Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy is the scientific discipline that investigates the structure of the body.
• Physiology is the scientific discipline that deals with the processes or functions of living things.

Approaches to the Study of Anatomy

• Systemic Anatomy: studies the body systems, such as the cardiovascular, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems.
• Regional Anatomy: studies the organization of the body by areas, such as the head, abdomen, or arm.

Goals of Physiology

• To understand and predict the body’s responses to stimuli.
• To understand how the body maintains internal conditions within a narrow range of values in the presence of a continually changing internal and external environments.

Importance of Studying Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Provides the basis for understanding disease.
• Essential for students who plan a career in the health sciences.
• Helps in making informed decisions about personal health care or that of a loved one.
• Allows distinction between useful medical treatments and those that may be harmful.

Levels of Organization for the Human Body

• Human Organ Systems

Overview of Human Organ Systems

Integumentary System

• Consists of skin, hair, and nails.

Endocrine System

• Produces hormones that control many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development.
• The pituitary gland is the master gland that produces hormones that control other endocrine glands.

Cardiovascular System

• Includes the heart, blood, and three types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries.
• Main function is for transport, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste materials.

Urinary System

• Includes the kidneys, which filter excess water and waste from the blood and form urine.
• Kidneys also produce enzymes and hormones that help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and calcium and phosphorus balance.

Respiratory System

• Includes nasal passages, lungs, and trachea.
• Main function is to deliver oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the body.

Lymphatic System

• Consists of a network of lymph vessels and ducts that collect excess fluid from tissues and transport it to the bloodstream.
• Includes lymph nodes and the spleen, which remove pathogens and cellular debris from the lymph or blood.

Digestive System

• Consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines.
• Includes accessory organs, such as the pancreas and liver, which produce enzymes and other substances needed for digestion.

Reproductive Systems

• The only body system that differs substantially between individuals.
• Female Reproductive System: consists of the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and other associated structures.