Anatomie et Physiologie Humaines

Introduction

• Anatomy studies the form and structure of organisms and their organ relationships.
• Physiology studies the functions of living organisms.
• Function depends on form in an organism.
• The human body is a complex assembly of atoms and molecules organised on several levels.

Chemical Level

• Atoms are the smallest building blocks of matter.
• Common atoms in the human body include oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Molecular Level

• A molecule is a neutral entity composed of more than one atom.
• Chemical assembly represents the smallest unit of matter.

Cellular Level

• A cell is the smallest living unit capable of carrying out life processes.

• Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not.

• All cells have a common structure including cytoplasm and plasma membrane.

• The plasma membrane surrounds the cell, protects it, and facilitates exchanges with the external environment.

• The nucleus is the control center of the cell containing genetic information.

• Mitochondria provide energy to the cell.

• The Golgi apparatus is involved in secretion.

• Lysosomes break down cellular substances.

Tissue Level

• Tissues are groups of specialized cells working together for a common function.

• There are four main types of tissues ( plus mucous membranes).

• Epithelial tissues form protective coverings; these cell types can be cuboidal, columnar, or squamous.

• Connective tissues provide support & structure; examples include adipose (fat), cartilage and bone.

• Muscle tissues enable movement, including skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

• Nervous tissues transmit information, composed of interconnected neurons.

Organ Level

• Organs are collections of different tissues working together to perform a specific function.
• Examples include the brain (nervous system), heart (circulatory system), lungs (respiratory system), stomach (digestive system), and kidneys (urinary system).

System Level

• A system is a group of organs working together to perform a broader function, enabling the organism to function as a whole.
• Examples include the nervous system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, and excretory/urinary system.