Anatomy and Physiology Overview

GENERAL

• 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.

RECURRING THEMES

• All body systems interact with each other, at least one other.

TISSUE: THE LIVING FABRIC

• 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.

ENDOCRINOLOGY

• 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.

INTEGUMENT

• 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.