Overview of Human Anatomy and Body Systems

Overview of Human Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body and its parts.
Divided into two main branches:
- Gross Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures at the cellular and tissue level.

Major Systems of the Body

Skeletal System
- Comprises 206 bones in adults.
- Functions: Support, movement, protection of organs, blood cell production, mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Three types: Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth.
- Functions: Movement, posture maintenance, heat production.
Nervous System
- Divided into Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
- Functions: Control of body activities, sensory information processing, response coordination.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Functions: Transportation of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions: Gas exchange (O2 and CO2), regulation of blood pH.
Digestive System
- Organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
- Functions: Breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas.
- Functions: Hormone production, regulation of metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Filtration of blood, waste elimination, regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male: Testes, penis, seminal vesicles.
- Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
- Functions: Production of gametes, hormone secretion, reproduction.
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensory reception, vitamin D synthesis.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (Ventral): Front
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back
- Medial: Toward the midline
- Lateral: Away from the midline
- Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment
- Distal: Further from the point of attachment

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity: Includes cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spine).
Ventral Cavity: Includes thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, urinary bladder, reproductive organs).

Tissues

Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces, lines cavities, forms glands.
Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects other tissues; includes bones, blood, adipose tissue.
Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement; types include skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons and glial cells; responsible for transmitting impulses and processing information.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of the development of the human body from conception to adulthood.
Phases include embryonic (first eight weeks) and fetal (nine weeks to birth) development.

Key Concepts

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.
Anatomical Variation: Differences in anatomical structures among individuals; common and important for clinical practice.

Overview of Human Anatomy

Human anatomy explores body structure, divided into gross and microscopic branches.
Gross Anatomy involves examination of structures visible to the naked eye.
Microscopic Anatomy focuses on cellular and tissue-level structures.

Major Systems of the Body

Skeletal System
- Contains 206 bones in adults, providing support and protection.
- Involved in blood cell production and mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Comprises three muscle types: Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth.
- Functions include facilitating movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat.
Nervous System
- Divided into the Central (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous Systems (PNS).
- Responsible for controlling body activities, processing sensory information, and coordinating responses.
Circulatory System
- Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
- Essential for transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste throughout the body.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.
- Functions to exchange gases (O2 and CO2) and help regulate blood pH.
Digestive System
- Major organs are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
- Responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Endocrine System
- Includes glands like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas.
- Produces hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, and bodily functions.
Urinary System
- Comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions in blood filtration, waste removal, and fluid/electrolyte balance.
Reproductive System
- Male components include testes, penis, and seminal vesicles.
- Female components include ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- Main functions are gamete production, hormone secretion, and reproduction.
Integumentary System
- Consists of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Provides protection, regulates temperature, receives sensory input, and synthesizes vitamin D.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Describes standing upright with arms at sides and palms facing forward.
Directional Terms:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (Ventral): Front
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back
- Medial: Toward midline
- Lateral: Away from midline
- Proximal: Closer to point of attachment
- Distal: Further from point of attachment

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity: Houses the cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spine).
Ventral Cavity: Contains the thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive and reproductive organs).

Tissues

Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.
Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues; includes blood, bones, and adipose tissue.
Muscle Tissue: Facilitates movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle types.
Nervous Tissue: Composed of neurons and glial cells, responsible for transmitting impulses and processing information.

Developmental Anatomy

Focuses on human body development from conception to adulthood.
Phases include embryonic (first eight weeks) and fetal (nine weeks to birth) development.

Key Concepts

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions essential for health.
Anatomical Variation: Recognizes structural differences among individuals, significant for clinical practices.