Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Definition: Study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Branches:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye (e.g., organs, systems).
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular level (e.g., histology).
- Developmental Anatomy: Study of structural changes throughout the lifespan (e.g., embryology).

Definition: Study of the functions and processes of the body's systems.
Branches:
- Cell Physiology: Focuses on the functions of cells.
- Systemic Physiology: Studies the functions of specific systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory).
- Pathophysiology: Examines the physiological changes associated with disease.

Integumentary System:
- Comprises skin, hair, nails.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensory reception.
Skeletal System:
- Comprises bones, cartilage, ligaments.
- Functions: Support, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System:
- Comprises skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System:
- Comprises the brain, spinal cord, nerves.
- Functions: Control and coordination of body activities, sensory processing.
Endocrine System:
- Comprises glands (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: Hormone production, regulation of metabolic processes.
Cardiovascular System:
- Comprises heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: Transport of nutrients, gases, waste products.
Respiratory System:
- Comprises lungs and airways.
- Functions: Gas exchange, regulation of blood pH.
Digestive System:
- Comprises gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Functions: Breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
Urinary System:
- Comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
- Functions: Waste removal, fluid balance, electrolyte regulation.
Reproductive System:
- Male: testes, vas deferens, prostate.
- Female: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus.
- Functions: Production of gametes, hormone regulation, reproduction.

Definition: Maintenance of a stable internal environment.
Mechanisms:
- Feedback loops (negative and positive).
- Regulation of temperature, pH, hydration, and electrolyte balance.

Cell Structure: Basic unit of life; includes organelles.
Tissues: Groups of cells with similar structure and function (e.g., epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous).
Organ Systems: Groups of organs working together for a common purpose.
Metabolism: Sum of all chemical reactions in the body; includes catabolism and anabolism.

Anatomical Position: Standard position of the body used as a reference (standing, facing forward, arms at sides).
Planes of the Body:
- Sagittal (divides left and right).
- Coronal (divides front and back).
- Transverse (divides top and bottom).
Directional Terms: Terms used to describe the location of structures (e.g., anterior, posterior, superior, inferior).

These notes provide a condensed overview of the foundational concepts in anatomy and physiology, helping to establish a basis for further study.

Study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Branches:
- Gross Anatomy: Studies structures visible to the naked eye, including organs and systems.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Focuses on cellular structures, primarily through histology.
- Developmental Anatomy: Explores structural changes from conception through the lifespan, with a focus on embryology.

Study of the functions and processes of body systems.
Branches:
- Cell Physiology: Examines the functions and processes of individual cells.
- Systemic Physiology: Investigates the functions of specific organ systems such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Pathophysiology: Analyzes physiological changes associated with various diseases.

Integumentary System: Includes skin, hair, and nails; protects the body and regulates temperature.
Skeletal System: Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments; supports the body and facilitates movement while storing minerals and producing blood cells.
Muscular System: Made up of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles; responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat.
Nervous System: Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; coordinates body activities and processes sensory information.
Endocrine System: Encompasses glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands; regulates metabolic processes through hormone secretion.
Cardiovascular System: Comprises the heart and blood vessels; transports nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.
Respiratory System: Includes lungs and airways; facilitates gas exchange and helps regulate blood pH.
Digestive System: Comprises the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs; responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Urinary System: Made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; maintains fluid balance and removes waste from the body.
Reproductive System:
- Male: Consists of testes, vas deferens, and prostate; produces gametes and hormones.
- Female: Comprises ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus; plays a key role in gamete production, hormone regulation, and reproduction.

Maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body.
Achieved through feedback loops (both negative and positive) that regulate factors like temperature, pH, hydration, and electrolyte levels.

Cell Structure: Cells are the basic unit of life, containing various organelles.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells that perform specific functions, including epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
Organ Systems: Combinations of organs that work together to fulfill a common function.
Metabolism: The totality of chemical reactions within the body, encompassing both catabolic and anabolic processes.

Anatomical Position: A standard reference position for the body; standing, facing forward with arms at sides.
Planes of the Body:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sections.
- Coronal Plane: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections.
Directional Terms: Descriptive terms used to indicate the location of anatomical structures (e.g., anterior, posterior, superior, inferior).