Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Anatomy and Physiology Overview

• Anatomy focuses on the body's structure, while physiology examines the functions of these structures.
• Terms in anatomy and physiology largely derive from Greek vocabulary, aiding in understanding scientific terminology.
• Anatomy is divided into gross anatomy (large structures) and microscopic anatomy (structures too small to see).

Major Divisions of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy:

  • Surface anatomy: examines surface forms and markings.
  • Regional anatomy: focuses on specific body areas, often emphasized in medical training.
  • Systemic anatomy: studies groups of organs functioning together; this approach will be used in the course.
  • Developmental anatomy: tracks structural changes from fertilization to maturity; includes embryology.
  • Clinical anatomy: covers medical specialties and changes occurring due to illnesses.

• Microscopic Anatomy:

  • Cytology: entails the study of cells and their structures.
  • Histology: focuses on tissues and their structures.

Specialties of Physiology

• Cell physiology: studies chemical and molecular processes within and between cells.
• Special physiology: investigates specific organs, such as the heart.
• Systemic physiology: examines organ systems' cooperative functions; this approach will be employed in class.
• Pathological physiology: explores how diseases affect organs and organ systems.

Levels of Organization

• The hierarchy of organization in living organisms consists of:
  • Atoms
  • Molecules
  • Organelles
  • Cells
  • Tissues
  • Organs
  • Organ systems
  • Organism

Human Organ Systems

• The human body comprises 11 interconnected organ systems, which collaborate, often with shared organ functions.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis maintains a stable internal environment amid varying external conditions; vital for preventing diseases.
• Regulatory mechanisms of homeostasis include:
  • Receptors: sensors responding to stimuli.
  • Control center: processes information and directs responses.
  • Effectors: cells or organs responding to control center commands.
• Homeostatic regulation can be:
  • Negative feedback: opposes the original stimulus (e.g., temperature regulation).
  • Positive feedback: amplifies the initial stimulus (e.g., blood clotting, childbirth).

Anatomical Terminology

• Standard anatomical position: standing, arms at sides, palms forward, feet together.
• Directions describe relationships within the body:
  • Caudal vs. cranial, anterior vs. posterior, proximal vs. distal.
• Anatomical sections include sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, crucial for understanding body structure.

Body Cavities and Serous Membranes

• Body cavities protect and anchor internal organs, allowing for size and shape changes.
• Viscera: organs located within cavities.
• Serous membranes consist of a parietal layer lining cavities and a visceral layer covering organs, with a lubricating fluid to reduce friction.
• The ventral body cavity has two main parts:
  • Thoracic cavity: includes pleural cavities (for lungs) and pericardial cavity (for the heart).
  • Abdominopelvic cavity: subdivided into peritoneal cavity, abdominal cavity (including organs like liver and stomach), and pelvic cavity (containing reproductive organs and bladder).

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology, detailing the body's structure and functions. Explore the major divisions of anatomy, including gross and microscopic anatomy, and understand key terms derived from Greek vocabulary. Ideal for students seeking to solidify their knowledge in biological sciences.