Abductor

A muscle that separates the fingers and toes

Abductor digiti minimi

A muscle that separates the toes

Abductor hallucis

A muscle of the foot that moves the great toe and helps maintain balance while walking and standing

Adductor

The muscle at the base of each finger that draws the fingers together

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

A chemical energy used within cells for metabolism

Adipose tissue

The technical term for fat, it gives smoothness and contour to the body

Adrenal glands

Glands that control metabolic processes of the body, including fight or flight response

Anabolism

Constructive metabolism, the process of combining smaller molecules to build larger and more complex molecules

Anatomy

The study of the human body structure that can be seen with the naked eye as well as what the body is made up of, the science of the structure of organisms or of their parts

Anterior tibial artery

Supplies blood to the lower leg muscles and to the muscles and skin on the top of the foot and adjacent sides of the first and second toes. This artery goes to the foot and becomes the dorsalis pedis artery

Aorta

The largest artery in the body. The arterial trunk that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries throughout the body

Atrium

One of the two upper chambers of the heart, through which blood is pumped to the ventricles

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that controls the involuntary muscles and regulates the action of the smooth muscles, glands, blood vessels, and heart

Belly

The front part of the human trunk below the ribs, containing the stomach and bowels

Bicep

The muscle producing the contour of the front and inner side of the upper arm. It lifts the forearm and flexes the elbow

Blood

Nutritive fluid circulating through the circulatory system (heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries) to supply oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues and to remove carbon dioxide and waste from them

Blood vascular system

Group of structures (heart, veins, arteries and capillaries) that distributes blood throughout the body

Body system

A group of bodily organs acting together to perform one or more functions. The human body is composed of 11 major systems

Brain

Part of the centeral nervous system contained in the cranium, the largest and most complex nerve tissue, controls sensation, muscles, gland activity, and the power to think and feel emotions

Capillary

A tiny, thin-walled blood vessel that connects the smaller arteries to the veins

Cardiac muscle

The involuntary muscle that is the heart. This type of muscle is not found in any other part of the body

Carpus

The wrist, a flexible joint composed of a group of eight small, irregular bones held together by ligaments

Catabolism

The phase of metabolism in which larger, more complex molecules are broken down within the cells to create smaller, simpler molecules

Cell membrane

The cell part that encloses and holds the protoplasm while still allowing soluble substance (nutrients or waste by products) to enter and leave the cell

Cell

The basic unit of all living things from bacterial to plants and animals and including human beings, a minute mass of protoplasm capable of performing all the fundamental functions of life

Central nervous system (CNS)

Consists of the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and cranial nerves

Circulatory system

also known as cardiovascular system or vascular system, the system that controls the steady circulation of the blood through the body by means of the heart and blood vessels

Common peroneal nerve

A division of sciatic nerve that extends from behind the knee to wind around the head of the fibula to the front of the leg, where it divides into two branches

Connective tissue

Fibrous tissue that binds together, protects, and supports, various, parts of the body. Examples include bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, fascia and fat (adipose tissue)

Cytoplasm

The part of the protoplasm that exists outside of the nucleus and is needed for growth, reproduction and self-repair

Deep peroneal nerve

Also known as the anterior tibial nerve, extends down the front of the leg, behind the muscles. It supplies impulses to these muscles and also to the muscle and skin on the top of the foot and adjacent sides of the first and second toe

Deltoid

A large, triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint that allows the arm to extend outwards and to the side of the body

Dendrites

Treelike branches of nerve fibers extending from a nerve cell, short nerve fibers that carry impulses toward the cell and receive impulses from other neurons

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

An acid that determines our genetic makeup

Diaphragm

The muscular wall that separates the thorax from the abdominal region and helps control breathing

Digestive enzymes

A chemical that changes certain types of food into a form that can be used by the body

Digestive system

The mouth, stomach, intestine and salivary glands and gastric glands that change food into nutrients and wastes. Also known as the gastrointestinal system

