Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

• Welcome

  • Instructor: Eric Geiman
  • Office: Room 3012A
  • Phone: 512-2829
  • Email: [email protected]

• Course Objective

  • Introduction to the anatomical structure and physiological functions of the human body.

Understanding Anatomy and Physiology

• What is Anatomy?

  • Study of the structure of the body and its parts, and how these parts relate to each other
  • Types of Anatomy:
    • Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy: Includes regional, systemic, and surface anatomy
    • Microscopic Anatomy: Study of cells (cytology) and tissues (histology)
    • Developmental Anatomy (Embryology): Study of the development of an organism

• What is Physiology?

  • Study of the function of the body and its parts
  • Focus: Cellular and molecular functions of organ systems

• Relationship between Anatomy and Physiology

  • Complementarity: Understanding the structure (anatomy) helps in understanding the function (physiology) and vice versa
  • Form and Function: The form of a body part is designed to perform a specific function

Structural Organization of the Body

• 6 Levels of Organization

  • Chemical: Atoms and molecules essential for life
  • Cellular: Basic unit of life
  • Tissue: Groups of similar cells performing a specific function
  • Organ: Different tissues working together for a common function
  • Organ System: A group of organs that work together
  • Organism: The complete living entity

• 11 Organ Systems

  • Integumentary: Skin, hair, nails
  • Skeletal: Bones, joints
  • Muscular: Muscles enabling movement
  • Nervous: Brain, spinal cord, nerves
  • Endocrine: Glands secreting hormones
  • Cardiovascular: Heart and blood vessels
  • Lymphatic/Immune: Defense against infections
  • Respiratory: Lungs and air passages
  • Digestive: Process of breaking down food
  • Urinary: Kidneys and bladder
  • Reproductive: Male and female reproductive organs

8 Necessary Life Functions

• Maintain boundaries: Separation between internal and external environments
• Movement: Actions by skeletal muscles and within cells
• Responsiveness: Ability to sense changes and react
• Digestion: Breaking down food for absorption
• Metabolism: All chemical reactions within the body
• Excretion: Removal of wastes
• Reproduction: Production of offspring
• Growth: Increase in size or number of cells

The 'Stuff' of Life

• Nutrients: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals
• Oxygen: Required for metabolic reactions
• Water: Most abundant chemical in the body
• Normal Body Temperature: Necessary for chemical reactions
• Atmospheric Pressure: Necessary for breathing and gas exchange

Homeostasis

• Definition

  • Homeostasis: Body's attempt to maintain internal equilibrium despite external changes
  • Steady-State: Balance where the needs of the cells are met efficiently

• Homeostatic Control

  • Factors under control: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blood pH, water balance, salt balance, protein levels in blood, blood glucose levels

• Feedback Mechanisms

  • Negative feedback: Reduces or shuts off the original stimulus (e.g. blood glucose regulation)
  • Positive feedback: Enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus (e.g. labor contractions, platelet plug formation)

Anatomical Position and Body Planes

• Anatomical Position

  • Facing forward, legs together, arms at the side, palms facing forward

• Body Planes and Sections

  • Frontal (Coronal): Divides body into anterior and posterior parts
  • Transverse (Horizontal): Divides body into superior and inferior parts
  • Sagittal: Divides body into left and right parts
    • Midsagittal: Equal left and right parts
    • Parasagittal: Unequal left and right parts

Body Cavities and Membranes

• Body Cavities

  • Dorsal Body Cavity: Cranial (brain) and Vertebral (spinal cord) cavities
  • Ventral Body Cavity: Thoracic (pleural, pericardial, mediastinum), Abdominopelvic (digestive, liver, pancreas, bladder, reproductive organs)

• Serosal Membranes

  • Function: Line body cavities and covers organs
  • Types: Parietal (lines cavity), Visceral (covers organ)