Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology Overview

• Anatomy: Derived from Greek, meaning "to cut apart."
• Physiology: Derived from Greek, meaning "study of nature."

Types of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Examined without a microscope; macroscopic level.
• Microscopic Anatomy: Requires a microscope for examination.

Goals of Physiology

• Understand body responses to stimuli.
• Maintain homeostasis, the stable internal environment.

Levels of Organization in the Human Body

• Chemical Level: Atoms combine to form molecules.
• Cellular Level: Composed of cells, the basic unit of life.
• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells performing a specific function.
• Organ Level: Structures composed of different tissues.
• Organ System Level: Groups of organs working together.
• Organism Level: The complete human body.

Integumentary System

• Protects deeper tissues and waterproofs the body.
• Produces vitamin D, primarily from sunlight exposure between 7 AM and 9 AM.
• Excretes salts through perspiration; regulates body temperature.
• Contains sensory receptors and stores fat for insulation.

Skeletal System

• Provides support and a framework for movement.
• Protects body organs and enables blood cell production.
• Stores essential minerals like calcium.

Muscular System

• Facilitates body movements and maintains posture.
• Generates heat as a byproduct of muscle activity.

Nervous System

• Acts as the body's main control system.
• Activates muscles and glands, responding rapidly to stimuli (fight/flight response).

Endocrine System

• Glands secrete hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and nutrient usage.

Cardiovascular System

• Transports blood, facilitating the movement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste.
• The heart plays a central role in pumping blood throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

• Removes excess fluid from tissues, returning it to the bloodstream.
• Houses white blood cells for immune defense, including basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils.
• Helps dispose of cellular debris.

Respiratory System

• Responsible for gas exchange, ensuring blood is oxygen-rich and carbon dioxide is expelled.
• Comprises nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Digestive System

• Breaks down food into absorbable nutrients; indigestible parts are eliminated.
• Small intestine features villi, enhancing nutrient absorption.

Urinary System

• Eliminates foreign substances and wastes from blood and lymph.

Reproductive System

• Facilitates production of offspring and hormone secretion.
• Male: testes produce sperm and hormones; ducts aid in sperm delivery.
• Female: ovaries produce eggs and hormones; structures support fertilization and fetal development; mammary glands provide milk.

Characteristics of Life

• Maintain boundaries, movement, responsiveness to stimuli, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

Basic Human Needs for Survival

• Requires nutrients, oxygen, water, stable body temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

Homeostasis Control System Components

• Receptors: Detect environmental changes (stimuli).
• Afferent Pathway: Transmits information from receptors to control center.
• Control Center: Analyzes data and determines response.
• Efferent Pathway: Carries response from control center to effectors.
• Effectors: Execute responses to stimuli.

Anatomical Terminology

• Prefix: Describes location, number, quantity, size, or color.
• Root Word: Refers to the body part or system.
• Suffix: Indicates disease, disorder, procedure, or specialty.