Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology

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.

Levels of Organization

1. Cells: Basic unit of life; perform essential functions.
2. Tissues: Groups of similar cells; four types:
   • Epithelial
   • Connective
   • Muscle
   • Nervous
3. Organs: Structures composed of two or more tissue types; perform specific functions.
4. Systems: Groups of organs working together; e.g., digestive system, respiratory system.

Major Organ Systems

1. Integumentary System

   • Components: Skin, hair, nails
   • Function: Protects body, regulates temperature, sensory perception.

2. Skeletal System

   • Components: Bones, cartilage, ligaments
   • Function: Supports body, enables movement, protects organs, stores minerals.

3. Muscular System

   • Components: Skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, cardiac muscle
   • Function: Facilitates movement, posture, and heat production.

4. Nervous System

   • Components: Brain, spinal cord, nerves
   • Function: Controls and coordinates body activities, processes sensory information.

5. Endocrine System

   • Components: Glands (e.g., thyroid, adrenal), hormones
   • Function: Regulates body functions via hormones, maintains homeostasis.

6. Cardiovascular System

   • Components: Heart, blood vessels, blood
   • Function: Transports nutrients, gases, hormones; removes waste.

7. Lymphatic System

   • Components: Lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen
   • Function: Defends against infection, maintains fluid balance.

8. Respiratory System

   • Components: Lungs, trachea, bronchi
   • Function: Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

9. Digestive System

   • Components: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines
   • Function: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste.

10. Urinary System

    • Components: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra
    • Function: Eliminates waste, regulates water and electrolyte balance.

11. Reproductive System

    • Components: Male (testes, penis) and female (ovaries, uterus) organs
    • Function: Produces gametes, hormones, and supports reproductive processes.

Homeostasis

• Definition: Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.
• Mechanisms:
  • Feedback loops (negative and positive)
  • Regulation of temperature, pH, hydration, and electrolyte levels.

Interrelationship of Systems

• All systems work interdependently to maintain bodily functions.
• Example: The respiratory and cardiovascular systems collaborate to ensure oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: Study of the structure and organization of the human body - how it is built.
• Physiology: The study of how the body functions

Levels of Body Organization

• Cells: The smallest unit of life, performing essential functions.
• Tissues: Made of similar cells, grouped together for a common function. There are four main types:
  • Epithelial: Covers and protects
  • Connective: Supports and binds
  • Muscle: Provides movement
  • Nervous: Communication
• Organs: Composed of different types of tissues working together, e.g., the heart.
• Systems: Groups of organs working together, e.g., the circulatory system.

Major Organ Systems

• Integumentary System:
  • Components: Skin, hair, nails
  • Function: Protects the body, regulates temperature.
• Skeletal System:
  • Components: Bones, cartilage, ligaments
  • Function: Supports the body, enables movement, and protects organs.
• Muscular System:
  • Components: Skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, cardiac muscle
  • Function: Enables movement, maintaining posture, and heat production.
• Nervous System:
  • Components: Brain, spinal cord, nerves
  • Function: Controls and coordinates body activities, processes sensory information.
• Endocrine System:
  • Components: Glands (thyroid, adrenal), hormones
  • Function: Regulates body functions through hormones and maintains homeostasis.
• Cardiovascular System:
  • Components: Heart, blood vessels, blood
  • Function: Transports nutrients, gases, hormones and removes waste.
• Lymphatic System:
  • Components: Lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen
  • Function: Defends against infection, maintains fluid balance.
• Respiratory System:
  • Components: Lungs, trachea, bronchi
  • Function: Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
• Digestive System:
  • Components: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines
  • Function: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
• Urinary System:
  • Components: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra
  • Function: Eliminates waste, regulates water and electrolyte balance.
• Reproductive System:
  • Components: Male (testes, penis) and female (ovaries, uterus) organs
  • Function: Produces gametes, hormones, and supports reproductive processes.

Homeostasis

• Definition: Maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.
• Mechanisms:
  • Feedback loops: Negative to restore balance, positive to enhance change.
  • Regulation of body temperature, pH, hydration, and electrolyte levels.

Interrelationship of Systems

• All organ systems work together to maintain bodily functions.
• Example: The respiratory and cardiovascular systems collaborate to ensure oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.