Anatomy vs Physiology Basics

Anatomy vs Physiology

• Anatomy is the study of body structure
• Physiology is the study of how the body functions

Anatomy

• Has areas of specialization, with two main types: gross anatomy and micro anatomy
• Gross anatomy is the study of larger structures visible without magnification, also referred to as macroscopic anatomy
• Micro anatomy is the study of structures that can be observed only with the use of a microscope or other magnification devices
• Micro anatomy includes cytology, the study of cells, and histology, the study of tissues

Physiology

• The study of how the body functions
• Human physiology is the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the body's structures and their functions
• The study of physiology centers on the body's tendency toward homeostasis, maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes
• Homeostasis is achieved by controlling variables such as body temperature, blood pH, blood glucose levels, fluid balance, and ion concentrations

Metabolism

• The sum of all chemical and physical reactions to sustain life
• There are two primary processes of metabolism: catabolism and anabolism
• Catabolism is the destructive process of breaking down complex substances into simple substances
• Anabolism is the constructive process of converting simple substances into more complex substances

Levels of Organization

• Chemical level: the most basic level, comprising chemicals that make up the body
• Cellular level: the smallest living unit of structure and function, carrying out specific chemical reactions
• Tissue level: a group of cells working together to accomplish specific functions, e.g., connective tissue, muscle tissue, nerve tissue
• Organ level: a group of tissues arranged to accomplish specific functions, e.g., organs are anatomically distinct structures with two or more tissue types
• Organ system: a group of organs working together to perform major functions or meet physiological needs of the body

Organ Systems

• 11 systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, circulatory, and lymphatic

Body Planes

• Imaginary or real flat surfaces that cut through the body, revealing different views
• Four basic body planes: frontal, medial, sagittal, and transverse
• Frontal plane: divides the body vertically into front and back portions
• Medial plane: divides the body vertically into equal right and left portions
• Sagittal plane: divides the body vertically into right and left portions
• Transverse plane: divides the body horizontally into upper and lower portions

Anatomical Directional Terms

• Used to describe the locations of structures in relation to other structures, like the directions on a compass rose of a map

Understand the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, including the study of body structure and function, and the different areas of specialization in anatomy.