Dorsal nerve

ALso

Dosalis pedis artery

Supplies the foot with blood

Endocrine glands

Organs (such as thyroid or pituitary glands) also known as ductless glands, that release hormonal secretions directly into the bloodstream

Endocrine system

A group or specialized glands that affect the growth, development, sexual activities, and health of the entire body

Epithelial tissue

A protective covering on body surfaces, such as the skin, mucous membrane, the tissue inside the mouth, lining of the heart, digestive and respiratory organs and glands

Excretory system

A group of organs including the kidneys, liver, skin, large intestine, and lungs which purify the body by eliminating waste matter

Exhalation

The act of breathing outward, expelling carbon dioxide from the lungs

Exocrine glands

Also known as duct glands, organs that produce a substance that travels through small tubelike ducts, such as sudoriferous (sweat) glands and the sebaceous (oil) glands

Extensor

A muscle that straightens the wrist, hand and fingers to form a straight line

Extensor digitorum longus

A muscle that bends the foot up and extends the toes

Femur

A heavy, long bone that forms the leg above the knee

Fibula

The smaller of the two bones that form the leg below the knee. The fibula may be visualized as a bump on the little toe side of the ankle

Flexor

An extensor muscle of the wrist involved in flexing the wrist

Flexor digiti minimi

A muscle of the foot that moves the little toe

Flexor digitorum brevis

A muscle of the foot that moves the lesser toes and helps maintain balance while walking and standing

Gastrocnemius

The muscle that is attached to the lower rear surface of the heel and pulls the foot down

Gland

A specialized organ that removes certain constituents from the blood to convert them into new substances

Heart

A muscular, cone shaped organ that keeps blood moving within the circulatory system

Hemoglobin

The coloring matter of the blood, an iron containing protein that temperately binds with oxygen

Histology

Also known as microscopic anatomy, the study of tiny structures found in tissues

Hormone

A secretion, such as insulin, adrenaline, and estrogen, produced by one of the endocrine glands and carried by the bloodstream or body fluid to another part of the body to stimulate a specific activity

Humerus

The uppermost and largest bone in the arm, extending from the elbow to the shoulder

Inhalation

The breathing in of air

Insertion

The point of attachment in a muscle where movement occurs

Integumentary system

The skin and its accessory organs, such as the oil and sweat glands, sensory receptors, hair and nails

Interstitial fluids

Blood plasma found in the spaces between tissues

Joint

A connection between two or more bones of the skeleton

Latissimus dorsi

The large, flat, triangular muscle covering the lower back

Lungs

An organ of respiration ( the body has a pair of lungs) spongy tissues composed of microscopic cells in which inhaled air is exchanged for carbon dioxide during one breathing cycle

Lymph

A clear fluid that circulates in the lymph spaces (lymphatics) of the body, carries waste and impurities away from the cells

Lymph capillaries

Blind end tubes that are origin of lymphatic vessels

Lymph nodes

Special structures found inside the lymphatic vessels that filter lymph

Lymph vascular system

Acts as an aid to the blood system and consists of the lymph spaces, lymphatic's (lymph vessels), lymph nodes and other structures

Lymphatic/immune system

Body system made up of lymph, lymph nodes, the thymus gland, the spleen, and lymph vessels. Protects the body from disease by developing immunities and destroying disease causing microorganisms as well as draining the tissue spaces of excess interstitial fluids to the blood. It carries waste and impurities away from the cells

Median nerve

The nerve, with its branches, that supplies the arm and hand

Metabolism

A chemical process that takes place in living organisms through which the cells are nourished and carry out their activities

Metacarpus

Bones of the palm of the hand, parts of the hand containing five bones between the carpus and phalanges

Metatarsal

One of three subdivisions of the foot comprising five bones, which are long and slender, like the metacarpal bones of the hand that helps make up the foot, The other two subdivisions are the tarsal and phalanges. All three subdivisions comprise 26 bones

Mitochondria

Organelles That take in nutrients, break them down and create energy for the cell

