Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy: Study of the structure and organization of the body.
Physiology: Study of the functions and processes of the body's systems.

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions: Support, movement, protection of internal organs, blood cell production, mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Comprised of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Functions: Movement, posture maintenance, heat generation.
Nervous System
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Functions: Control of body activities, response to stimuli, coordination of bodily functions.
Endocrine System
- Consists of glands that secrete hormones (e.g., thyroid, adrenal).
- Functions: Regulation of growth, metabolism, and sexual development.
Cardiovascular System
- Composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
- Functions: Transportation of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Includes the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
- Functions: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide), regulation of blood pH.
Digestive System
- Composed of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (e.g., liver, pancreas).
- Functions: Breakdown and absorption of nutrients, waste elimination.
Urinary System
- Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Functions: Regulation of blood volume and composition, waste elimination.
Immune System
- Composed of lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and white blood cells.
- Functions: Defense against pathogens, disease prevention.
Integumentary System
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Basic Anatomical Terminology

Homeostasis: Maintenance of a stable internal environment.
Anatomical Positions: Standard position (body standing, facing forward, arms at sides).
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 origin
- Distal: Further from the point of origin

Cellular Structure and Function

Cells: Basic unit of life.
- Components: Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a common function.
- Types: Epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous.

Organ Systems Interaction

Systems work synergistically to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
Example: The respiratory system collaborates with the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen.

Fundamental Concepts in Physiology

Metabolism: Chemical processes for energy production.
Feedback Mechanisms:
- Positive feedback: Amplifies responses (e.g., childbirth).
- Negative feedback: Counteracts changes (e.g., temperature regulation).

Key Functions of Life

Organization
Metabolism
Growth and development
Responsiveness to stimuli
Reproduction
Adaptation to environment

Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy focuses on the body's structure and organization.
Physiology examines how body systems function and their processes.

Major Body Systems

Skeletal System
- Comprised of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Functions include support, movement, protection of internal organs, blood cell production, and mineral storage.
Muscular System
- Contains skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat.
Nervous System
- Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Controls body activities, responds to stimuli, and coordinates bodily functions.
Endocrine System
- Composed of glands (e.g., thyroid, adrenal) that secrete hormones.
- Regulates growth, metabolism, and sexual development.
Cardiovascular System
- Made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
- Responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products.
Respiratory System
- Comprises the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
- Facilitates gas exchange and helps regulate blood pH.
Digestive System
- Includes the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (e.g., liver, pancreas).
- Functions in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients and waste elimination.
Urinary System
- Contains kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Regulates blood volume and composition while eliminating waste.
Immune System
- Consists of lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and white blood cells.
- Provides defense against pathogens and contributes to disease prevention.
Integumentary System
- Includes skin, hair, nails, and glands.
- Provides protection, aids in temperature regulation, and allows sensation.

Basic Anatomical Terminology

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment.
Anatomical positions define the standard body alignment (standing, facing forward, arms at sides).
Directional terms describe body locations:
- Superior: Above
- Inferior: Below
- Anterior (ventral): Front
- Posterior (dorsal): Back
- Medial: Toward midline
- Lateral: Away from midline
- Proximal: Closer to point of origin
- Distal: Further from point of origin

Cellular Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life, containing the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform specific functions, categorized into epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

Organ Systems Interaction

Body systems work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
Example of collaboration: The respiratory system works with the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen.

Fundamental Concepts in Physiology

Metabolism involves the chemical processes necessary for energy production.
Feedback mechanisms:
- Positive feedback amplifies responses (e.g., during childbirth).
- Negative feedback counteracts changes, maintaining homeostasis (e.g., temperature regulation).