Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Definition: Study of the structure and organization of the body.
Levels of Organization:
1. Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules.
2. Cellular Level: Cells, the basic unit of life.
3. Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells performing a common function.
4. Organ Level: Two or more types of tissues working together.
5. Organ System Level: Groups of organs that work together (e.g., digestive system).
6. Organism Level: The human body as a whole.
Types of Anatomy:
- Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye (e.g., organs).
- Microscopic Anatomy: Structures requiring a microscope (e.g., cells, tissues).
- Developmental Anatomy: Changes from conception to adulthood (e.g., embryology).
- Comparative Anatomy: Study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.

Definition: Study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system.
Levels of Physiology:
1. Cell Physiology: Functions of cells and their organelles.
2. Tissue Physiology: How different tissues operate and work together.
3. Organ Physiology: Functions of specific organs (e.g., heart, lungs).
4. Systemic Physiology: Functions of organ systems (e.g., respiratory, circulatory).
5. Pathophysiology: Study of how normal physiological processes are altered in disease.
Key Concepts:
- Homeostasis: Maintaining stable internal conditions (temperature, pH, etc.).
- Feedback Mechanisms:
  - Negative Feedback: Reduces output or activity (e.g., regulation of body temperature).
  - Positive Feedback: Enhances output or activity (e.g., childbirth).
Physiological Processes:
- Metabolism: Chemical reactions involved in maintaining the living state of cells.
- Respiration: Exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
- Circulation: Movement of blood and lymph through the body.
- Excretion: Removal of waste products from metabolism.

Structure determines function (e.g., the shape of the heart facilitates blood flow).
Understanding anatomy is crucial for understanding physiological processes.
Changes in anatomy can lead to alterations in physiology, affecting health and disease.

Study of body structure and organization.
Levels of organization include:
- Chemical Level: Involves atoms and molecules.
- Cellular Level: The basic unit of life, which is cells.
- Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells working together.
- Organ Level: Composed of two or more tissue types functioning together.
- Organ System Level: Groups of organs working collectively, like the digestive system.
- Organism Level: The human body in its entirety.
Types of anatomy to explore:
- Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye, such as organs.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Structures requiring a microscope, includes cells and tissues.
- Developmental Anatomy: Studies changes from conception through adulthood, including embryology.
- Comparative Anatomy: Examines similarities and differences in anatomy among various species.

Study of functions and mechanisms within a living system.
Levels of physiology classification:
- Cell Physiology: Functions of cells and their organelles.
- Tissue Physiology: Interactions and operations of different tissues.
- Organ Physiology: Specific functions related to organs, like the heart and lungs.
- Systemic Physiology: Functions of entire organ systems, such as respiratory and circulatory systems.
- Pathophysiology: Investigates how normal physiological processes are disrupted by disease.
Key concepts include:
- Homeostasis: The process of maintaining stable internal conditions, such as temperature and pH.
Types of feedback mechanisms:
- Negative Feedback: Mechanism that reduces system output or activity, exemplified by body temperature regulation.
- Positive Feedback: Mechanism that enhances system output or activity, such as during childbirth.
Physiological processes include:
- Metabolism: Chemical reactions sustaining cell life.
- Respiration: Gas exchange, primarily involving oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Circulation: Blood and lymph movement throughout the body.
- Excretion: Removal of metabolic waste products.

Structure heavily influences function; for example, heart shape is designed for optimal blood flow.
Comprehending anatomy is vital for grasping physiological processes.
Anatomical changes can lead to physiological changes, impacting overall health and disease states.