Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Anatomy

• Focuses on the structure of the body and its parts, revealing relationships through dissection and imaging techniques.
• Subdivided into gross anatomy (large structures observable by the naked eye) and microscopic anatomy (study of small structures like cells and tissues).

Physiology

• Examines body functions and is categorized into specific subfields, including:
  • Cell physiology
  • Systems physiology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Exercise physiology
  • Neurophysiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular physiology
  • Immuno-physiology
  • Respiratory physiology
  • Renal physiology
  • Reproductive physiology

Relationship between Anatomy and Physiology

• Interrelated disciplines; structure influences function, enabling the body to operate as a whole.

Structural Organization of Matter

• Chemical Level: Atoms (protons, neutrons, electrons) and molecules, with four key organic molecules:
  • Proteins (20 amino acids)
  • Complex carbohydrates (simple sugars)
  • Nucleic acids (nucleotides)
  • Lipids (fatty acids and glycerol)
• Cells: Smallest functional and structural units.
• Tissues: Groups of cells working together for specific functions.
• Organs: Composed of multiple tissues functioning collectively and having distinct shapes.
• Organ Systems: Collections of organs that perform common functions (e.g., integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive systems).

Basic Life Processes

• Digestion: Breaks down ingested food into absorbable molecules.
• Metabolism: Total biochemical processes, including energy release through breakdown of substances and ATP production.
• Excretion: Eliminating waste from the body via digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems.
• Responsiveness: Ability to detect and react to environmental changes, primarily managed by the nervous system.
• Movement: Activities enabled by muscular and skeletal systems, including the transport of fluids.
• Growth: Increase in cell number and size, regulated by hormones.
• Differentiation: Cells develop from unspecialized to specialized forms.
• Reproduction: Producing offspring or new cells for growth and repair.

Survival Needs

• Nutrients: Energy and structure provided by carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Oxygen: Essential for energy-releasing chemical reactions.
• Water: Composes 60-80% of the body, crucial for secretion and excretion.
• Body Temperature: Optimal around 37°C (98°F); extremes can impair metabolism and threaten survival.
• Atmospheric Pressure: Affects breathing and gas exchange.

Homeostasis

• Dynamic equilibrium of internal environment managed by organ systems and feedback mechanisms.
• Primarily controlled by the nervous and endocrine systems; disruptions can lead to disease or death.
• Mild disruptions from environmental changes are common, but failure to restore homeostasis can have serious consequences.
• Nervous system detects changes and sends impulses; endocrine system regulates through hormone release.

This quiz explores the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure of the body and its functions. It covers key concepts including gross and microscopic anatomy, various subfields of physiology, and the interrelationship between anatomical structure and physiological function.