Introduction to Anatomy Notes PDF

INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Anatomy and Physiology ANATOMY deals with the structure (morphology) of the body and its parts, in other words, what are things called? PHYSIOLOGY - studies the functions of the body parts or asks the question, “How do they work?” The two d...

INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Anatomy and Physiology ANATOMY deals with the structure (morphology) of the body and its parts, in other words, what are things called? PHYSIOLOGY - studies the functions of the body parts or asks the question, “How do they work?” The two disciplines are closely interrelated because the functional role of a part depends on how it is constructed. Characteristics of Life Cellular Structure Growth & Development Responsiveness Circulation Respiration Digestion Absorption Excretion Reproduction Metabolism Requirements of Organisms Life depends on the availability of the following: a. Water b. Food c. Oxygen d. Heat e. Pressure Rule #1 of Anatomy & Physiology Structure Relates to Function – Always Rule #2 of Anatomy and Physiology  The Body’s Job is to maintain Homeostasis - Always Homeostasis Maintenance of a stable internal environment is called Homeostasis. Each individual uses homeostatic mechanisms to keep body levels within a normal range Homeostasis is regulated through control systems that have receptors for stimuli, a control center, and effectors that respond. NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM Most of the body’s homeostatic control is negative. In negative feedback mechanisms, the response to the stimulus is to shut off the original stimulus or reduce its intensity keeping the variable within range. Examples: Homeostatic mechanisms that regulate body temperature like the functioning of a home heating thermostat POSITIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISMS These are not as common as negative feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms increase the original stimuli and push the variable farther from its original value Examples: blood clotting and childbirth Rule #3 of Anatomy & Physiology Every Activity/Action that the body performs occurs first at the Cellular Level The Organization of the Human Body The human body is organized into cavities, membranes, and organ systems Smaller Cavities within the cranium include The DORSAL cavity can be divided into the cranial cavity and vertebral canal. Smaller cavities within the cranium include the Oral cavity, Nasal cavity, Orbital cavities, and middle ear cavities The VENTRAL cavity is made up of a thoracic cavity and an abdominopelvic cavity, separated by the diaphragm Organ Systems Body Covering The Integumentary system, including skin, hair, nails, and various glands, covers the body, senses change outside the body, and helps regulate body temperature. Support and Movement a. The Skeletal system is made up of bones and ligaments. It supports, protects, provides frameworks, stores inorganic salts, and houses blood-forming tissues. b. The muscular system consists of the muscles that provide body movements, posture, and body heat. Integration and Coordination a. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs. It integrates incoming information from receptors and sends impulses to muscles and glands. b. The endocrine system, including all of the glands that secrete hormones, helps to integrate metabolic functions Transport a. The cardiovascular system, made up of the heart and blood vessels, distributes oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while removing wastes from the cells. b. The lymphatic system, consisting of lymphatic vessels, lymphatic nodes, thymus, and spleen, drains excess tissue fluid and includes cells of immunity Absorption and Excretion  a. The Digestive system is made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs. It receives, breaks down, and absorbs nutrients. b. The respiratory system exchanges gases between the blood and air and is made up of the lungs and passageways. c. The urinary system, consisting of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, removes wastes from the blood and helps to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Reproduction a. The reproductive system produces new organisms. i. The male reproductive system consists of the testes, accessory organs, and vessels that conduct sperm to the penis. ii. The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia. The female reproductive system also houses the developing offspring. Anatomical Terminology Terms of relative position are used to describe the location of a part relative to another part – ALWAYS ASSUMES THE BODY IS IN THE ANATOMICAL POSITION! Standing erect, facing forward Arms at sides – palms forward Anatomical Terms Superior/inferior Anterior/posterior Ventral/Dorsal Medial/lateral Distal/proximal Right/left Deep/superficial Caudal/cephalic Body Sections 1. A SAGITTAL section divides the body into right and left portions 2. A TRANSVERSE section divides the body into superior and inferior portions. It is often called a “cross section” 3. A CORONAL section divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.