Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Study Notes

Anatomy focuses on the structure of the body and its parts and their relationships.
Subdivisions of anatomy include:
- Systemic anatomy: studies the body systems
- Surface anatomy: examines external features
- Regional anatomy: focuses on specific areas
- Gross anatomy: involves structures visible to the naked eye
- Developmental anatomy: studies changes from conception to adulthood
- Cytology: examines cells
- Histology: involves the study of tissues
- Embryology: studies prenatal development
- Radiographic anatomy: involves imaging techniques
- Pathological anatomy: focuses on the structure changes due to disease.
Physiology studies how body structures function.
Subdivisions of physiology include:
- Systems physiology: examines specific organ systems
- Neurophysiology: focuses on the nervous system
- Cell physiology: looks at cellular functions
- Endocrinology: studies hormones and their effects
- Pathophysiology: involves bodily functions in disease states
- Cardiovascular physiology: focuses on heart and blood vessels
- Immunophysiology: examines immune system functions
- Respiratory physiology: studies breathing and respiratory function
- Exercise physiology: looks at the body in motion
- Renal physiology: focuses on kidney functions
- Reproductive physiology: studies reproductive systems.

Chemical Level: Includes atoms, the smallest units of matter, and molecules, which are combinations of atoms.
Cellular Level: Consists of cells, the fundamental units of life.
Tissue Level: Comprises groups of specialized cells performing specific functions.
Organ Level: Involves structures made of different tissues that serve particular functions.
System Level: Composed of related organs working together for a common function.
Organismal Level: Refers to a complete living individual.

Integumentary System
- Components: Skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, oil glands.
- Functions: Protects the body, regulates temperature, eliminates waste, synthesizes Vitamin D, detects sensations.
Skeletal System
- Components: Bones, joints, cartilages.
- Functions: Supports and protects the body, facilitates movement, houses blood cell production, stores minerals and fats.
Muscular System
- Components: Skeletal muscles.
- Functions: Produces movement, stabilizes body position, generates heat.
Nervous System
- Components: Brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs.
- Functions: Generates action potentials, regulates body activities, processes and responds to environmental changes.
Cardiovascular System
- Components: Blood, heart, blood vessels.
- Functions: Pumps blood, transports nutrients and oxygen, removes wastes, regulates pH, temperature, and fluid balance.
Lymphatic System
- Components: Lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils.
- Functions: Returns fluid to blood, transports dietary fats, aids immune responses.
Respiratory System
- Components: Lungs and airways.
- Functions include gas exchange, oxygen intake, and carbon dioxide removal.
Digestive System
- Components: Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) organs.
- Functions involve digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Basic Life Processes: Growth, reproduction, responsiveness, movement, metabolism.
Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions; control mechanisms regulate body functions.
Body Fluids: Essential for cellular functions and overall homeostasis.
Control & Imbalance: Mechanisms in place to correct imbalances and maintain homeostasis.