Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy studies structure and relationships among structures.
• Physiology focuses on body functions and how body parts work together.
• The structure of a body part often dictates its function.

Levels of Study

• Gross Anatomy: Involves large structures visible to the naked eye.
• Microscopic Anatomy (Histology): Examines very small structures that require a microscope for observation.
• Neuroanatomy: Focuses on the nervous system’s normal features at gross and microscopic levels.
• Embryology: Studies the origin and development of the human body from fertilization to extrauterine life.

Levels of Structural Organization

• Chemical Level: Composed of atoms and molecules.
• Cellular Level: Involves cells that are the basic units of life.
• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells performing specific functions.
• Organ Level: Structures composed of different tissues working together.
• Organ System Level: Groups of organs performing complex functions.
• Organismal Level: The highest level of organization, representing the whole human body.

Divisions of Physiology

• Cell Physiology: Functions of cells.
• Neurophysiology: Functions of the nervous system.
• Pathophysiology: Changes in physiological functions due to disease.
• Cardiovascular Physiology: Functions of the heart and blood vessels.
• Respiratory Physiology: Functions of the respiratory system.
• Renal Physiology: Functions of the kidneys.
• Endocrinology: Study of hormones and their effects.
• Exercise Physiology: Body responses to physical activity.

Organ Systems Overview

• Integumentary System: Protects deeper tissues, synthesizes Vitamin D, and contains sensory receptors.
• Skeletal System: Provides structural support, muscle attachment, blood cell formation, and mineral storage.
• Muscular System: Facilitates movement, maintains posture, and generates heat.
• Nervous System: Acts as a control system, responding to changes and activating muscles and glands.
• Endocrine System: Secretes hormones regulating growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
• Cardiovascular System: Transports oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and waste via blood.
• Lymphatic System: Returns fluids to blood vessels, disposes of debris, and supports immunity.
• Respiratory System: Supplies blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
• Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
• Urinary System: Eliminates nitrogenous wastes and regulates materials such as water and electrolytes.
• Reproductive System: Responsible for offspring production.

The Language of Anatomy

• Specialized terminology prevents misunderstandings in anatomy.
• Key areas of focus include position, direction, regions, and structures.

Anatomical Position

• The individual stands erect with head, eyes, and toes directed forward.
• Heels and toes are together and flat on the ground.
• Upper limbs hang at the sides with palms facing forward.

Anatomical Planes and Sections

• Median (Midsagittal) Plane: Divides the body into equal right and left halves.
• Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into unequal right and left parts.
• Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the body into front and back sections.
• Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.

Orientation and Directional Terms

• Superior (Cranial or Cephalic): Towards the head; above.
• Inferior (Caudal): Away from the head; below.
• Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body.
• Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body.
• Lateral: Away from the midline; outer side.
• Intermediate: Positioned between medial and lateral.
• Proximal: Closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.
• Distal: Farther from the origin or attachment point.
• Superficial: Towards or at the body surface.
• Deep: Away from the body surface; more internal.