Levels of Structural Organization PDF

Orientation  Anatomy and physiology—provide the foundation for understanding the body’s parts and functions.  Anatomy is the science of body structures and the relationships among them.  It was first studied by the careful cutting apart of body structures to study their relationships (diss...

Orientation  Anatomy and physiology—provide the foundation for understanding the body’s parts and functions.  Anatomy is the science of body structures and the relationships among them.  It was first studied by the careful cutting apart of body structures to study their relationships (dissection).  Physiology is the science of body functions—how the body parts work.  The structure of a part of the body often reflects its functions. Selected Branches of Anatomy and Physiology  Microscopic anatomy (Histology) Structures are too small to be seen with the naked eye Cells and tissues can be viewed only with a microscope Let’s look at examples of microscopic anatomy Skin, kidney, intestine, lung.  Diversity of cells Differences in: Epigenetics: methylation, acetylation and MicroRNAs which lead to - Different gene expression profile leading to - different types and amounts of proteins. Which make differences in I. Cell function. II. Cytoskeleton: The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments within the cell that provides structural support and determines cell shape. III. Cell Junctions and Adhesion. Cellular memory (Differentiated cell). Levels of Structural Organization  Levels of Structural Organization Six levels of structural organization 1. Atoms: the smallest units of matter. 2. Cells: the basic structural and functional units of an organism. 3. Tissues: groups of cells and the materials surrounding them that work together to perform a particular function. 4. Organs: structures that are composed of two or more different types of tissues; they have specific functions and usually have recognizable shapes. 5. Organ systems: consists of related organs with a common function. 6. Organisms: All the parts of the human body functioning together constitute the total organism.