—necessary to focus an image on the retina—occurs at these two optical structures of the eye.
What are the cornea and the lens?
These connective tissue cells specialize in storing energy in the form of fat droplets.
What are adipocytes?
These small, fluid-filled sacs act as cushions, reducing friction between tendons, ligaments, and surrounding tissues, especially at major joints.
What are bursae?
This membrane pump uses ATP to move Na⁺ and K⁺ ions in directions opposite their concentration gradients, restoring resting conditions after repeated activity.
What is the sodium–potassium ion exchange pump?
Damage to this brainstem structure would disrupt autonomic regulation of respiration, since it works with the medulla to fine-tune your breathing rhythm.
What is the pons?
Together, the anterior and posterior lobes of this endocrine gland produce or store a total of nine different hormones.
What is the pituitary gland?
These exocrine glands use a branched duct system rather than a single, unbranched duct and are best known for secreting fluid that helps begin digestion in the mouth.
What are salivary glands?
Although the sphenoid contains structures like the sella turcica and foramen ovale, it does not include this perforated structure associated with olfactory nerves.
What is the cribriform plate?
In the brachial plexus, these large bundles form when multiple spinal nerve roots merge before dividing into divisions and cords.
What are trunks?
Known for coordinating motor commands, this brain region makes rapid adjustments to maintain posture, balance, and smooth movement.
What is the cerebellum?
This outermost layer of the adrenal cortex secretes hormones that regulate electrolyte balance—most notably aldosterone, the body’s primary sodium-conserving hormone.
What are mineralocorticoids?