Anatomy and Physiology Concepts

Study Notes

Anatomy studies the physical structure of the human body.
Physiology studies the functioning of living things, including metabolism, respiration, and reproduction.

The anatomical position is standardized for describing body parts.
It involves standing erect, feet parallel, arms hanging at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Superior (cranial or cephalad): Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or body; above
Inferior (caudal): Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or body; below
Anterior (ventral): Toward or at the front of the body; in front of
Posterior (dorsal): Toward or at the backside of the body; behind
Medial: Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
Lateral: Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
Proximal: Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Distal: Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Superficial (external): Toward or at the body surface.
Deep (internal): Away from the body surface; more internal.

Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the functions of living organisms.

The human body is composed of smaller parts that are organized into increasingly complex systems.

The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body.
The body is standing erect with:
- Feet parallel
- Arms hanging at the sides
- Palms facing forward

Superior (cranial or cephalad) - Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or body; above
Inferior (caudal) - Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or body; below
Anterior (ventral) - Toward or at the front of the body; in front of
Posterior (dorsal) - Toward or at the backside of the body; behind
Medial - Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
Lateral - Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
Proximal - Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Distal - Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Superficial (external) - Toward or at the body surface.
Deep (internal) - Away from the body surface; more internal.