Anatomy Overview and Organ Systems

Definition: Study of the structure of the body and its parts.
Types:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular level (histology).
- Developmental Anatomy: Study of development from conception to adulthood.

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones and joints.
- Functions: support, movement, protection, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Muscular System
- Involves skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: movement, posture, and heat production.
Nervous System
- Comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: control and communication within the body.
Endocrine System
- Glands (e.g., thyroid, adrenal) that secrete hormones.
- Functions: regulate metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
Cardiovascular System
- Includes the heart and blood vessels.
- Functions: transport of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste.
Respiratory System
- Comprises the lungs and airways.
- Functions: gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive System
- Organs include the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
- Functions: breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: waste removal, regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male (testes) and female (ovaries) systems.
- Functions: production of gametes and hormones, continuation of species.
Integumentary System
- Comprises skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: protection, temperature regulation, and sensory perception.

Definition: Study of the functions and processes of the body and its parts.
Key Concepts:
- Homeostasis: Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.
- Metabolism: All chemical reactions in the body; includes catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up).
- Cell Physiology: Study of cellular structures and their functions (e.g., membrane transport, energy production).

Chemical Level: Involves atoms and molecules (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates).
Cellular Level: Cells as the smallest unit of life.
Tissue Level: Groups of cells with similar structure/function (four types: epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous).
Organ Level: Different tissues working together to perform specific functions.
System Level: Organs working together in organ systems.
Organism Level: The complete living entity.

Anatomical Position: Standard body position (standing, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward).
Directional Terms:
- Superior/Inferior: Above/below.
- Anterior/Posterior: Front/back.
- Medial/Lateral: Toward the midline/away from the midline.
- Proximal/Distal: Closer to/farther from the trunk or point of reference.

Dorsal Cavity: Contains the brain and spinal cord.
Ventral Cavity: Subdivided into thoracic cavity (heart, lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, reproductive organs).

Skeletal System: Composed of bones and joints, providing support, movement, protection, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Muscular System: Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles. Functions include movement, posture, and heat production.
Nervous System: Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Responsible for control and communication within the body.
Endocrine System: Contains glands like the thyroid and adrenal glands. These glands secrete hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
Cardiovascular System: Includes the heart and blood vessels, transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste.
Respiratory System: Comprises the lungs and airways, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Digestive System: Includes organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. Responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Urinary System: Comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Functions include waste removal and regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System: Male (testes) and female (ovaries) systems produce gametes (sperm/egg) and hormones for the continuation of the species.
Integumentary System: Comprises skin, hair, nails, and glands. Functions include protection, temperature regulation, and sensory perception.

Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes. This is crucial for survival.

All chemical reactions in the body; it includes catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up).

Study of cellular structures and their functions, including membrane transport and energy production.

Chemical Level: Involves atoms and molecules, such as proteins and carbohydrates. The foundation of all biological structures.
Cellular Level: Basic unit of life, cells are responsible for all life functions, such as energy production and waste removal.
Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function. There are four main tissue types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.
Organ Level: Different tissues work together to perform specific functions. Examples include the heart, stomach, and lungs.
System Level: Organs working together in organ systems. Examples include the digestive system, nervous system, and skeletal system.
Organism Level: The complete living entity, the highest level of organization.

Standard body position with the body standing erect, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms forward.

Superior/Inferior: Above/below, refers to position relative to another body part.
Anterior/Posterior: Front/back.
Medial/Lateral: Toward the midline/away from the midline.
Proximal/Distal: Closer to/farther from the trunk or point of reference, typically used for limbs.

Dorsal Cavity: Includes the brain and spinal cord, protecting the central nervous system.
Ventral Cavity: Subdivided into the thoracic cavity (heart, lungs), and the abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, reproductive organs), housing essential organs.

Mucous Membranes: Line body cavities that open to the outside, providing protection and lubrication.
Serous Membranes: Line closed cavities and cover organs, reducing friction between moving parts.