Anatomy and Physiology 1: Chapter 1

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: Study of the structures of the body. It describes:
  • What they are made of
  • Where they are located
  • What is associated with them
• Physiology: Study of the functions of anatomical structures—how they work.
• Importance: Both anatomy and physiology need to be combined for a comprehensive understanding of the human body.

Subdivisions of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic): Structures visible without magnification.
  • Surface Anatomy
  • Regional Anatomy
  • Sectional Anatomy
  • Systemic Anatomy
  • Clinical Anatomy
  • Developmental Anatomy
• Microscopic Anatomy: Requires magnification.
  • Cytology: Study of cells.
  • Histology: Study of tissues.

Subdivisions of Physiology

• Cell Physiology
• Organ Physiology
• Systemic Physiology
• Pathological Physiology

Hierarchy of Life

1. Atoms
2. Molecules
3. Organelles
4. Cells
5. Tissues
6. Organs
7. Organ Systems
8. Organism

Overview of Organ Systems

• Integumentary System: Skin, hair, sweat glands, nails.
• Skeletal System: Bones, cartilage, ligaments, bone marrow.
• Muscular System: Skeletal muscles, tendons.
• Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, nerves, sense organs.
• Endocrine System: Major glands (pituitary, thyroid, etc.) producing hormones.
• Cardiovascular System: Heart, blood, blood vessels.
• Lymphatic System: Spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils.
• Respiratory System: Nasal cavities, lungs, trachea, etc.
• Digestive System: Teeth, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas.
• Urinary System: Kidneys, bladder, urethra.
• Reproductive Systems:
  • Male: Testes, penis, prostate.
  • Female: Ovaries, uterus, mammary glands.

Anatomical Terminology

• Anatomical Position: Standing upright, palms forward.
• Directional Terms:
  • Superior/Inferior
  • Medial/Lateral
  • Proximal/Distal
  • Superficial/Deep
  • Anterior (Ventral)/Posterior (Dorsal)
• Sectional Planes:
  • Frontal (Coronal)
  • Sagittal (including Mid-sagittal, Parasagittal)
  • Transverse

Body Cavities

• Thoracic Cavity: Contains pleural and pericardial cavities.
• Abdominopelvic Cavity: Contains abdominal and pelvic cavities.
• Serous Membranes:
  • Parietal: Lines cavities
  • Visceral: Covers organs

Homeostasis

• Definition: Maintenance of a stable internal environment.
• Regulation Types:
  • Auto-regulation: Automatic response in cells/tissues/organs.
  • Extrinsic Regulation: Involves nervous or endocrine systems.
• Feedback Mechanisms:
  • Negative Feedback: Opposes change to maintain homeostasis.
  • Positive Feedback: Amplifies initial stimulus for a specific event (e.g., childbirth).