Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Study Notes

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy refers to the structure of body parts and their interrelationship.
Microscopic anatomy focuses on structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Developmental anatomy studies the growth and changes in anatomical and physiological features throughout life.
Physiology examines how body parts function and collaborate to sustain life.
Normal body temperature is approximately 98.7°F (37°C).

Homeostasis

Homeostasis maintains a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes.
Negative feedback reduces physiological effects, such as regulating blood sugar and body temperature.
Positive feedback enhances physiological responses, notably during labor contractions and blood clotting.

Anatomical Terminology

Superior: towards the head
Inferior: away from the head (also known as caudal)
Anterior: towards the front (also called ventral)
Posterior: towards the back (also called dorsal)
Medial: towards the midline
Lateral: away from the midline

Chemistry Fundamentals

Energy is the capacity to do work; it exists in four forms: chemical, mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic.
The First Law of Thermodynamics states energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be transformed.
D₂O is an isotope used in tracking excretion and carbon dating.
Radioisotopes have the same chemical formula but different structural formulas, useful in imaging as staining agents.

Biological Molecules

Water is cohesive due to hydrogen bonding, serving as a universal solvent with high heat capacity and vaporization point.
pH measures the potential of hydrogen ions; buffers stabilize pH levels by converting strong acids/bases into weaker forms.
Monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose; disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose; polysaccharides consist of glycogen, starch, and cellulose.
Functions of lipids include energy storage, insulation, and organ protection; key types include phospholipids and steroids.

Cell Theory

Cell theory posits that the cell is the smallest unit of life, all organisms consist of cells, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Principle of Complementarity suggests that structure and function are interrelated.
Basic components of a cell include the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.

Extracellular Materials

Types of extracellular fluids include blood plasma, interstitial fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Cellular secretions encompass substances like saliva, mucus, and gastric juice.
The extracellular matrix is primarily composed of the intercellular 'glue'.

Plasma Membrane

Composed of phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol, ensuring stability and selective permeability.
Transport across the membrane can be passive or active:
- Passive transport requires no energy and includes diffusion and osmosis.
- Active transport involves energy input (e.g., Na/K pumps).
- Vesicular transport methods include endocytosis (into cells) and exocytosis (out of cells).

Organelles

Key organelles include the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, and lysosomes.
Interphase is characterized by cell growth and preparation for division, while chromosomes form during prophase when chromatin condenses.

Nucleotide Pairing

Nucleotide pairing includes A with T and C with G in DNA structure.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure and function of body systems. This quiz delves into the microscopic study of anatomical structures and their relationships, as well as the physiological processes that sustain life. Test your knowledge on homeostasis and the integumentary system.