Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Overview of Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy derives from Greek, meaning "to cut apart," focusing on body structure and relationships.
• Physiology studies how body parts function and work together.
• Gross anatomy involves large structures, while microscopic anatomy examines cells and tissues not visible without a microscope.
• Structure (anatomy) influences function (physiology); for example, lung structure allows for efficient gas exchange.

Levels of Structural Organization

• Organization of the human body spans from atoms to organisms.
• Atoms combine to form molecules (e.g., water, proteins).
• Cells are the smallest units of life, varying in size and shape based on their specific functions.
• Tissues consist of groups of similar cells with a common function.
• Organs are structures made of two or more tissue types, serving specific functions.
• Organ systems are groups of organs working together, forming the complete organism.

Maintaining Life

• Human life relies on eight necessary functions:
  • Maintaining boundaries to separate internal and external environments.
  • Movement consists of locomotion and internal transportation of substances.
  • Responsiveness denotes the ability to react to environmental changes.
  • Digestion involves breaking down food into absorbable molecules.
  • Metabolism encompasses all chemical processes, including energy production via ATP.
  • Excretion is the removal of waste from the body.
  • Reproduction can occur at cellular and organismal levels.
  • Growth indicates an increase in size or number of cells.
• Five survival needs include nutrients, oxygen, water, appropriate temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis maintains stable internal conditions despite environmental changes.
• It involves feedback systems:
  • Negative feedback reduces stimulus intensity (e.g., blood pressure regulation).
  • Positive feedback amplifies responses until a specific event occurs (e.g., childbirth).
• Homeostatic imbalances may lead to diseases, such as goiters from iodine deficiency or diabetes.

The Language of Anatomy

• Anatomical terminology ensures clarity in describing positions, directions, regions, and structures.
• The anatomical position features an erect body, arms at sides, with palms facing forward.
• Body planes include:
  • Sagittal: divides the body into right and left.
  • Frontal (coronal): divides anterior and posterior.
  • Transverse: divides superior and inferior.
• Body cavities are classified into major categories, housing vital organs, such as:
  • Oral and digestive cavities, responsible for food intake and digestion.
  • Nasal cavity, part of the respiratory system.
  • Orbital cavities, protecting the eyes.
  • Middle ear cavities, containing bones for sound transmission.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

• The abdominopelvic cavity can be divided into quadrants or regions for detailed anatomical study.
• Understanding these regions assists in diagnosing conditions based on symptom location.

Explore the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of the human body. This quiz covers levels of structural organization and how different systems work together to maintain life. Test your knowledge on gross and microscopic anatomy and the importance of organization.