Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Study Notes

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and its parts.
Physiology is the study of the functions of the body and its parts.
The two fields are closely related; structure dictates function.
The body can be studied at different levels, from the molecular to the organismal.

Organization of the Human Body

The human body is organized in a hierarchical manner, starting at the chemical level, progressing to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and finally the organism.
Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things.
Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a specific function.
Organs are structures composed of two or more tissue types working together to perform a specific function.
Organ systems are groups of organs that work together to perform a major body function.
Examples of organ systems include the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems.

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane, which regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
The cytoplasm, encompassing the organelles, is the gel-like substance within the cell.
Specialized organelles perform specific tasks within the cell, such as energy production (mitochondria), protein synthesis (ribosomes), and DNA storage (nucleus).
Specialized cells perform specific tasks. An example is a muscle cell, which is highly specialized for the function of contraction.

Tissues

There are four basic tissue types in the body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, lines cavities and forms glands.
Connective tissue connects, supports, and protects body parts. Examples include bone, cartilage, and blood.
Muscle tissue contracts to produce movement.
Nervous tissue conducts impulses to control and coordinate body activities.

Organ Systems

Integumentary System: Forms the outer covering of the body; protects against infection, UV light, and dehydration.
Skeletal System: Provides support, protection, movement, and blood cell production.
Muscular System: Enables movement, maintains posture, and produces heat.
Nervous System: Controls and coordinates body functions; includes the brain and spinal cord.
Endocrine System: Regulates body functions through the use of hormones.
Cardiovascular System: Transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
Lymphatic and Immune System: Defends against disease.
Respiratory System: Obtains oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide.
Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
Urinary System: Removes waste products from the blood and maintains fluid balance.
Reproductive System: Enables the production of offspring.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment.
Homeostatic mechanisms are essential for survival; they attempt to regulate body temperature, fluid balance, and other essential parameters.
Feedback loops play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
Nervous and Endocrine systems are critical players in these feedback loops.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical directional terms describe the body's position and relationships between body parts.
Directional terms include superior/inferior, anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, proximal/distal.
There are terms for different planes of sectioning (sagittal, transverse, coronal). These aid in visualization of the body's internal structures.
Body cavities are spaces within the body that protect vital organs (e.g., thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity).
Commonly used anatomical terms for limbs and regions of the body need to be known.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology in this quiz. Understand the hierarchical organization of the human body, from cells to organ systems, and how structure relates to function. Perfect for students beginning their journey in biological sciences.