Anatomy and Physiology Overview

Study Notes

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy is the study of body structures.
Physiology is the study of body functions.
Cell is the smallest unit of matter that can carry on all processes of life.
Organelle is a membrane-bound compartment within a cell that performs a specific function.
Gross anatomy is the study of body structures visible without magnification.
Regional anatomy is the study of the interrelationships of body parts in a specific region.
Tissue is a group of similar cells working together to perform a common function.
Organ is a group of different tissues joined together to perform a specific function.
Organism is a living being that has cellular structure and performs life functions.

Characteristics of Life

Responsiveness is the ability to react to changes inside or outside the body.
Growth is an increase in body size without a change in shape.
Reproduction is the process of creating new individuals.
Movement: includes internal movement of substances or external movement of the body.
Metabolism is the term used to describe the total of all chemical reactions in the body.
Digestion is the breakdown of food substances into simpler forms.
Respiration is the process of obtaining oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
Absorption is the passage of substances through membranes into body fluids.
Excretion is the removal of wastes produced by metabolic reactions.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the process of maintaining a stable internal environment.

Important Chemicals in the Body

Water is the most abundant chemical in the body and is essential for metabolic processes.
Oxygen is used to release energy from food in metabolic processes.
Carbon Dioxide is a waste product of metabolism.

Body Cavities

Cranial Cavity houses the brain.
Vertebral Canal contains the spinal cord.
Thoracic Cavity contains the heart, lungs, and thymus.
Abdominopelvic Cavity contains the stomach, liver, and intestines.
Diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
Pleura is the membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and covers the lungs.
Pericardium is the membrane that surrounds the heart.

Body Systems

Integumentary System includes skin, hair, and nails.
Skeletal System provides framework and protects internal organs; includes bones, ligaments, and cartilage.
Muscular System maintains posture and produces body heat.
Nervous System consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Endocrine System secretes hormones to regulate metabolism.
Cardiovascular System includes the heart and blood vessels.
Lymphatic System consists of lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen.
Digestive System includes the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
Respiratory System includes the nasal cavity, larynx, and lungs.
Urinary System includes the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
Male Reproductive System includes the testes, prostate, and penis.
Female Reproductive System includes the ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

Directional Terms

Superior/Cephalic/Cranial means toward the head.
Inferior/Caudal means toward the feet.
Anterior/Ventral means toward the front of the body.
Posterior/Dorsal means toward the back of the body.
Medial refers to the imaginary midline dividing the body into equal halves.
Lateral means a body part farther away from the midline.
Proximal means closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.
Distal means farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.
Ipsilateral means structures on the same side of the body.
Contralateral means structures on the opposite side of the body.

Body Planes

Sagittal/Median Plane divides the body into right and left portions.
Transverse/Horizontal Plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions.
Frontal/Coronal Plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Abdominopelvic Regions

Right Hypochondriac Region: contains the right portion of the liver, gallbladder, and right kidney.
Epigastric Region: contains the upper middle portion of the abdomen and most of the stomach.
Left Hypochondriac Region: contains the spleen, part of the stomach, and left kidney.
Right Lumbar Region: Contains the right portion of the liver, gallbladder, and right kidney.
Umbilical Region: contains the umbilicus and part of the small intestine.
Left Lumbar Region: contains the spleen, part of the stomach, and left kidney.
Right Iliac/Inguinal Region: contains the cecum and appendix.
Hypogastric Region: located below the stomach and contains part of the bladder and reproductive organs.
Left Iliac/Inguinal Region: contains most of the small intestine and part of the large intestine.

Additional Terms

Parietal refers to a membrane lining a cavity wall.
Visceral refers to a membrane covering an organ.
Pleural Cavity is the space between the parietal and visceral pleura.
Pericardial Cavity is the potential space between the parietal and visceral pericardium.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology through this quiz. Understand the essential principles of body structures, functions, and the characteristics of life. Perfect for students studying biological sciences.