Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Study Notes

Anatomy is the study of the body's structure, and it can be studied at various levels.
Physiology is the study of the body's function.
Function reflects structure means the way a body part is built relates to its function.
Histology is the study of microscopic tissues.
No bodily system operates in isolation; they all interact.
Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.
Homeostasis involves negative and positive feedback loops.

Four tissue types exist: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
Epithelial tissue has specific characteristics and functions, primarily as coverings and linings. Its structure dictates its function.
Epithelial tissue can be classified based on shape and arrangement of its cells.
Exocrine glands secrete products into ducts, while endocrine glands release products directly into the bloodstream.
The different ways exocrine glands secrete their products are merocrine and holocrine.
Exocrine glands are different from endocrine glands because of the way they secrete their products and how wide-spread their effects are on the body vs. just nearby tissues.

Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.
These glands control many different bodily functions and are able to influence the body as a whole.
Hormones can activate different types of receptors and produce different effects depending on the hormone involved.
Hormones are released via three main mechanisms or pathways: stimuli, humoral and neural signals or pathways.
Hormone release is regulated by negative feedback loops, which maintain homeostasis.
The pancreas has endocrine cells that release hormones such as insulin and glucagon, influencing blood sugar levels.
Insulin and glucagon are vital in regulating glucose levels in the blood.

The integumentary system includes the skin and its layers, like the hypodermis.
The skin has multiple layers with varying functions.
The skin contains pigments and protective components such as melanin.
UV light affects melanin production, and skin has ways to combat mutations caused by UV light.
These mutations can cause skin cancer.
The dermis and epidermis have distinct characteristics and tissue types.
Burns are classified based on their depth and extent of damage.
Connective tissue (CT) is a major component of the skin.
Different subtypes of CT have different structural and functional characteristics.