Human Physiology and Anatomy Quiz

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

• The chapter introduces anatomy and physiology as disciplines.
• It discusses the organization of the human body.
• It explains shared properties of all living things.
• It details the concept of homeostasis.

Anatomy vs. Physiology

• Anatomy studies the structure of body parts.
• Physiology studies how body parts function.

Branches of Anatomy and Physiology

• Developmental Biology: Studies growth and development from fertilization to death.

  • Embryology: Focuses on the first eight weeks after fertilization.

• Cell Biology: Studies cellular structure and functions.

• Histology: Examines the microscopic structure of tissues.

• Gross Anatomy: Studies structures visible without a microscope.

• Systemic Anatomy: Studies specific systems of the body, like the nervous or respiratory systems.

• Regional Anatomy: Focuses on specific regions of the body, such as the head or chest.

• Surface (Topographical) Anatomy: Uses surface markings to understand internal structures.

• Imaging Anatomy: Studies internal body structures using techniques like X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.

• Clinical Anatomy: Examines anatomy in relation to medical practice, including diagnosis and treatment of disease.

• Pathological Anatomy: Explores structural changes in tissues related to disease.

Branches of Physiology

• Molecular Physiology: Studies functions of individual molecules, like proteins and DNA.
• Neurophysiology: Examines the functional properties of nerve cells.
• Endocrinology: Deals with hormones and their control of body functions.
• Cardiovascular Physiology: Studies the heart and blood vessels.
• Immunology: Discusses the body's defense mechanisms against disease-causing agents.
• Respiratory Physiology: Analyzes functions of the air passageways and lungs.
• Renal Physiology: Studies the kidneys and their functions.
• Exercise Physiology: Focuses on the changes in cell and organ functions due to muscular activity.
• Pathophysiology: Examines the functional changes associated with disease and aging.

Levels of Structural Organization

• Chemical Level: Atoms combine to form molecules.
• Cellular Level: Basic units of structure and function.
• Tissue Level: Groups of cells with similar structure and function working together.
• Organ Level: Multiple tissues with specific functions.
• System Level: Several organs working together to achieve a common goal.
• Organismal Level: The whole, integrated human body.

Systems of the Human Body

• Integumentary System: Skin, hair, nails, and glands.
• Skeletal System: Bones, cartilage, joints.
• Muscular System: Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
• Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, nerves, sensory organs.
• Endocrine System: Hormone-producing glands.
• Cardiovascular System: Heart, blood, and blood vessels
• Lymphatic/Immune System: Lymphatic fluid, vessels, nodes.
• Respiratory System: Lungs, air passages.
• Digestive System: Gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
• Urinary System: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
• Reproductive System: Gonads and associated organs.

Characteristics of the Living Human Organism

• Living things exhibit specific characteristics distinguishing them from nonliving things.
• Basic life processes in humans include metabolism, responsiveness, movement, growth, differentiation, and reproduction.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium within the body's internal environment.
• Homeostasis is maintained through regulatory processes.
• Body Fluids: Necessary for cell survival, precisely regulated in composition.
• Extracellular Fluid: The fluid surrounding cells.

Control of Homeostasis

• Homeostatic imbalances can occur because of disruptions from the external or internal environments.
• Negative feedback mechanisms maintain a stable internal environment.
• The stimulus disrupts the controlled condition.
• Receptors are activated.
• Input signals are sent to the control center.
• The control center processes the signal and sends response signals.
• Effectors bring about change to restore to homeostasis.
• Positive feedback mechanisms amplify a response leading to a larger change.
• Homeostatic imbalances often lead to disease, disorder, or even death.

Basic Anatomical Terminology

• Body Positions: Anatomical position for consistency.
• Prone/Supine: Reclining positions of the body.
• Regional Names: Specific names for specific regions.
• Directional Terms: Precise locations in relation to other parts.
• Planes & Sections: Imaginary lines dividing the body for viewing.
• Body Cavities: Internal spaces protecting and separating organs.
• Serous Membranes: Thin membranes reducing friction within the body cavities

Medical Imaging

• Techniques view internal structures.
• Allowing diagnosis of abnormalities.
• Radiography: X-rays.
• MRI: Magnetic field and radio waves.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Multiple x-rays and a computer.
• Ultrasound Scanning: High-frequency sound waves.
• Endoscopy: Visual examination of the interior of body organs.
• Radionuclide Scanning: Radioactive substance to identify activity.

Aging and Homeostasis

• Aging is a process characterized by a progressive decline in the body's ability to restore homeostasis.
• This impacts all body systems, producing structural and functional changes, and increasing vulnerability to stress and diseases.