Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Study Notes

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy refers to the study of structure; physiology examines function.

Levels of Organization

Chemical Level: Basic level including atoms (smallest unit of matter) and molecules (two or more atoms bonded).
Cellular Level: Molecules combine to form cells, which are the fundamental units of life.
Tissue Level: Groups of cells and their surrounding materials working together for a specific function.
Organ Level: Different tissue types unite to form organs.
System Level: Collection of related organs serving a common purpose.
Organismal Level: Entire living individual, analogous to a book comprising various chapters.

Basic Life Processes

Metabolism: Total of chemical processes in the body; consists of catabolism (breaking down substances) and anabolism (building up substances).
Responsiveness: Ability to detect and react to changes in the environment.
Movement: Encompasses motion of the whole body, organs, cells, and structures inside cells.
Growth: Increase in size due to enlarged existing cells or a higher number of cells.
Differentiation: Process of cells developing from unspecialized to specialized forms.
Reproduction: Formation of new cells for growth and repair or the creation of new individuals.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the balance within the body’s internal environment, maintained through regulatory processes.

Feedback System

Receptor: Monitors changes and sends inputs to a control center.
Control Center: Evaluates input and creates output commands as required.
Effector: Receives commands from the control center and causes responses that modify the condition.
Negative Feedback System: Reverses changes in a controlled condition, restoring balance.
Positive Feedback System: Enhances or reinforces a change in controlled conditions.

Homeostatic Imbalance

Disorder: General term for any structural or functional abnormality.
Disease: Specific illness characterized by recognizable signs and symptoms.

Body Systems

Integumentary System: Composed of skin, hair, nails, sweat, and oil glands; function includes protection, temperature regulation, waste elimination, vitamin D synthesis, and sensation detection.
Skeletal System: Comprises bones, joints, and cartilage; supports and protects the body, facilitates movement, produces blood cells, and stores minerals and lipids.
Muscular System: Consists of muscles attached to bones; enables body movements, maintains posture, and generates heat.
Nervous System: Encompasses the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs; controls body activities through nerve impulses, interprets external and internal changes, and initiates responses.
Endocrine System: Hormone-producing glands (e.g., hypothalamus, thyroid, adrenal glands); regulates bodily functions using hormones as chemical messengers.
Cardiovascular System: Made up of blood, heart, and blood vessels; pumps blood, distributes oxygen and nutrients, removes wastes, and contributes to homeostasis.
Digestive System: Includes gastrointestinal tract organs and accessory organs; responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Urinary System: Comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; responsible for waste elimination and fluid balance.

Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology, including the levels of organization from chemical to organ levels. Test your understanding of how atoms form molecules, which combine to create cells, tissues, and organs in living organisms.