Mitosis

A reproduction process for human tissues in which the cell divides into two identical cells

Mitral valve

Also referred to as the bicuspid valve, the valve that separates the two chambers on the left side of the heart. The valve permits blood to fall from the left atrium into the ventricle when the atrium contracts. When the atrium relaxes, the valve closes to prevent the blood from backing up into the atrium and from there, into the lungs

Motor nerve

Also known as efferent nerve, a nerve that carries impulses from the brain to the muscles

Muscular system

A body system that covers, shapes, and supports the skeleton tissue, contracts and moves various parts of the body

Myology

The study of the nature, structure, function and disease of the muscles

Nerve

A whitish cord made up of bundles of nerve fibers held together by connective tissue through which impulses are transmitted

Nerve tissue

Tissue that carries messages to and from the brain and controls and coordinates all body functions

Nervous system

The body system composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, controls and coordinates all other systems inside and outside of the body and makes them work harmoniously and efficiently

Neurology

The science of the structure, function and pathology of the nervous system

Neuron

A nerve cell, the primary structural unit of the nervous system, consisting of the cell body, nucleus, dendrites and axon

Nonstriated muscle

Also known as smooth muscle, is involuntary and functions automatically without conscious will. These muscles are found in the internal organs of the body, such as the digestive and respiratory system

Nucleoplasm

A fluid found within the nucleus of the cell that contains proteins and DNA

Nucleus

The dense, active protoplasm found in the center of the cell that plays an important part in cell reproduction and metabolism

Onycholysis

A medical condition caused by physical separation of the nail plate from the nail bed

Organ

In plants and animals, a structure composed of specialized tissue that allows it to perform specific functions

Organelle

Small organ

Origin

The part of the muscle that does not move, it is attached to the skeleton and usually part of the skeletal muscle

Osteoarthritis

A joint disease

Osteology

The study of anatomy, structure and functions of bones

Ovary

Female gland that functions in sexual reproduction as well as determining female sexual characteristics

Pancreas

An organ that secretes enzyme producing cells responsible for digesting carbohydrates, proteins and fats

Parathyroid gland

Regulates blood calcium and phosphorus levels so that the nervous and muscular system can function properly

Patella

Also known as the accessory bone, forms the kneecap joint

Pectoralis major

Muscles of the chest that assist the swinging movements of the arm

Pectoralis minor

Muscles of the chest that assist the swinging movements of the arm

Pericardium

A double layered membranous sac enclosing the heart

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The system of nerves that connects the peripheral (outer) part of the body to the central nervous system, it has both sensory and motor nerves

Peroneus brevis

A muscle that originates on the lower surface of the fibula. It bends the foot down and out

Peroneus longus

A muscle that covers the outer side of the calf and inverts the foot and turns it outward

Phalange

Also known as digit, bone of the fingers and toes

pituitary gland

A gland of the endocrine system that affects almost every physiologic process of body growth, blood pressure, contractions during childbirth, breast milk production, sex organ functions in both men and women, thyroid gland function and the conversion of food into energy (metabolism)

Plasma

The fluid part of the blood that carries food and other useful substances to the cells

Platelet

A blood cell that aids in the forming of clots

Popliteal artery

Divides into two separate arteries known as the anterior tibial and the posterior tibial arteries. The anterior tibial artery goes to the foot and becomes the dorsalis pedis. Which supplies the foot with blood. The posterior tibial artery supplies blood to the ankles and the back of the lower leg

Posterior tibial artery

Supplies blood to the ankles and the back of the lower leg

Pronator

The muscle that turns the hand inward so that the palm faces downwards

Protoplasm

A colorless, jellylike substance found inside cells, in which food elements such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, mineral salts and water are present

Pulmonary circulation

Blood circulation moves from the heart to the lungs to be purified, then returns to the heart again

Radial artery

The artery that supplies blood to the thumb side of the arm and the back of the hand, supplies the muscles of the skin, hands, fingers, wrists, elbows and forearms

