Biology Systems Quiz

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

• Chapter 1 introduces the structure and function of the human body, and how its systems work together.
• Key topics include: levels of structural organization, human body systems, characteristics of living organisms, requirements for life, homeostasis, anatomical terminology, body cavities, and imaging techniques.

Anatomy

• Anatomy is the study of the body's structures.
• It includes: where structures are located, what they look like, and what they are called.

Physiology

• Physiology is the study of the body's functions.
• It examines what structures do, why they do it, and how they do it.
• Structure dictates function.

Approaches to Studying Anatomy

• Gross anatomy (macroscopic anatomy): examines large, visible structures
  • Surface anatomy: studies exterior features and markings
  • Regional anatomy: examines body areas
  • Sectional anatomy: examines cross sections
  • Systemic anatomy: focuses on individual organ systems
  • Clinical anatomy: medical specialties
  • Developmental anatomy: from conception to adulthood, including embryology
• Microscopic anatomy: examines cells and molecules using a microscope
  • Cytology: study of cells
  • Histology: study of tissues

Approaches to Studying Physiology

• Cell physiology: functions of organelles and cells
• Organ physiology: functions of specific organs
• Systemic physiology: functions of organ systems
• Pathological physiology: effects of diseases on organs or systems

Characteristics of Living Organisms

• Organization: Life is organized at various levels (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organism)
• Metabolism: The chemical reactions in cells that generate energy and allow growth and repair. Includes catabolism (breaking down molecules) and anabolism (building molecules).
• Responsiveness to Stimuli: The ability to respond to changes in internal and external environments (e.g., reflex actions, sensory responses).
• Movement: Includes movement within the body (e.g., blood flow, food movement through digestive system) and movement of the organism as a whole.
• Growth and Development: Organisms grow (increase in size) and develop (change in structure and function over time).
• Reproduction: The ability to produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of the species.
• Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Organization of the Body

• The body is organized hierarchically from simple to complex.
• The levels are: Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, and Organismal.

Organ Systems

• There are 11 organ systems (R U N MRS LIDEC)
  • Respiratory
  • Urinary
  • Nervous
  • Reproductive
  • Integumentary
  • Muscular
  • Lymphatic
  • Digestive
  • Endocrine
  • Cardiovascular
  • Skeletal

Medical Imaging Techniques

• X-Ray: Uses radiation to create images of the inside of the body; most commonly used for visualizing bones (cheap, fast, good for bones/teeth but not detailed).
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Combines X-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional images of the body (detailed imaging, useful for soft tissues - more radiation).
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs and soft tissues without radiation (expensive, uncomfortable patient experience, but great for finding tumors).
• Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and tissues inside the body (non-invasive and widely used in pregnancy assessment) (image quality depends on techincian skill).
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Uses a radioactive substance to visualize metabolic activity and functional processes inside the body (can visualize live metabolic activity).
• Endoscopy: Uses a flexible tube with a camera to visualize the inside of hollow organs (commonly used for gastrointestinal procedures).

Body Cavities

• Body cavities are spaces within the body that house and protect internal organs.
• There are dorsal (spinal, cranial) and ventral (thoracic, abdominopelvic) cavities, subdivided into smaller cavities.
• Serous membranes line these cavities and cover organs to reduce friction.

Sectional Planes

• Sectional planes are two-dimensional slices through a three-dimensional body to visualize internal organization.
• Key planes include frontal (coronal), sagittal (midsagittal, parasagittal), and transverse.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment (temperature, blood pressure, pH, glucose) despite external changes.
• Homeostatic mechanisms use negative and positive feedback to regulate conditions.
• Negative feedback maintains a set point, while positive feedback amplifies change.