Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Lecture Outline

• This chapter outlines the key concepts of anatomy and physiology.
• It introduces the scientific method, used for systematic study of the natural world.
• Anatomy studies the structure and form of the body, while physiology focuses on body functions.
• Form and function are interrelated, meaning the structure of an organ determines how it performs its function.

1.1 Anatomy and Physiology Compared

• Anatomy examines the physical structure and form of the body
• Physiology investigates how the body functions at the molecular and cellular levels
• These two fields of study are interconnected and vital for understanding the human body.

1.1 Anatomy and Physiology Compared (continued)

• The scientific method is a systematic technique used by researchers
• Observations of natural occurrences are made
• Hypotheses for explanations are formulated
• Experiments are established to test the hypotheses through data gathering.
• The findings are examined for compatibility with the hypotheses.

Microscopic Anatomy

• Studies structures not visible to the naked eye, focusing on tissues at the cellular level.
• Specimen examination uses microscopes.
• Two major areas of study in microscopic anatomy are cytology and histology
• Cytology focuses on body cells and cellular structures.
• Histology studies tissues and their makeup.

Gross Anatomy

• Investigates structures directly visible to the naked eye.
• Often involves dissection.
• Subdivisions include:
• Systemic anatomy: Examines the anatomy of major body systems.
• Regional anatomy: Studies anatomy within specific body regions.
• Surface anatomy: Examines superficial anatomic features and positions of internal structures based on those features.

Divisions of Anatomy Focusing on Diagnosis or Research

• Pathologic anatomy: Investigates macroscopic and microscopic changes arising from illness.
• Radiographic anatomy: Explores internal structures visual through scanning procedures.

1.1b Physiology: Details of Function

• Physiology centers on studying the functions of body parts at cellular and molecular levels
• Sub-disciplines in Physiology include:
• Cardiovascular physiology (examines heart actions, blood vessels, and blood).
• Neurophysiology (studies nerve actions and nervous systems).
• Respiratory physiology (analyzes the processes of respiration).
• Reproductive physiology (examines the reproductive system functions).

Section 1.1 What did you learn?

• Knowledge of surface anatomy is critical for healthcare professionals in emergency situations, particularly for procedures like CPR where precise body positioning is relevant.
• Anatomy and physiology are interrelated; a thorough understanding of one enhances comprehension of the other.
• Cardiovascular physiology analyzes blood vessel, heart, and blood function

1.2 Anatomy and Physiology Integrated

• Form and function are intrinsically linked in the human body.
• Understanding anatomy enhances understanding of physiology and vice versa.
• Functional performance is dictated by anatomical structure
• Clinicians can't truly comprehend function without an in-depth knowledge of the relevant anatomical structures.

Section 1.2 What did you learn?

• Anatomists and physiologists examine the small intestine in contrasting but overlapping approaches.
• Physiologists would look at, for example, the activity of the digestive enzymes and the transport of nutrient into the blood, whilst anatomists will focus on the tissue composition and microscopic structure of the small intestine.

1.3 How to Study Anatomy and Physiology Effectively

• Prioritize regular studying well before examinations.
• Short, frequent study sessions are more efficient than prolonged, infrequent ones.
• Studying in an environment free from distractions improves focus and retention.
• Employ active learning strategies, such as creating tables, drawing diagrams, and explaining concepts to others, to aid in comprehension and retention.
• Utilize all resources of the textbook

Section 1.3 What did you learn?

• Collaboration with study partners enhances learning by offering diverse perspectives and assistance in clarifying complex problems.

1.4 The Human Body Levels of Organization

• Life's fundamental building block is the organization of atoms and molecules.
• Organisms display organization in the arrangement of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
• Characteristics of living organisms include:
  • Organization (structures are arranged)
  • Metabolism (chemical reactions within)
  • Growth and development
  • Responsiveness (to internal/external stimulations)
  • Regulation (internal environment stabilization)
  • Reproduction (making new cells)

1.4c Introduction to Organ Systems

• There are 11 organ systems in the human body encompassing a variety of functions:
• Integumentary system
• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Nervous system
• Endocrine system
• Cardiovascular system
• Lymphatic system
• Respiratory system
• Urinary system
• Digestive system
• Male and female reproductive systems

1.5a Anatomic Position

• The reference position is a standard human body position, standing upright, feet parallel and flat on the floor, upper limbs at the side, palms and head are level and eyes face forward.

1.5b Sections and Planes

• Planes in anatomy are imaginary surfaces passing through the body.
• Sections are actual cuts or slices exposing internal body structures
• Anatomical sections can be:
  • Coronal (front/back divisions): cuts parallel to the coronal plane; a frontal section.
  • Transverse (superior/inferior divisions): cuts perpendicular to the vertical axis; a horizontal section.
  • Midsagittal (equal left/right): a specific sagittal plane dividing the body into two equal halves.
  • Sagittal (unequal left/right): parallel to the midsagittal, but not in the same plane (an uneven division).
  • Oblique (angled division): angled cuts.

1.5c Anatomic Directions

• Directional terms are used to describe relative positions of body parts to each other.
• These are often opposing terms
  • Anterior/posterior, dorsal/ventral, proximal/distal, superior/inferior, medial/lateral.

1.5d Regional Anatomy

• Human anatomy can be divided into main regions:
• Axial region (head, neck, and trunk) consists of the major vertical axis of the body.
• Appendicular region (upper and lower extremities).

1.5e Body Cavities and Membranes

• Body cavities provide protection and containment of internal organs.
• Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities are important cavities.
  • Posterior aspect-includes the cranial and vertebral cavities.
  • Ventral cavity-includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
• The serous membrane lines the internal cavities, forming layers surrounding internal organs (parietal and visceral layers), with fluid in the enclosed cavity.

1.5f Abdominopelvic Regions and Quadrants

• The abdominopelvic cavity can be subdivided for accurate description, using either nine regions or four quadrants.

Section 1.5 What did you learn?

• Question 9: Transverse plane
• Question 10: Proximal term
• Question 11: Forearm or antebrachial region
• Question 12: The pleural cavity is associated with the lungs; the pleural membranes line its walls.

1.6 Homeostasis: Keeping Internal Conditions Stable

• Homeostasis is the continual maintenance of a stable internal environment despite environmental changes.
• Three core components:
  • Receptor (detects changes-e.g., temperature, blood pressure)
  • Control center (processes signals from receptor-e.g., brain)
    • Effector (carries out actions-e.g., muscle, gland).
• Homeostasis is regulated via feedback loops (often negative feedback loop, which counters the deviation).
  • Negative feedback loop processes are much more prevalent in the human body
• Positive feedback loops continue in the same direction until the body returns to normal (e.g., childbirth)

Section 1.6 What did you learn?

• Homeostasis is crucial for organism survival, through the mechanisms of receptor, control center, and effector interactions, regulated by negative/positive feedback loops.
• The body utilizes several strategies when external temperature are cold-e.g., shivering, reducing blood flow to periphery.

1.7 Homeostasis, Health and Disease

• Maintaining a constant internal environment is critical for organism health.
• The disruption of homeostasis can result in various diseases and imbalances
• Clinicians follow a scientific approach when evaluating patients for diagnosing imbalances in homeostasis.
• Drugs may interfere with homeostasis or cause homeostasis imbalance effects.

Section 1.7 What did you learn?

• Disruptions to homeostasis are common to numerous diseases and illnesses.