Radial nerve

With its branches, supplies the thumb side of the arm and back of the hand

Radius

The smaller bone in the forearm (lower arm) on the same side as the thumb

Red blood cell

A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body cells and transports carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs

Reflex

An automatic reaction to a stimulus that involves the movement of an impulse from a sensory receptor along the sensory nerve to the spinal cord. A responsive impulse is sent along a motor neuron to a muscle, causing a reaction (quick removal of the hand from a hot object) reflexes do not have to be learned, they are automatic

Reproductive system

The body system responsible for processes by which plants and animals produce offspring

Respiration

The act of breathing, the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the lungs and within each cell

Respiratory system

The body system consisting of the lungs and air passages, enables breathing, supplying the body with oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide as a waste product

Saphenous nerve

Supplies impulses to the skin of the inners side of the leg and foot

Sensory nerve

Also known as an afferent nerve a nerve that carries impulses or messages from the sense organs to the brain, where sensations of touch, cold, heat, sight, hearing, taste, smell, pain and pressure are experienced

Serratus anterior

A muscle of the chest that assists in breathing and in raising the arm

Skeletal system

The physical foundation of the body comprising 206 bones that vary in size and shape that are connected by moveable and immovable joints

Soleus

A muscle that originates at the upper portion of the fibula and bends the foot down

Spinal cord

The portion of the central nervous system that originates in the brain, extends down to the lower extremity of the trunk and is protected by the spinal column

Striated muscle

Also known as a skeletal muscle, this is a muscle that is voluntarily or consciously controlled

Superficial peroneal nerve

Also known as the musculocutaneous nerve, extends down the leg just under the skin, supplying impulses to the muscles and the skin of the leg as well as to the toes and skin on the top of the foot

Supinator

The muscle of the forearm that rotates the radius outward and the palm upward

Sural nerve

Supplies impulses to the skin on the outer side and back of the foot and leg

Systemic circulation

Also known as general circulation, the circulation of blood from the heart throughout the body and back again to the heart

Talus

Also known as the ankle bone of the foot, one of three bones (along with the tibia and fibula) that make up the ankle joint

Tarsal

One of three subdivision of the foot comprising seven bones (talus, calcaneus, navicular, three cuneiform bones and cuboid) The other two subdivisions are metatarsal and the phalanges. All three subdivisions comprise of 26 bones

Testes

The male glands that function in sexual reproduction as well as determining male sexual characteristics

Thorax

The chest, the elastic bony cage that serves as a protective framework for the heart, lungs and other internal organs

Thyroid gland

Controls how quickly the body burns energy (metabolism) makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body should be too other hormones

Tibia

The larger of the two bones that form the leg below the knee. The tibia may be visualized as a bump on the big toe side of the ankle

Tibial nerve

A division of sciatic nerve that passes behind the knee. It subdivides and supplies impulses to the knee, the muscle of the calf, skin of the leg and the sole, heel and underside of toe

Tibialis anterior

A muscle that covers the front of the shin. It bends the foot upward and inward

Tissue

A collection of similia cells that perform a specialized function

Trapezius

The muscle that covers the back of the neck and the upper and middle region of the back, rotates and controls swinging movements of the arm

Triceps

The large muscle that covers the entire back of the upper arm and extends the forearm

Tricuspid valve

The heart valve that prevents backflow between the right atrium and right ventricle

Ulna

The inner and larger bone of the forearm (lower arm) it is attached to the wrist and located on the side of the little finger

Ulnar artery

The artery that supplies blood to the muscle of the little finger side of the arm and palm of the hand

Valve

A structure that temporarily closes a passage or permits blood flow in one direction only

Vein

A thin-walled blood vessel that is less elastic than an artery, a vein contains cuplike valves to prevent backflow and carries blood containing waste products from the capillaries back to the heart and lungs for cleaning and to pick up oxygen

Ventricle

One of the two lower chambers of the heart

White blood cell

Also known as leukocytes, a blood cell that performs the function of destroying disease-causing microorganisms