Chapter 1 Key Terms

Anabolism - metabolic building of simple compounds into more complex substances needed by
the body

Anatomic position – Standard position of the body for anatomic studies or designations, upright,
face front, arms at the side with palm forward, and feet parallel.

Anatomy – Study of body structure

Catabolism - metabolic breakdown of substances into simpler substances; includes digestion of

food and the oxidation of nutrient molecules for energy

Cell – Basic unit of life

Extracellular fluid – Fluid outside the cell

Homeostasis – State of balance within the body ; maintenance of body conditions within set
limits.

Intracellular fluid - Fluid inside the cell

Metabolism - the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain
life.

Negative feedback – Self-regulation system in which the results of an action reverses hat action;
a method for keeping body conditions within a normal range and maintaining homeostasis.

Organ – Body part containing two or more tissues functioning together for specific purposes

Physiology – Study of the function of living organisms

System – Group of organs functioning together for the same general purposes

Tissue – Group of similar cells that performs a specialized function